The Platform Question
Businesses know that the future of the internet is on smartphones and tablets, and with it on mobile apps. The trend is clear; the open question is which platform to build on. Should you invest in a native app or an HTML5 web app? Before choosing, it helps to understand how the two differ.
Native Apps
Native apps are built for a specific mobile operating system, such as Android or iOS. Users find them in an app store like Google Play or the Apple App Store, then download and install them directly on their phone or tablet. Contacts, Maps, Calculator and games such as Angry Birds are typical examples.
- Strengths: full access to the device, smooth performance and a presence in the app stores.
- Trade-offs: a separate build for each operating system, plus store approval for every update.
HTML5 Web Apps
HTML5 apps are web applications built with HTML5, the same language used to build websites. They run on any platform with a modern browser (Android, iOS, BlackBerry and others) and users open them from the browser of their device, with nothing to install. Examples include m.youtube.com and mobile.twitter.com.
- Strengths: one codebase for every device, instant updates and no app store in between.
- Trade-offs: more limited access to device features and a dependency on the browser.
Our View
Neither option wins in every case, so the right choice depends on what each business needs. We design both native and HTML5 apps, and we start every project by looking at your audience, budget and the features your app must offer.
Conclusion
Native or HTML5? If you are planning a mobile app, Etherlogic can help you weigh the options and build the one that fits your goals.
