The ongoing increase in the breadth and depth of mobile platforms is beginning to make the development of mobile applications a major consideration for many consumer brands and businesses according to integrated PR agency Punch Communications.

With Windows 7 entering the fray to join the likes of the Android platform and iOS as popular consumer choices when it comes to which mobile platform they use, the use of apps has continued to increase proportionally on mobile devices. Although the fragmentation of the OS market has led to apps being developed in different ways for different platforms, the overall use of apps has increased, and the end result for each individual app is very similar.

Tablets have also begun to filter into the mobile device market, mostly operating using similar platforms, and also supporting the production of apps, albeit in a different format. All modern mobile devices facilitate the upward trend in mobile social networking and location based services, which is one of the key reasons that brands need to take apps on board, explains Alex Smith, Account Manager at Punch:

“Social networking has become one of the biggest features in mobile technology, and it is through this that brands can work to establish a relationship and become part of consumers day to day lives. The ability to hold a presence in the pockets of mobile device users and interact with them directly though an online community could significantly enhance the number of engagement opportunity that a brand can achieve on a daily basis.”

Punch Communications is a leading PR company, working with a vast range of clients all over the world. Following a successful period of growth, Punch is currently recruiting for a range of social media and SEO jobs, and all interested parties are encouraged to get in touch with a CV and covering letter via info@punchcomms.com.

For more information, please visit www.punchcomms.com, or call 01858 411600.