What is an app? A beginner’s guide

Glossary

Some useful terms to know before you get started.

App

A short for the word ‘application’. You can download apps to your smartphone, tablet or computer so that the device can do a wider range of things for you to do certain tasks.

Android

The name of the software that drives many mobile devices. Phones and tablets from lots of different brands run Android. These brands include Alcatel, Asus, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia Samsung, Sony.

Apple

A brand of phones and tablets. Apple phones are known as iPhones and their tablets are called iPads. They often feature a logo depicting an apple with a bite taken out of it on the back of the device.

Download

To copy something from the internet onto your device, so you can use it. This could be an app, an email, a web page or a file.

Icon

An image or symbol which represents an app or function on your phone, tablet or computer screen. You usually ‘tap’ (see definition below) on an icon to open an app.

Scroll

To move up and down on a page that is taller than the height of the screen. This is done by slowly sliding your finger up or down the screen.

Smartphone

A smartphone is a mobile phone that can do many of the same things a computer does, such as access the internet and send emails.

Storage

The space available in a device to keep system files, applications, and user files (such as photos and videos).

Tablet

A very slim, lightweight, mobile computers with a touch screen. Many people with Parkinson’s tell us that tablets are easier to use than desktop or laptop computers because tablets don’t need a keyboard and mouse.

Tap

Quickly and gently touch and then lift your finger off the touch screen of your device to carry out an action. This could be to move to a new screen or to open an app on your device. It’s the equivalent of clicking a mouse on a computer.

Wireless internet network (Wi-Fi)

A way for your phone, tablet, laptop or computer to use the internet without using wires or cables, but using radio signals instead. You can access public Wi-Fi networks, or arrange a contract with a broadband internet provider so you can use Wi-Fi at home.

What is an app?

‘App’ is short for the word ‘application’. You can put apps on your smartphone, tablet or computer so you can do particular tasks – like to remind yourself to take medications or to take an online exercise class. They can enhance daily life in many ways.

An app is usually represented on your phone screen as a symbol or a picture (called an ‘icon’). You will often find many of these icons on your phone already, showing the apps that were installed on your phone when you first got it, such as a calculator, a calendar, a photo viewer and a web browser.

There are thousands of apps available for smartphones and tablets that can carry out different tasks – from connecting with friends and family, and playing games, to shopping online and watching films. There are also many apps that have been specifically designed for people living with Parkinson’s to help manage their symptoms and day-to-day life. The Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide is here to help you find those few apps that are right for you.

How to download an app

To start using your tablet or smartphone in more practical and creative ways, you need to download apps onto it. The first thing you need to do is to open your device’s application store. This will look different depending on if you have an Apple or an Android smartphone.

How to tell if a device is an Android or Apple

Where you download and buy apps depends on what type of phone/tablet you have. Apple devices often have a name starting with an ‘i’ like iPhone and iPad. Apple devices also usually have a logo on the back showing an apple with a bite taken out of it.

All other phones and tablet brands are likely to be Android devices. Android is the name of the basic software that many different phones and tablets run. This means devices from lots of different brands are “Android devices” – Alcatel, Asus, Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony and more.

There are a couple of ways to find out whether you have an Android device.

• Check the manual or box ofyour device, if you still have it.
• Check your phone settings: Go to your phone menu/home screen - tap ‘settings’ - tap ‘system’ - tap ‘about phone’ - you should see the Android version listed there.

Top Tip: Avoid unexpected charges from your phone network provider (“using up your data allowance”) by connecting to a wireless internet (Wi-Fi) network before downloading any apps. To check you’re connected to the Wi-Fi, look for the Wi-Fi symbol (this usually looks like three curved lines) at the top of your phone screen.

Downloading an app on an Apple device

If you’re using an Apple device, you will download your apps from the Apple App Store. This is a ‘shop’ for apps and is already on your device.

Before you get started, you’ll either need to set up or log into an Apple ID account – this is the account you use to access Apple services. You may have set this up (or someone may have done it for you) when you first got the device. If so, you will need your Apple ID login details that were used then – an email address and password. This protects you from accidentally installing an app that might cost you money.

Step 1: From your home screen, open the App Store in your iPhone or iPad's menu by tapping on the App Store icon (a blue square with a white A in the middle).

Step 2: The App Store is divided into five categories at the bottom of the screen - ‘Today’ (popular, trending apps), ‘Games’ (gaming and puzzle apps), ‘Apps’ (best-of lists and promoted apps), the ‘Arcade’ (a way to game with other players) and ‘Search’.

Step 3: To search for the app you want to download, tap on the magnifying glass search symbol and type the name of the app in the search bar at the top of the screen. Then tap the blue ‘search’ button.

Top Tip: The magnifying glass icon is a search function that you can use to search for the name of a specific app or general search terms such as ‘exercise’, ‘meditation’, ‘wordsearch’. As soon as you start typing you will see suggestions for popular apps appear.

Step 4: You will be presented with a list of options to choose from. You can ‘scroll’ through them to find the app you need. Select the app you want from the list – selecting an app gets you an in-depth description and reviews. Beside the app name, tap 'Get' (if the app is free). The ‘Get’ button is a grey oval shape with blue text.

If the app isn't free, the price will be clearly visible in a grey oval shape button with blue text. Tap on this button. You can then add a payment method to your Apple ID and pay for the app. Or, if you already have a payment method set up, a message may appear asking if you are sure you want to continue with the purchase. You usually confirm this by entering your Apple ID password or your device passcode. Or if your device has fingerprint or facial recognition.

Step 5: After a few seconds, the app will download and automatically be added to your menu or your homescreen (the first screen you see when you unlock your iPhone). If you have a lot of apps on your home screen, you might not have enough room for new apps to be displayed there. In this case, you'll need to 'swipe' across the page to see them.

Downloading an app on an Android device

If you are using an Android device, you will download your apps from the Google Play Store. This is a ‘shop’ for apps that’s already on your device. Before you get started, you’ll either need to set up your Google account or have the password for your account to hand. (In most cases, you will have set up a Google account when you first set up your Android phone.)

Step 1: From your home screen, tap the Google Play Store icon (a multi-coloured triangle) on your phone or tablet.

Step 2: The Google Play Store is divided into four categories at the top of the screen - ‘For You’ (recommended and sponsored apps), ‘Top Charts’ (best-of app lists), ‘Children’ (apps suitable for kids including games and learning apps), Categories (a list of app categories such as Health & Fitness, Education and Business).

Step 3: The search bar is located at the top of the screen. Begin typing to search for the app you want to download. Then tap ‘Search’.

Step 4: Tap on the app you are interested in on the list to get more information about it. Then tap the ‘Install’ button (usually blue or green, but it depends on your device settings) to download the app. If the app is free, it will start downloading as soon as you tap the ‘Install’ button.

If the app isn't free, the price will be clearly visible in a button (again, usually blue or green but it depends on your device). Tap on this price button and you’ll be asked to confirm you want to purchase the app. Tap the ‘Agree’ button.

Step 5: After a few seconds, the app will download and automatically be added to your home screen (the first screen you see when you unlock your phone). If you have a lot of apps on your home screen, you might not have enough room for new apps to be displayed there. In this case, you'll need to 'swipe' across the page to see them. The app will also be listed in your App Drawer on most devices, which you can find by swiping up on the home screen.

Downloading an app listed in the Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide

If you’ve found an app you’re interested in through our Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide app catalogue, you can download it without having to search through your device’s app shop.

Step 1: On your tablet or smartphone, go to the Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide and select the app you’re interested in.

Step 2: On the app product page, you’ll see the app’s name. Below the name, tap the link to the store for your device (Apple or Google).

Step 3: The App Store or Play Store will then load on your device (depending which you picked), showing the details of the app you want.

Step 4: If you have an Android device, go to Step 4 of Downloading an app on an Android device and follow the instructions. If you have an Apple device, go to Step 4 of Downloading an app on an Apple device and follow the instructions.

How much do apps cost?

You’ll find that a lot of popular apps are free to use but some need to be bought through your app store. Others will be free to download but you have to pay to access extra features. The Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide gives you a general indication of how much each app costs on the catalogue page, and the exact price on the product-detail page. However, this may be out of date, so always check what it says in your app store before downloading an app.

There are four types of app you can download:

• Free apps - These are completely free to download. All their content and features are available to you and you won’t be asked for any payment information to use the app (unless it’s a shopping app and you buy something).
• Paid-for apps - Some apps require a one-off payment when you first download them. The price will be clearly shown on the app store screen and you will always have to confirm that you want to make the payment – you won’t accidentally be charged as long as you read the notice.
• In-app purchases - Some apps let you access basic content and functionality for free but make you pay for more in-depth features or benefits. An app might, for example, let you monitor your symptoms and track your medication but ask you to pay for extra features like exercise regimes or e-books.
• Subscriptions - Similar to a magazine subscription, for example, subscription apps require a regular payment to continue using the service and features. This payment is usually taken monthly.

When browsing for apps, you may also come across two versions of the same app, one free and the other paid-for. The free apps will generally have less content and more advertisements than their paid versions.

Managing your phone storage

Apps take up storage space, and phones and tablets have limited amounts of this space. This means it’s best to only download apps you need and use regularly.

You may get a message on your phone telling you that you are running out of storage space. When that happens, it can be frustrating and you may encounter problems with taking or saving new photos or videos, or downloading and updating apps.

You can free storage space on your device in several ways.

First, check your phone settings to see how much storage space you have, and what’s using up that space

How to Check Your Storage on Your Apple device

Step 1: Open the Settings menu. It has an icon that resembles a gear. It can be found in your Apps menu.

Step 2: Scroll down to ‘General’ and then tap ‘iPhone Storage’ or ‘iPad Storage’ (depending on whether you’re using a phone or tablet).

Step 3: Here, you’ll see exactly how much space you’re using and how much is being devoted to categories such as apps, photos, and videos.

Step 4: Scroll down and you’ll see an alphabetical list of all your apps and how much storage space they’re each taking up.

How to Check Your Storage on Your Android device

Step 1: Open the Settings menu. It has an icon that resembles a gear. It can be found in your Apps Drawer or on the home screen.

Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Storage’ (some Samsung phone owners might find this feature under Settings > Battery and device care > Storage.)

Step 3: Here, you’ll see exactly how much space you’re using and how much is being devoted to categories such as apps, images, and videos. Tapping on one of those categories provides more detail, such as which apps are using the most space.

Ways to save some storage space include:

• Delete any apps you don’t often use
• Delete photos and videos you no longer need
• Delete downloaded movies, podcasts and TV shows once watched
• Delete messages and email attachments you no longer need

Apps for people with Parkinson’s

Apps can help with the day-to-day management of Parkinson's symptoms including symptom tracking, helping with communication and reminding you when to take your medication. View our Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide App Catalogue.