The Browser Is Dead

A while ago at one of the DFW PragProg meetings, Dave threw out the
conversation starter, "The Browser Is Dead." IIRC, he said he thought it to
be dead in the same way the landline phone is dead - everyone still has one,
but it's on its way out or somesuch. Having specific apps to deal with
different data (e.g. map data) seemed to be a better way. (Insert massive
memory disclaimers here: I may not only have not remembered Dave's points
correctly, but may have in fact dreamed the conversation in a Spring Creek
cobbler induced sugar coma).

Today, along with an announcement about BaseCamp mobile being developed as a
web site without specific phone apps, DHH tweeted this: RT @dhh: Taking your
web app mobile just for iOS in 2011 is like taking your business to the web
just for IE4 in 2001.

I myself find the issue an interesting one - the browser hosting apps vs. a
desktop hosting apps vs. a phone OS hosting apps - it all seems very blurry
to me. But is there any point in debating approaches here, or is it simply a
matter of determining your specific needs and not worrying about it? (e.g.
Need for Speed for Android needs C library support and trying to do that as
a browser app makes no sense).




-- 
Chris
http://improvingenterprises.com
http://clabs.org