541–550 of 760 posts
I wish Apple and Google would make rules to the effect of "if your app's entire functionality could be done in a regular website or PWA, then you can't put a native app on our stores".
At AutoTempest we resisted making an app for years, because anything that a hypothetical app could do, we could do with the website. And in my opinion, when searching for cars, it's more convenient to be in your browser where you can easily open new tabs, bookmark results, etc. And for years, it was our most requested feature, by far. We had instructions for how to pin the site to your home screen, and would explain…
Interesting. Why do you think so many websites try to foist apps on you if people will voluntarily download them anyway?
There is only 1 reason for encouraging customers or users to use the app, and that is RRR (Retention, Retargeting & Re-engagement), which is very high in mobile.
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> This is the result of the inconsistent user experience to which gatekeepers like Apple have been actively contributing through active sabotage of web apps, such that all profitable apps can be more effectively and reliably taxed through Apple's App Store. If web apps were any good, we'd see a plethora of them on Android. There are none (or very, very, very few). If web apps were any good, nothing Apple "gatekeeps"…
> If web apps were any good, we'd see a plethora of them on Android. There are none (or very, very, very few). Android also benefits immensely from the store revenue, it's not called a duopoly for no reason.
At AutoTempest we resisted making an app for years, because anything that a hypothetical app could do, we could do with the website. And in my opinion, when searching for cars, it's more convenient to be in your browser where you can easily open new tabs, bookmark results, etc. And for years, it was our most requested feature, by far. We had instructions for how to pin the site to your home screen, and would explain…
The question is - did you notice users uptick when adding an app, or just some web users moved to it?
Now in 2025 my biggest app-pain is being in the already useless live support chat for a phone co or utility company and they keep insisting that I'll get actual support if I download their stupid app. Again, they can't cite a reason - it's just "better." For data-brokering, sure - for the user, barely ever.
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I refuse to use Facebook's app. It's been years, I don't remember why, don't ask me. Their web app is fundamentally broken in half a dozen ways, and has been for years. A couple examples (not all): If you are in the middle of typing a comment and switch to another app, when you come back, it will reload the display, losing your comment. Video shorts load in a way that hides the video after about two seconds. Editing…
>If you are in the middle of typing a comment and switch to another app, when you come back, it will reload the display, losing your comment. This is the rule for a lot of apps and mobile websites now. I don't understand why - we have so much RAM available - but they love to refresh whether there's a reason to or not. And even if there's a reason not to. I can't count the number of times I've tapped on a tab that has…
It’s not even that. There are APIs to persist state beyond app termination. Even if your app gets killed due to memory pressure, it should continue where it left off.
I would just assume that a website is better for getting new users cus of the lower bar to entry, theres no install, a lot of peoples phones are full. Also you can go from QRcode or clicking 1 link directly to the app.
Whereas with an app, you have a link or QRcode that goes to the correct store, then install on the store, and then open.
I get that an app would be better for retention, as they could put the icon on their desktop (or whatever it's called) But I assume a site would be better for getting initial visitors cus of much lower barrier to entry.
But now I get prompted to log in again and so I’d rather not take up the space for the app on my phone.
Uber Eats is 500MB and should be a web site only app. Etc etc
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Why would you use their app if they are bostile towards you. That doesn't make any sense.
Because they’re my bank, or some service essential to my life with no good alternative. Google maps, for instance.