Many Apps Make Sound Work (Some Don't)

Apps, small programs typically downloaded onto mobile devices, are used to enhance existing or add new functionality, preferably in a simple, user-friendly way, so that you, for example, can use a phone as a desktop computer.In noise, they could be useful in setting up and doing measurements, remote operation, viewing results, processing and reporting. Smart phones are increasingly widespread and a preferred lifestyle accessory, making noise assessment apps attractive. However, apps, and even smart phones, have strengths and weaknesses that make them more or less suitable for this. How can apps and smart phones help provide tools and functions that can reduce cost price, power usage, size and complexity of sound assessment devices while providing application benefit. With data increasingly being stored and used in the cloud, how can they provide a bridge to additional cloud-based applications and information? Apps and smart phones can and perhaps should focus on providing immediacy and convenience where it is needed. This paper investigates the potential tasks, strengths and weaknesses of apps and smart phones, examples of current implementations, useful research areas, views to the future, and an opinion of what factors make successful sound apps work.