[RivieraKid]

> there really isn't any need for the browser to run applications anymore, is there?

Of course there is. You can open a new "application" without installing, just by clicking a link or entering a URL. The beauty of browser as a platform is simplicity of navigation between apps you haven't previously installed.

Also, note that the distinction between a document and an application is vague. Is interactive document, perhaps containing an interactive map, an application? If yes, do you really want to install these interactive documents before accessing them?

[AnIdiotOnTheNet]

Why would you have to install a wasm/wasi binary? You can pull things over a network without a web browser you know.

[tathougies]

the horror of Java web start comes to mind, and its resulting failure as well.

[int_19h]

Why do you think it failed, and how many of those same reasons are applicable here?

[RivieraKid]

How?