What does the term "push notifications" refer to?

Push notifications refer to alerts sent by apps that provide timely updates to users. This mechanism allows apps to communicate important information in real-time, such as news alerts, social media updates, or reminders for events. Users receive these notifications even when the app is not actively in use, ensuring they stay informed about relevant activity.

The effectiveness of push notifications lies in their immediacy and relevance, which can enhance user engagement. For example, a messaging app might buzz and display a notification when a friend sends a new message, prompting the user to return to the app without needing to constantly monitor it.

While settings to manage data usage, reminders for software updates, and alerts that require user interaction only play roles in overall user experience, they do not specifically encapsulate the essence of push notifications. Push notifications provide real-time communication from apps directly to the user, which is why the first option is the correct understanding of the term.