HTML5 vs. Apps

Not sure if this has been posted, but BI break down why HTML5 is the way to go!

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HTML5 is a new technology that allows developers to build rich web-based apps that run on any device via a standard web browser.

Many think it will save the web, rendering native platform-dependent apps obsolete.

So, which will win? Native apps or HTML5?

A recent report from BI Intelligence explains why we think HTML5 will win out, and what an HTML future will look like for consumers, developers, and brands.

Here's why the Apps-vs-HTML5 debate matters:

Distribution:

Native apps are distributed through app stores and markets controlled by the owners of the platforms. HTML5 is distributed through the rules of the open web: the link economy.

Monetization:

Native apps come with one-click purchase options built into mobile platforms. HTML5 apps will tend to be monetized more through advertising, because payments will be less user-friendly.

Platform power and network effects:

Developers have to conform with Apple's rules. Apple's market share, meanwhile, creates network effects and lock-in. If and when developers can build excellent iPhone and iPad functionality on the web using HTML5, developers can cut Apple out of the loop. This will reduce the network effects of Apple's platform.

Functionality:

Right now, native apps can do a lot more than HTML5 apps. HTML5 apps will get better, but not as fast as some HTML5 advocates think.

In full, the special report analyzes:

What HTML5 is, giving an overview of how it is a technology done by committee.

Why the HTML5-vs-Apps debate matters, breaking down its impact on distribution, monetization, platform power and network effects, and functionality.

The pluses and minuses of HTML5 vs. native apps, comparing each by cost, user experience, features, distribution, and monetization.

How and when HTML5 will take over, laying out how it has all the hallmarks of a disruptive technology.

The success of an HTML5 pioneer, The Financial Times.

What an HTML5 future will look like, with the promise of richer and more interactive experiences.

You can read the full report, though you'll need to sign up for some kind of free trial... Still, the bullet point argument is interesting!

businessinsider.com/html5-vs-apps-why-the-debate-matters-and-who-will-win-2012-11

Personally, whilst I massively support HTML5, I think the article is being a bit generous. It hints at the fact HTML5 is designed by committee, but doesn't follow up to say that as a result of that the standardisation of the tech could result in browsers having massive performance differences, making it impractical for dev work.

Your thoughts?

The is pretty much the mind set that I went to develop js games. I debated on using craftyjs, but then I stumbled onto to C2. phhhhh no brainer there. Hand code or let some else do most of that.

HTML5 will end up being the base framwork that will be standard for "apps". It' too bad it uses emacs script(js) :|

I think it also has to do with people get fed up with everyone creating so many different languages. Ruby, Python, Java, JS, Silverlight, .NET so on etc. While some fit great for certain purposes it's just getting to many.

HTML5 bundle is multi component, it at least fairly uniformly cross platform and design in comparison to other cross platform languages.

Also disruptive technologies is being bantied about far too often. HTML5 is not disruptive. It's too old. It's more a growing and capable technology that is slowly fitting into more uses effectivly as our computing devices are becoming more broad.

I don't know personally.

I so far have not been too impressed with the performance of the HTML5 Javascript combo.

That said you guys don't have to be defensive and worry because the industry is right behind you making middle ware to improve your game performance if you get a hit, so your games being HTML5 they are fairly portable.

I don't know about native apps being replaced by HTML5 stuff. If it that happens, it'll take a very long time and I dunno how fast the proprietary tech is going to "get out of the way", so to speak.

I can see HTML5-based apps coming to fruition through web and mobile-web platforms first, which may be the gateway to native apps.

Hi,

I am no specialist in this subject but I think there is a lot to be said for its future given the fact that Microsoft supports HTML5 via Win8 Apps.

HTML5 vs Apps are more like C++ vs Assembly Language in 80's