What’s the difference between a native app and a mobile web app? Let’s start with the basics. A native app is downloaded and installed on the device, while a mobile web app is accessed through the device’s browser. Native apps must be built separately for each platform, while one mobile web app works on every platform.
Following me so far? Now, let’s get into the confusing stuff.
What can a native app do that a mobile web app cannot do? This is where a lot of businesses seem confused. Many believe that mobile web apps are nothing more than a web page running inside of a mobile browser. They believe that native apps are the only way to fully take advantage of the mobile device’s hardware.
The truth is, mobile web apps are capable of much more than most people think. What can mobile web apps actually do? I’ve created a list of 6 “native” capabilities that many businesses don’t realize are possible with mobile web apps. Over the next couple of months, I’d like to write up posts covering each point in more detail, with examples and tutorials on how you can add these capabilities to your mobile web apps. Sound good? To start things off, let me first share the 6 “native” features that you may not realize you can use with mobile web apps:
1: Mobile web apps can use GPS
2: Mobile web apps can upload files from a phone/tablet
3: Mobile web apps can function while offline
4: Mobile web apps can use the device’s gyroscope
5: Mobile web apps can use the device’s accelerometer
6: Mobile web apps can use swipe navigation
Conclusion
Many businesses assume that mobile web apps are limited in their device hardware access. The truth is, mobile web apps have far more capabilities than most people realize. Over the next couple of months, I will explore each one of the above capabilities in greater depth, and show you how to add these features to your own mobile web apps. Stay tuned!
7 comments
Randy Vernon says:
February 10, 2012 at 3:30 pm (UTC -5)
I question the 2nd item in your list — uploading files. I did some researching not too long ago, and it seems as though an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) will not allow uploading files thru the Safari browser using the standard HTML element.
Are just talking about Android or is there another work around I have not heard of before?
I look forward to your examples for each of these items.
-Randy
Joe Stangarone says:
February 13, 2012 at 10:13 am (UTC -5)
Randy –
Excellent question! I was planning on addressing that issue when I write up the “how-to” post for file uploading. You are right about not being able to upload files through the stock Safari browser on iOS, but it is possible using other browsers. While I’m sure there are more options, we’ve found that the iCab browser works great for file uploading on iOS.
Thanks for the question, and I hope that helps.
Joe
How to use GPS in your mobile web apps | mrc's Cup of Joe Blog says:
February 14, 2012 at 9:00 am (UTC -5)
[...] web apps and native apps are nearly equal in terms of capabilities? It’s true. As you learned in this article from a few weeks back, mobile web apps are much more powerful than most people [...]
Why hybrid mobile apps are so popular right now | mrc's Cup of Joe Blog says:
February 21, 2012 at 10:28 am (UTC -5)
[...] more than enough for most companies, and they’re easier to build, work across all platforms, and can handle most anything that a native app can handle. If your company is considering mobile apps, mobile web apps are most likely the best [...]
Azam says:
May 10, 2012 at 1:13 pm (UTC -5)
Hi
I am facing the same problem that Randy has discussed earlier. i am stuck on that point. could you assist me how can do this? would be a more better for me. thanks
Joe Stangarone says:
May 11, 2012 at 8:50 am (UTC -5)
Azam-
This article might help you: http://www.mrc-productivity.com/blog/2012/02/how-to-upload-photos-from-a-mobile-web-app/
7 reasons why mobile web apps are better for business than native apps | mrc's Cup of Joe Blog says:
May 15, 2012 at 10:07 am (UTC -5)
[...] smartphone’s file system or hardware sensors, like the GPS, gyroscope, or accelerometer. As this blog post points out, mobile web apps are far more capable than many people [...]