5 Reasons Apps Aren't Always a Must for Tablets

Believe it or not, an app isn't always required to take care of business on a tablet. So if you can't find the app you're looking for, remain calm. Count backwards from 10, breathe deeply, and find your happy place – because this might be good news. Some companies are realizing that creating an app isn't the only way to provide value to tablet users.

The Best App is Your Browser

I read a compelling blog that posited an interesting theory: the best app on your tablet is your browser. I became aware that I was actually nodding my head in agreement as I read through the article. Let's see if I can accomplish the same thing by listing a few of the key points.

1. Instant gratification. Understandably, many people cringe when they're funneled through a website, told to download an app, download the app, and only then can get started. REALTORS® and other busy professionals aren't thrilled with spending that time.
2. You already know how to use it. We're all used to the Web. Further, we're used to Web-based products and services. There's zero learning curve when you're using that same Web version on your tablet.
3. Full functionality. If companies have made the effort to make their website tablet-friendly, there's no reason they can't accomplish the full range of tasks you'd expect from an app.
4. Keeping the homescreen clean. There's only so much room for apps on the homescreen. That can make it tough to find apps when you want to use them. However, a browser allows you to add bookmarks, making resources easy to find.
5. Works on any device. While apps are device-specific, Web services ensure a consistent user experience on any tablet.

Tablet-Friendly Non-Apps

Some smart companies are opting to forgo a branded app and instead focus their energy on creating a customized Web experience for tablet users. I talked to someone who has decided to take this direction: Joe Kazzoun, VP of Business and Product Development at Instanet Solutions.

Instanet recently achieved an important milestone – creating a solution that would allow their InstanetForms to be accessible on tablets. And they did it without developing an app. One of their primary motivations for opting-out of the app frenzy was accessibility.

Mr. Kazzoun says, "Although the iPad is the most popular tablet today, other devices are quickly gaining ground. We want InstanetForms to work seamlessly, so users don't have to worry which tablet they're using. As the marketplace continues to change and new devices become popular, accessibility is only going to become more important."

For the new tablet-friendly incarnation of InstanetForms, customers use their tablet browser to login to their existing TransactionDesk account. They can then create, edit, save, fax and email contracts or forms. Online negotiation establishes a record of all changes and modifications for each contract or form.

What other products and services do you access with your tablet browser?

Apps Serve a Purpose

My goal here was to dispel the common misconception that apps are a "must" for tablet users, not suggest that apps have no value. I want to emphasize that, for some tasks, an app may be the best choice. This is particularly true if the app has no Web counterpart. To clarify, if there's a program that you use on your laptop or desktop computer, one that doesn't "live" online, an app would be the only way to make it work on your tablet.

There are some excellent apps that provide ample benefit to REALTORS®. So, I'm going to write my next post about the benefits of apps.

REALTORS®, what apps do you use and love?

Learn more about mobile applications.

Learn more about Instanet Solutions.

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