There are so many features added to mobile apps these day that just are not needed. They cost a lot of time and money to build, and take away from wonderful new features that user’s could enjoy. I have listed my top five (5) favorite features that are not needed in your mobile apps. When you create a new app you will not need these features until after your app finds a user base.
#5 About
The About feature is found in every app and serves no purpose to the user. This usually includes the Privacy Policy that nobody reads, and other legal messages that are meaningless to anyone but lawyers. I think we should stop wasting time building these meaningless features and spend that time and money on something functional.
#4 Ads
The only reason users put up with ads in mobile apps is because they are using the apps for free. Those ads serve no purpose to the user and clutter the screen. Ofter ads are not at all relevant to the user. I don’t mind interstitial ads once in a while because they usually look nicer than banner ads and do not clutter the normal app user interface. I think banner ads in mobile apps should be eliminated as a revenue source and other revenue streams explored.
#3 Walkthrough / Tutorial
Those beautifully designed walkthrough experiences that you see in apps like Evernote and 500px are not really that helpful. If your users don’t understand your app, or don’t understand how to use it without the tutorial, you should reconsider the user experience of the app. Time for a redesign based on user feedback.
#2 Tell a Friend
It is nice to have an app explode on the scene with lots of viral networking and without advertising. Think Instagram. However, the Tell a Friend feature in the app does not really contribute to that networking affect. If the app resonates with users it will be a hit. A lot of expensive UI design will not guarantee success. Beautiful does not sell. What sells is usefulness. Make sure your app resonates with user and entertains them or solves their problems.
#1 Rate This App
It is important to have lots of good ratings for your app because those stars can play a big part of a user’s decision when downloading an app. However, nudging the user to rate the app is annoying and may be counter productive. Don’t count on this feature to boost your high ratings. It may, possibly, boost your mediocre ratings.
Larry Aasen 
Larry, I like the new blog. I’m glad you pointed out the “About” section of many apps. Good to see that one.
Hey Larry – good post, especially #3. A lightweight tutorial or help should be enough if the app is well designed and evident to the user.