The concept of Killer App
Killer application or killer app is a jargon used by the computer and technology industries for such programs which are considered as superior to those offered by rivals. Killer applications are highly innovative and add considerable value to technology. Operating systems, programming language, hardware, software and gaming consoles all are examples of killer applications. The aim of creating killer app is to introduce new technology at the global level. As globalization became a common phenomenon, innovation gained popularity too because the core of competition lied at the innovative capabilities of organizations. In order to survive global competition, organizations began to embed innovation into their processes, systems and products. Organizations do succeed in creating killer applications but these applications are short-lived. This is because, although killer applications introduce the society to a new concept with number of benefits but these applications come with a shorter life cycle of innovation is a continuous process and the new concept is then replaced by better and improved processes (Downes & Mui, 1998).
First Killer Apps
The very first killer application was introduced in the decades of seventies by two students of Harvard University. They named the application as VisiCalc. VisiCalc was a killer application because it was the first spreadsheet program which allowed users to organize and compile huge data. The program changed the way people work with data- it was a huge success. The software came in a floppy and was designed for Apple II. This is was a first killer app in history which led the tech user to buy hardware for using the software. Several other killer apps joined the lead such as Lotus 1-2-3 and internet browsers. These killer applications assisted the small and large organizations in making personal computers an essential part of their processes.
Smartphone Killer Apps
At present, killer applications are being designed for smartphones because smartphones are used as common hardware. Seada & Perkins (2006) stated that users rely on smartphone applications for providing them assistance and better lifestyle. Programmers and application developers are making certain they do not fail to amaze the smartphone users with killer applications. Killer applications are being added to the list after every few days which give an idea of the intensity of innovation occurring the world of technology (Seada & Perkins, 2006).
Other killer apps include social media apps which have changed the world forever. Facebook and Twitter and other programs including Instagram have brought people close by increasing social interaction at the virtual level. Skype is also regarded as a killer app as it became a vital communication tool for personal and business purposes.
Minecraft
Microsoft introduced holographic computers named HoloLens recently. A killer video game app named Minecraft was made a part of the HoloLens. Initially, it was assumed that the killer app Minecraft is nothing but a game but later users were amazed to see that Minecraft came with multiple applications. Minecraft becomes popular among designers and engineers as it allowed them to create shapes and designs of buildings with accurate dimensions. Minecraft has benefitted by the society in dual ways. Those who are a fan of HoloLens may use Minecraft as a creative and interesting game whereas those in the practical fields can use the killer app in improving their professional achievements (Short, 2012).
References
Short, D. (2012). Teaching scientific concepts using a virtual world—Minecraft. Teaching Science-the Journal of the Australian Science Teachers Association, 58(3), 55.
Power, D. J. (2004). A brief history of spreadsheets. DSSResources. com.
Downes, L., & Mui, C. (1998). Unleashing the killer app. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA.
Seada, K., & Perkins, C. (2006). Social networks: the killer app for wireless ad hoc networks?. Nokia Research Centre NRC-TR-2006-010.
