12:51 PM
State Farm Embraces App Model With Tablet Version of Pocket Agent
Bloomington, Ill.-based State Farm's has released a version of its Pocket Agent app optimized for iPad and Android tablet users as part of a general refresh of its policy servicing mobile application.
"In addition to leveraging state-of-the-art design for iOS and Android smartphones, the update enhanced Pocket Agent making it available for the iPad, and Android tablet devices," the insurer says in a statement. "Tablet users can now utilize much of the same useful functionality they are accustomed to seeing from the company on their mobile device, as well as a few additional features such as interactive and educational content to take advantage of larger screen sizes."
Patty Gaumond, VP of enterprise internet solutions at the P&C insurer, added in the statement that State Farm "must continue to focus on enhancing the customer experience across all of our platforms" as more mobile touchpoints are introduced. In a conversation earlier this year, Gaumond told Insurance & Technology that this includes optimization of mobile web, smartphone apps, and tablet offerings.
"There's been a lot of debate on whether or not apps are dead, or even 'is it all apps.' It becomes more important to be available to consumers however they want to be reached," she says. "You can't look at the immediate return, we have to get ahead of the curve."
[Read more from Gaumond and other insurers on mobile development myths.]
Nathan Golia is senior editor of Insurance & Technology. He joined the publication in 2010 as associate editor and covers all aspects of the nexus between insurance and information technology, including mobility, distribution, core systems, customer interaction, and risk ... View Full Bio