> Until web apps can run in a first-class embedded Javascript runtime with equal access to the OS's native frameworks If they have equal access then they are

> Until web apps can run in a first-class embedded Javascript runtime with equal access to the OS's native frameworks If they have equal access then they are not webapps anymore,just native apps written with web technologies. A HTML/JS app that doesnt live in the browser is not a web app. "Web apps" are websites, that take advantage of web apis(ajax,...). Web apis can only be found in browsers. Devs cant have it both ways,they cant get native feel,performance and portability. Something portable means something trade-offs regarding the native api. The problem exposed with the op is,do users like web apps? especially on phones,where resources are limited,users impatients and used to the os features and where poor performances are not tolerated. I believe if one really cares about user experience ,one should write native apps,where the core UI isnt a webview. now if your "app" can be a mobile website,no need for an "app" at first place.