I Won't Download Your App. The Web Version Is A-OK
6 hours ago
- #web-degradation
- #user-control
- #app-push
- Many services aggressively push users to download their mobile apps over using web versions, often employing intrusive pop-ups or limited web functionality.
- Apps restrict user control and customization compared to browsers, where tools like user scripts and ad-blockers enhance usability and privacy.
- Many apps are essentially lightweight clients that fetch and display data (e.g., text and media via JSON), unnecessarily consuming device resources like storage and permissions.
- Native apps frequently lack polish, suffering from subtle performance issues (e.g., janky animations or scroll mismatches) that degrade the user experience.
- Companies deliberately degrade web versions to funnel users into apps, enabling increased data collection, ads, and user retention within a walled garden.