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Why are there so many apps that could be websites? (lemmy.world)

submitted 10 months ago by sir_pronoun@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Seriously. I don't want to install something on my phone when the dev is just using a WebView, if that's what it's called. When the app is basically just a website with the browser hidden.

What's the reason for that? To attach the customer? To sell the app for money? Is there more ad revenue that way? Do you reach more people?

(Are there any good reasons for it, too? Security, maybe?)

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[-] A_Random_Idiot@lemmy.world 86 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

most apps are just websites wrapped inside a container and made an app.

Why?

Because they dont want you to use the actual website.

why?

Cause your browser gives you a LOT of protection against invasive data mining/profiling/tracking/etc.(Not saying its perfect, We all know about fingerprinting and HTML5 canvas tracking and what have you..but its a LOT better than the information that apps can steal)

Data mining/profiling/tracking/etc that these companies want to do to you, because you are a product to them, not a customer.

And how do they do that with an app?

Permissions.

Ever wonder why your pizza ordering app has to have access to your contacts, data storage, camera, microphone, etc etc etc? Its not because its needed for you to order pizzas. Hell, you can do that on a website with no permissions, so why is it needed for an app on your phone?

So they can steal/mine your data for profiling/tracking/marketing/being sold to others/etc.

this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2024

460 points (97.3% liked)

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