Re:It's All Software
by statictype on Wednesday June 15, 2011 @12:00AM
(#2655915)
On a web app, installation and updates are basically 'open the app'.
I'm not saying the iOS process isn't dead simple - it is - but its still a step behind web apps.
Lets just presume the web is simpler than app store installation, does that difference actually matter? I'd say it doesn't. As soon as you've reached a certain level of easy becoming easier doesn't give you as much gain. The advantages of native applications certainly outweigh the tiny extra work on installation.
App store installation does have one other advantage: a sense of ownership. The user feels they own the app rather than merely visiting it -- psychologically that is a powerful difference.
Re:It's All Software
by MatthewPhillips on Wednesday June 15, 2011 @06:45AM
(#2656576)
This can be fixed, but the fact that iOS and Android don't have a "automatically update in the background without telling me" is insane to me. I go weeks without going into the App Store on my iPad and when I do there are usually 4 or 5 updates waiting. They could easily update in the background -- why don't they if I've given them permission?
Automatic updates is one of the features of iOS5. So, its coming
With a webapp, the "installation" step is usually replaced with a "register" step. So in effect "install" becomes "enter desired username and password", "check for confirmation email", "click confirmation link", "log in".
Re:It's All Software
by MatthewPhillips on Wednesday June 15, 2011 @08:05AM
(#2656728)
That's a little 2005ish. Today we have a couple of ways to ease this:
1) With local storage registration isn't necessary in a lot of cases. It is only needed so the user can have the same data on multiple computers.
2) We have Facebook Connect, Google Login, Twitter Anywhere, etc today. It's a 2 step process, "Login", and "Authorize".
I'd beg to differ. It may not be identical, but App installation on my iPhone/iPad/Macintosh from the App Store is pretty much "Click, authorize, done"