Mobile apps are developed using software development
kits (SDKs), such as iOS SDK or iPhone SDK, which typically include an integrated development
environment (IDE) for software development.
SDKs can also be configured to record and report usage analytics. Mobile analytic
systems can access built-in features like GPS, gyroscope (orientation) and accelerometer, which
are of relevance to mobile users.
Unlike desktops which use cookies, mobile users are identified through unique IDs,
and since attention span is shorter, session timeout is also shorter than on larger screens.
An important aspect of mobile analytics is the analysis of cohorts. Most apps have
a relatively short lifespan and usage tends to decay over time. Therefore, cohort analysis, which
groups users based on the time the app was installed, is required for understanding user behaviour
and retention.
