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Lack of citation capabilities in mobile word processing apps v2 Wenfa Ng figshare 19 Nov 2016.pdf (211.31 kB)

Lack of citation capabilities in mobile word processing apps highlights dichotomy between security and seamless functionality in Android

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Version 3 2016-11-19, 10:24
Version 2 2016-11-19, 10:22
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journal contribution
posted on 2016-11-19, 10:24 authored by Wenfa NgWenfa Ng
Frustrated at not being able to insert a citation in a word document on Android from one of the reference management apps on Google Play store? Or puzzled at the inability of gaining the “cite while you write” function on Microsoft Word Android app through a plugin from a reference citation app? The above are common bugbears of scientists using mobile word processing apps for writing manuscripts on the go, where much improvements in productivity can be gained through a “cite while you write” feature on their favourite word processing app ranging from Word, WPS Office and Google Docs. But, given the fact that “cite while you write” is a killer application for any desktop based reference management software, why is the feature absent from mobile word processing apps? The answer: different computing architecture of operating systems geared towards the desktop and mobile platforms. More specifically, compared to Windows, operating system security in Android is built around sandboxing different apps: i.e., restricting app level communications (e.g., a plugin), sharing of information between apps (e.g., specific reference item), and strict control over individual apps’ ability to retrieve information stored in a common file on the operating system (e.g., a clipboard). Hence, while a “cite while you write” feature is certainly desirable on mobile word processing apps, the “always on” nature of such a plugin and the large amount of information exchanged opens up the app to potential hijacking by malware inserted into reference management apps, of which the barrier of entry is lower and the quality of coding is poorer than their desktop counterparts. Inherent limitations on data exchange and data channels thus hinders the creation of seamless functionality on word processing apps for citation purposes as well as other core applications (e.g., blogging) of which addition of features or a link to a word processing app would provide the user with a greater variety of functions and productivity tools; thus aiding work on the move. But, could creative ways be developed to surmount the challenge in ensuring Android operating system (OS) security, where the kernel communicates directly with the apps such that malware in the app could gain control over the entire OS? Additionally, is it possible to develop seamless transition of information from one app to another, which is critical to generating new functions from an ecosystem of productivity apps (e.g., word processing, social media, reference citation, video, camera, photo editing etc.) where the sum is much greater than its parts in the next iteration of the world’s most popular mobile operating platform?

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