I have "apps" on my phone that tell me about good restaurants, where to find an ATM, the weather in several locations, financial information, the definition and pronunciation of almost any English word I come across and sports scores in just about any sport I can think of as well as a slew of other "apps" that do various things for me. By your definition, someone should drop Apple and Google an email and let them know that they aren't really providing anyone with an "app" - they're just providing "information".

I believe you are trying to put too fine a point on the situation. Once upon a time, your definition would have worked. In today's world, where consumers are looking to purchase always-on, ready-at-anytime-on-any-device services to accomplish what they once did with the purchase of a software program, the definition of an "app" can no longer be restricted to simply a tool. It's much bigger than that and evolving everyday.

And if TechRepublic provides me with information someday that helps me in my job, increases my awareness about training/learning opportunities or saves me money in my budget, then I will call them an "app"!