Web / Mobile Applications

Mobile web apps are useful alternatives to native apps for mobile devices. These days, Android-based products and iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad all come packed with fantastic mobile browsers (Mobile Chrome and Mobile Safari respectively), and Opera fans can install their preferred browser too.

From a desktop point of view, these products make browsing just about the most pleasurable experience possible. CSS3 transitions, beautifully crafted HTML5 and embellishments mean their users get the highest possible browsing experience (assuming the content being viewed has been crafted with care and consideration).

Their mobile counterparts equally do not disappoint. Fast-loading JavaScript, combined with equally impressive CSS3 and HTML rendering mean that your mobile browser can provide you with as rich an experience as a native app.

Being mobile and Web-based, there are obviously going to be performance concerns. One advantage of native over Web-based mobile apps is that you download much of the interface when you download the app originally, so you are only really loading relevant data when you use them. In addition, native apps can take advantage of the platform's integrated development features (such as standard UIs), which can further aid performance.