Features |
Native Apps |
Web Apps |
Internet access | Not required | Required, except for rare apps with offline capability |
Deployment and updates | Required to be downloaded from the stores/marketplaces | Hit refresh |
User interface | Native apps are responsive and functional | Equally smart interfaces using HTML5, CSS and jQuery |
Device compatibility | Platform-dependent, hardware-dependent | Platform-agnostic, content can be reformatted with CSS to suit any device |
Animation/Graphics | Fast and responsive | Web apps are getting closer, but will probably always lag |
Streaming media | Few problems with audio and video. Flash works, but only if the device supports it |
Obvious choices are 3gpp and Mp4 |
Content search | Not on the web | By default |
Sharable | Requires to be integrated as a custom build | Web links are shared freely. Social APIs and widgets allow easy one-click posting |
Discussion and collaboration | Only if you build it, and it’s more difficult if data is disparate |
Discussion is easy, all data is stored on a server |
Access to hardware sensors | Yes, all of them: camera, gyroscope, microphone, compass, accelerometer, GPS |
Access through the browser is limited, though geolocation is common |
Development | Specific tools required for some platforms (like Apple’s). You have to build a new app for each target platform |
Write once, publish once, view it anywhere. Multiple tools and libraries to choose from |
Commerce Integration/ Your personal store | Charge whatever you want. Most app distributors take a slice, up to 30% |
No distribution costs beyond server fees |
Distribution | Most app stores require approval. And you need to wait till the store approves. |
Real-time access in a web browser |
Outside access to your content | No, the reader must download your app | Yep, just click a link |
RISHI RAJ S GERA
Chief Solutions Officer, Magic Edtech