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> Can it really be easier for end users to use an app that requires an extra installation step? Yes it can, because you install it once and it's right there on

> Can it really be easier for end users to use an app that requires an extra installation step? Yes it can, because you install it once and it's right there on your home screen, very easy to get to. The friction of typing the website name or dealing with the inherent clunkiness of a mobile site vs the app cannot be understated and it is part of why brands create apps. Plus, don't forget the notifications they can send, for deals and promotions. That is also why I have several apps for brands installed, because I know I already want to use their products, so the free discount works in my favor. I have the willpower to resist impulsive purchases, personally speaking, but many don't. When a notification pops up announcing "50% off on this sandwich," it's tempting for people who hadn't planned to spend at all that day. They might think they're saving money by spending less than full price, not realizing that spending anything at all is more than they intended. Brands understand this psychology and optimize their strategies accordingly, targeting those who are likely to be swayed into spending when they receive a compelling offer. It is no different than offering flash sales and deals, which work extremely well in the world of marketing.

postalrat 3y ago
The web has apis to add icons to your home screen and to send push notifications. Both work fine on android.
- scarface_74 3y ago
  And yet companies still prefer to create an Android app…
  - postalrat 3y ago
    Because they want to track you.
    - JustExAWS 3y ago
      Exactly how is it easier to “track you” using an application thst is sandbox that you have to explicitly give it permission to have access to your location or other data than it is on to track you on a website where there are literally dozens of ways to track you across different websites?
      - hnburnsy 3y ago
        Ha, go look at all the permissions on Android that you cannot deny. Example, Starbucks app... Other Advertising ID Permission run foreground service control vibration run at startup have full network access use biometric hardware view network connections change network connectivity prevent phone from sleeping Play Install Referrer API view Wi-Fi connections use fingerprint hardware show notifications receive data from Internet
        scarface_74 3y ago
        There is also a vibration api for web browsers. https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Vibration_API https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Vibration_A... Isn’t using the biometric API still controlled by a secure place on the device where all it gives you back is - did you pass the biometric check? Advertising tracking is still easier on the web. The rest of the permissions says a lot about Android and even so. If PWAs were good enough on Android and it was just mean old Apple holding them back they should be pervasive for the 80% of the population that uses Android
ghaff 3y ago
On the other hand I have notifications turned on for basically nothing. Giving up coupons and deals seems a reasonable trade off. But then I basically don’t really frequent places like fast food where coupons are probably most prevalent.

postalrat 3y ago

The web has apis to add icons to your home screen and to send push notifications. Both work fine on android.

scarface_74 3y ago
And yet companies still prefer to create an Android app…
- postalrat 3y ago
  Because they want to track you.
  - JustExAWS 3y ago
    Exactly how is it easier to “track you” using an application thst is sandbox that you have to explicitly give it permission to have access to your location or other data than it is on to track you on a website where there are literally dozens of ways to track you across different websites?
    - hnburnsy 3y ago
      Ha, go look at all the permissions on Android that you cannot deny. Example, Starbucks app... Other Advertising ID Permission run foreground service control vibration run at startup have full network access use biometric hardware view network connections change network connectivity prevent phone from sleeping Play Install Referrer API view Wi-Fi connections use fingerprint hardware show notifications receive data from Internet
      - scarface_74 3y ago
        There is also a vibration api for web browsers. https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Vibration_API https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Vibration_A... Isn’t using the biometric API still controlled by a secure place on the device where all it gives you back is - did you pass the biometric check? Advertising tracking is still easier on the web. The rest of the permissions says a lot about Android and even so. If PWAs were good enough on Android and it was just mean old Apple holding them back they should be pervasive for the 80% of the population that uses Android

ghaff 3y ago

On the other hand I have notifications turned on for basically nothing. Giving up coupons and deals seems a reasonable trade off. But then I basically don’t really frequent places like fast food where coupons are probably most prevalent.