[tyingq]

I agree that webapps aren't currently on par with native apps. However, it seems somewhat inevitable that things will go that way. We're just stuck in the ugly transition period.

Sadly, the turning point will probably be when browsers and/or WASM add enough DRM type functionality.

[coldtea]

>I agree that webapps aren't currently on par with native apps. However, it seems somewhat inevitable that things will go that way.

Why? There doesn't seem to be anything inevitable to me. A chat web app today still uses more resources and has less features than 1997-era ICQ.

[tyingq]

Because writing applications for 3 or 4 distinct targets is a waste of time and money.

If wasm/web were good enough, one app would run on Android, iOS, desktop, etc.

[coldtea]

That's a lowest common denominator app.

If that's the case, we don't need to have multiple mobile OS platforms either...

[tyingq]

I already agreed it wasn't ideal now. I'm suggesting it will improve, enough, in the future. And yes, that would diminish the value proposition of the phone OS.

Edit: That's roughly why Chromebooks are doing well. The OS is less important on laptops already, for many.

[coldtea]

>That's roughly why Chromebooks are doing well. The OS is less important on laptops already, for many

Are they doing well? Read some stats to that, but have never seen one in the wild (except in airports, where they rented them to waiting passengers).