I’m probably one of the few service architects that believe an app and a browser version should and can have the same functionality. I even go so far as to say a mobile version of a web app should have access to the complete function of a desktop app. To me, powerful websites can be built these days that replace the need to have apps… with few exceptions. The most prominent exception is native apps performing better rendering tasks (like games and video editors).
Here are some hidden truths about these applications in those stores.
1. Notifications are the holy grail of forced re-entry into your app. You buzz the user, and they will likely click and continue back in the app. Apple closely guards notifications to prevent web browsers from using them, while android and desktop experiences let web browsers post notifications. However, a nefarious actor, such as a spam website, will take advantage of this. Much in the same way, they take advantage of subscribing to calendars.
2. Data. There is more accessible access to data - even with app transparency - than a website. For instance, if you take a photo in the app and enable location services, they can compare you to other users in the area and offer you advertising. They also do this network level using IP Address information. I use IP Address information in all my services but primarily for security purposes… so believe me when I say they can pinpoint you to your city + if it’s public wifi and many people share location services with data broker sharing apps… they know where you are. This leads us to ads…
3. You can’t use Ad Blockers in apps (yet). If you could, the AppStore would lose money too. So Apple protects app web requests. Anyway… utilizing the app, they can profile you depending on your shared information. Facebook isn’t the only advertising network that gathers multiple sources of information about you to advertise to you. It may look like they are listening in to your conversations, but the reality is they track searches of those you are around and use location data (network and or Bluetooth) to gather who is near you and share advertising that way. It’s a neat trick, but these services crave to sell you, the customer, as their product to advertisers.
You would be surprised how much information data broker companies have on you. I connected with one and got my data from them… they had under a hundred pages of data about me, my emails, my previous addresses, and my parents. It was exhaustive, and I almost wanted to sue them for it. However, those privacy agreements - no one has a say in - tell you that your information is shared. Even if a web service does not share it, it’s shared by your bank, grocery chain, and many other sources. Your web service will connect with a data broker and “buy” more of your information to advertise to you.
4. Most apps are actual web browsers. Yes… that’s right. The same technology that you use on the web is repackaged with a few additional scripts and ported into the app.
5. They have to reserve some features for the app to appease app stores. Most app stores won’t let you replicate the functionality of a web service into an app without having significant features that exist only in your app. The App Store does this to prevent website clones, but it affects what a service provider will offer you.
Apps are not easy to develop, and many developers would prefer to give you access to the website and call it a day - however, there is more traction on getting you to download and share the app than the website. The app will find creative ways of pulling you back when a web browser can get you lost in a sea of websites. As noted before - there is a lot more money in getting you to download that app.
