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Why are there so many apps that could be websites? (lemmy.world)

submitted 11 months ago by sir_pronoun@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Seriously. I don't want to install something on my phone when the dev is just using a WebView, if that's what it's called. When the app is basically just a website with the browser hidden.

What's the reason for that? To attach the customer? To sell the app for money? Is there more ad revenue that way? Do you reach more people?

(Are there any good reasons for it, too? Security, maybe?)

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[-] Zak@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

The number I've seen floating around a few places is that app users are, on average seven times more profitable than web users. Reasons include:

The app being on the device acts as a reminder to the user to interact more
It's easier for an app to send notifications to get users to open it and interact more (Android has reduced this by requiring permission; browsers required it long before)
There are more limited options for blocking ads in an app
There are more opportunities to collect data in an app

Are there any good reasons for it, too? Security, maybe?

Security for the user? Probably not. "Security" for the developer in that they can prevent people from using the app in ways that aren't profitable? Likely.

[-] Semi-Hemi-Demigod@kbin.social 1 points 11 months ago

Getting the app through an official app store at least gives the company some liability, versus random web pages that don't have signed code.

However, this also removes user control from the device which isn't good either.

this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2024

460 points (97.3% liked)

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