Final answer:
Mobile apps are the software applications specifically designed to improve shopping experiences on smartphones and tablets, taking advantage of internet, GPS, and other technologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The software applications designed to improve customer shopping experiences when using smartphones and tablets are primarily mobile apps. These apps are tailored for convenience on mobile devices, offering a user-friendly interface, personalized content, and features such as instant notifications.
Mobile apps leverage technologies like the internet, cell tower networks, GPS, and voice activation. Innovations by search engine companies in digital software have also played a significant role in enhancing the mobile device experience, supporting mobile apps that allow customers to shop more effectively.
Social media platforms can also influence shopping behavior by hosting branded content and direct shopping features, but they are not primarily designed for shopping. Web browsers do offer a way to access online stores, but they are not specialized for shopping experiences.
Likewise, operating systems provide the necessary environment for mobile apps to function but are not directly involved in improving shopping experiences.