Researchers have categorised smartphone users into different personality types for the first time, based on the apps they download to their phone.

An analysis of more than 5000 next-gen mobile users across the globe revealed they belong to different “appitypes”.Study reveals personality traits of smartphone users

The study was done by Cornell University science and technology studies professor Trevor Pinch on behalf of mobile phone giant Nokia.

Prof Pinch said “appitypes” played to people’s desire to project an identity through their mobile phone and could prove valuable to developers in creating new and exciting applications.

“Think about connections between humans and technology,” Prof Pinch said.

“You can have smartphones with you all the time.

“You can sleep with the thing if you want.

“These apps capture people’s imagination and add mobility.”

The survey also revealed differences along national lines.

Germans are more likely to download apps that turn their phone into a torch or alarm clock. Brazilians, on the other hand, can’t get enough music and social networking solutions.

The Chinese are voracious consumers of news apps, while Indians are focused on business.

Prof Pinch said there had been no global survey of smartphone users until now.

“There is nothing inevitable about the path technology takes,” he said. “We need more research on how people and technology together can produce meaningful change in our lives.”

Discover your appitype at: http://blog.ovi.com/dailyapp/appitype/