The Evolution and Consequences of Mobile Apps Over Web Services

Introduction to the Internet's Evolution

Initial design allowed for decentralized communication and service provision.
Rapid growth in the 1990s and 2000s led to the development of emails, websites, and chat services.

Shift to Mobile and App Ecosystem

Introduction of the iPhone accelerated the transition to mobile-friendly services.
Developers moved from web applications to native apps with the launch of the App Store in 2008.

Security Concerns and Business Interests

Native apps raised significant security concerns due to their direct access to device functionalities.
Businesses preferred apps for their ability to offer a controlled, native experience on mobile devices.

Web Standards and JavaScript

Evolution of web standards to accommodate JavaScript for safe client-side computing.
JavaScript offered a sandboxed environment for running untrusted code with fewer security risks.

Challenges with App Stores

App stores became gatekeepers, despite assurances of safety, leading to incidents of malware and fraud.
Developers faced an "app tax" imposed by app stores, sparking business discontent and anti-trust lawsuits.

Legal Battles and the Future of Apps

Ongoing legal challenges against app store policies and the dominance of major players like Google and Apple.
Calls for alternatives to the app-centric model, including the revival of web services accessible via browsers.

Additional Information to Remember

The shift towards apps has not only affected user privacy and security but has also created economic and legal tensions between developers and app store operators.
The current landscape suggests a need to reassess the balance between native app advantages and the open, standardized nature of web services.

Decentralized Communication: The foundational principle of the Internet, allowing direct interaction without central intermediaries.
Native Apps: Software applications designed to run on specific platforms or devices, offering deep integration with their functionalities.
JavaScript Sandbox: A security mechanism for executing untrusted code in a restricted environment within web browsers.
App Tax: Fees imposed by app stores on developers for hosting and selling their apps, typically a percentage of the app's revenue.
Anti-Trust Lawsuits: Legal challenges filed against companies for practices considered harmful to competition within a market.

Reason it's important : People are losing control over phones

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 03 April 2024

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