Tag: Progressive web apps

  • Your Top Sites Are Now Apps! Chrome 124 Lets You Escape the Browser

    Your Top Sites Are Now Apps! Chrome 124 Lets You Escape the Browser

    Remember Chrome Apps, those convenient shortcuts resembling apps for your favorite websites that disappeared in 2023? Google has introduced a replacement: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs act as web apps blurring the distinction between websites and native apps, providing an app-like experience without requiring downloads from the app store. Chrome Canary now advances PWAs by enabling you to install any website as a desktop app!

    Enhanced Web Experience

    With just one click on the app icon, you can launch the website in its separate window. This advancement allows you to convert any frequently visited website into a dedicated app on your desktop. Say goodbye to searching through browser tabs – simply click on the app icon, and the site opens in its exclusive window, prepared for immediate use.

    Simplified Installation Process

    Previously, activating PWA capabilities involved modifying flags. However, with the recent Canary update, a new "Install page as app…" choice emerges in the "Save and share" menu. By selecting this option, a distinct app window is created for the website. Even established PWAs like YouTube will now showcase their names ("Install YouTube") in the menu.

    To test this feature, download Chrome Canary and activate these flags:

    • chrome://flags/#web-app-universal-install
    • chrome://flags/#shortcuts-not-apps

    This functionality is currently available in Chrome Canary (an early edition of Chrome 124). The stable Chrome version (122) concentrates on AI writing and Read Aloud tools for Android. The forthcoming stable release (Chrome 123) introduces a built-in PDF reader for Android, an Android-style media player for desktops, and improved tab group sharing.

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  • EU’s Progressive Web App Support by Apple to Come to an End

    EU’s Progressive Web App Support by Apple to Come to an End

    Apple has made a significant move that will affect how iPhone users in the European Union interact with progressive web apps. This decision comes after Apple ended support for these apps in its iOS 17.4 update, presenting a challenge for developers and users.

    Strict Requirements of EU’s DMA

    So why is Apple taking this stance? The company’s decision is a response to the strict requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. These requirements demand significant architectural changes to comply. Apple has stated that developing a new integration architecture to meet these demands is not currently feasible. As a result, this decision will impact how web apps, which previously functioned similarly to native apps with features like notifications and data storage, will operate on iOS devices.

    Shift to Bookmarks

    With the introduction of iOS 17.4, standalone web apps will now serve as bookmarks. This change is a response to the DMA’s mandate that allows third-party browsers to use their own engines instead of Apple’s WebKit. WebKit has been the foundation for web apps on iOS, ensuring they meet the platform’s security and privacy standards.

    Implications and Context

    This change has several implications. While Apple cites security concerns and the potential for malicious web apps to exploit these new freedoms, it’s hard to ignore the broader context. This includes the ongoing debate surrounding app store fees and how companies like Facebook Gaming have used web apps to bypass these costs.

    Apple believes that only a small number of users will be affected by this alteration, pointing to low adoption rates of home screen web apps. However, the company expresses regret over any inconvenience caused to developers and users due to this compliance-driven decision.

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