[nercht12]

I've considered this same approach, but I would create two different applications instead of one. The first one would be a light-weight "browser" with built-in layout styles. The site would merely have to specify the content, and the browser could display it in a way that fits the user's screen size. Content could be laid out in a way the user approves, eliminating the need for special site design. Payment information security could be built in. Companies would love to target this application because their online stores would already be optimized for user viewing and click-through. (It's easier than a company having to ask "How would you like us to send you content in a way that would get you to click on it". No more guessing game! No more client-side analytics!) And heck - RSS could be made useful by there being a built-in feed-reader.

The other program would be an application runner with internet capabilities (and permissions settings), tailored more towards heavy-weight applications that need lots of features (like audio editing), but they have to do it manually - no built-in play(audio.ogg) like in the first program.

Of course, there are a number of downsides. Users don't generally want to open separate programs much less download them (unless they're bundled). But the way apps are these days, I don't think people would mind.