applications

mobile web apps vs. native

Posted on Dec 16, 2009 in OS, applications, cellphones, mobile, software, technology | 0 comments

This morning I came across an article on ReadWriteWeb that briefly explored the concept of having mobile web apps versus mobile apps that need to go through an acceptance process. The apps may or may not end up in one of the mobile app stores. I’m a big fan of mobile apps in general.

I have an iPod Touch and have used many free and paid apps which I have purchased through the App Store. I also unlocked my iPod Touch for a time and took the chance to use some apps through Cydia. Recently, I bought the DROID and have been using apps which I purchased from the Android Market. On occasion, I also use mobile web apps.

In a location where phone service is not always available, I use many an app that does not rely on having service. Mainly these apps are for passing time (playing games) or catching up on a little reading with apps like Kindle for iPhone. A good majority of the apps I use on my phone or my iPod do require an internet connection whether it is wireless or 3G. For those apps, I wouldn’t really mind if the apps were replaced by web counterparts. A few web services that I use now (Xpenser, Meebo, Facebook) either only have a web app, or are inferior apps on either iPhone or Android OS and I would rather use the web interface. Some apps lack a user friendly, attractive UI and I would much rather just see development go into a web interface. If it’s something I use frequently, it’s quite simple to bookmark a web site on my phone’s desktop to return quickly.

A clear upside that I can see to a movement towards mobile web apps is that HTML5, CSS etc. is much more accessible than the development tools necessary to create apps for certain app stores. It would most certainly bring an increase in development and the web apps would most likely be accessible from all phone OSs. It would be nice to see apps that were just as good on Android as they are on the iPhone.

Of course, there are many downsides as well. First, it would be hard to charge for web apps, although I suppose there could be subscription type fees applied. Second, like the current stores, there would be an overwhelming amount of shovelware out there and would most likely open the phones to web delivered virus attacks. You would also need a signal in order to access the apps and at first, page transfers will be slower than moving around in native apps.

Native apps are preferred for now, but I’m guessing there will be a big increase in web app development next year, especially as the divide between phone OSs continues to grow. If developers could make a web app that could compete with similar apps across the various app stores and find a way to make a profit, it could start a wave of innovative new web apps that everyone could benefit from.

the internet is awesome – Couch Surfing

Posted on Apr 16, 2009 in miscellaneous, online, what?! | 0 comments

Okay, so this has to be the coolest thing…EVER.

With that said, at first I didn’t take it seriously. One day I tried out one of those sites that check to see if your username is taken on various networks. I had already used ‘mepriestley’ for all of the major sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Blogger, etc. There was a whole list of very obscure sites, some that I’d heard of, but even more that I hadn’t heard of. I figured, eh, why not? There might arise a situation where I need the account and I’d like to have my usual username. Plus, I’d rather it be me that comes up for ‘mepriestley’ then someone else.

One of those sites was CouchSurfing.com. I filled out the sign-up information, but left my “couch” closed for the time being. It happens that my friend, Kevin, just recently used CouchSurfing to stay with a whole group of people in Norway. He said it was great. Of course, this instantly reminded me of my profile and I decided to look into the whole thing a little closer.

I started searching for surfers and reading reviews and profiles. The whole thing is very impressive. What’s more exciting is that I have been really itching to take John (and possibly his boys) to DC this summer. I love DC and they haven’t really been anywhere. I think this trip might actually be possible with CouchSurfing. There’s quite a few reliable people in the area, as well as a very affordable National Park in case that doesn’t work out. On a side note, I couldn’t believe that there is a really nice National Park with camping, showers, etc. within 10 miles of DC (1 mile from the subway).

As I get back on topic, I love that there is a site like CouchSurfing.com out there. I have been somewhat disappointed at how closed off people can seem. I am so excited to see that people reach out to host and surf around the world. I can’t wait to host our first surfer (if anyone ever needs to actually come to or go through Bradford). Even more, I can’t wait to try surfing and see all of the things that John and I want to see, but can’t necessarily afford otherwise. Yay!