The UK spends £422.2 million on mobile software applications each year but the poll found discount apps and those featuring voucher codes for money off products and services were the most requested, with one in four people rating them their top must-download.
The survey from LG was carried out to celebrate the launch of the new LG Optimus (GT540) handset, the second app-enabled LG mobile phone, running on the Android operating system which already has more than 50,000 applications.
It also found that despite the vast number of gaming, entertainment and quirky apps on offer, Brits simply want practical ones with the most downloaded rated the most useless – including the iPint app, fart noises and apps to show the phone’s battery level.
But in the battle of the sexes, men crave apps to help them avoid life’s awkward moments with one in three indicating they’d download ones to avoid sticky situations like drunken dialling or texting, and awkward silences. This compared to 23% of women.
That number was even higher among the 16 to19 year old age group, with 37% of men and women desperate for help to avoid these types of embarrassing events.
The five most wanted app types are: Apps that save you money (25%); Apps that save you time (9%); Apps that help you stay physically and mentally fit (9%); Apps that help you shop for dinner (8%); Apps for gaming (6%).
But there is still some way to go before app development matches the desires of most Brits. Dream downloads included those to help make money, read minds and enable teleportation!
Other more possible ones called for assistance with daily cooking chores, weight loss and tips on how to dress fashionably.
Paul Trueman, marketing director at LG, commented: “This research has provided us with some very interesting insights into the app likes and dislikes of the nation. There is clearly a huge appetite for the continued development of apps and a hunger for even more innovation.
“To meet the ever growing demand, we are pleased to be bringing out our second generation app-enabled phone, the LG Optimus (GT540) Android handset. With access to over 50,000 apps on the Android market, the handset is the perfect tool for customers who want to get a piece of the action on a limited budget.”