| Internet access |
Not required |
Required, except for rare apps with offline capability |
| Installation / updates |
Must be deployed or downloaded |
Hit refresh |
| User interface |
Native apps are responsive and functional |
Browsers can be clunky, but new advancements in JavaScript like jQuery Mobile are catching up fast |
| Device compatibility |
Platform-dependent, hardware-dependent |
Platform-agnostic, content can be reformatted with CSS to suit any device |
| Animation / Graphics |
Fast and responsive |
Web apps are getting closer, but will probably always lag |
| Streaming media |
Few problems with audio and video. Flash works, but only if the device supports it |
Flash works where supported. Browser-based audio and video are getting there, but still beset by compatibility headaches. Give it a year or two |
| Fonts |
Tight control over typefaces, layout |
Almost on par, thanks to advancements in web standards. Give it six months |
| Is my content searchable? |
Not on the web |
By default |
| Sharable / Tweetable? |
Only if you build it in |
Web links are shared freely. Social APIs and widgets allow easy one-click posting |
| Discussion and collaboration |
Only if you build it, and it’s more difficult if data is disparate |
Discussion is easy, all data is stored on a server |
| Access to hardware sensors |
Yes, all of them: camera, gyroscope, microphone, compass, accelerometer, GPS |
Access through the browser is limited, though geolocation is common |
| Development |
Specific tools required for some platforms (like Apple’s). You have to build a new app for each target platform |
Write once, publish once, view it anywhere. Multiple tools and libraries to choose from |
| Can I sell it? |
Charge whatever you want. Most app distributors take a slice, up to 30% |
Advertising is tolerated, subscriptions and paywalls less so. No distribution costs beyond server fees |
| Distribution |
Most app stores require approval. And you gotta wait |
No such hassle |
| Outside access to your content |
No, the reader must download your app |
Yep, just click a link |
| Advertising |
Control over design (though limited in iAds) and rate |
More choices for design, plus access to web analytics. Rates vary widely |
