In the 1990s, the web experienced tremendous growth and an increase in popularity. However, screen time has shifted from the web to smartphone apps. Instead of using the web to connect with the world, people started using applications to talk, share photos, and buy products. Google has come up with a program that will bring the web up to speed with mobile applications.
Google Chrome partnered with Mozilla, Opera, and Microsoft to create progressive web apps (PWAs). These web apps will transform websites to contain the same features and advantages as the native Android and iOS apps. They will even run better, as PWAs are able to load faster. The best part about PWAs is the reach. Chrome is used on over 2 billion devices each month.
If PWAs prove to be successful, it will break the realm of apps working on one device and not another. Websites are able to be loaded on a variety of web browsers and devices, it doesn’t matter if you are a Mac or PC, iPhone or Android. The downside to individual apps is the difficulty to convince people to download them. Optimizing websites to include PWAs eliminates the need for that.
Installing PWAs doesn’t mean that native apps will be useless. Instead, PWAs will complement mobile apps and help reach a different target segment. PWAs will load quickly without the need to update once new abilities are available. The purpose is to represent sites with a broad, generic reach. Native apps are great for people who utilize a company’s services a lot and have a niche reach.
If you’re reading this article and are excited about the possibility of PWAs being on a web browser near you, don’t expect an announcement that your favorite site is using the progressive apps. You should notice the site loading faster. As of right now, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are supporting the technology. Apple has not opted to be a part of including PWA technology in Safari.
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