Sometimes, we forget how open the original web/www was and even today, how open it is overall compared to the "app ecosystem" monopolized by Apple and Google. Yes, there is "cloud" but nothing stops me from renting a server and hosting my own stuff. That didn't work out ? Np. Get it out of there and rent another one. Yes it may have "lock in" and not that easy but it's not impossible.
With the whole App ecosystem, you only have 2 choices and you are at their mercy. Literally.
I personally would never build an entire business around an "app". Never. I may have an app as a small supplement if at all and that too if my audience really demands it. I hate products that force an app on me when I am on a mobile device. No Thanks. Heck, bring back the whole m.website.com thing but I prefer to avoid the whole app ecosystem.
> With the whole App ecosystem, you only have 2 choices and you are at their mercy. Literally.
And if it's the two I'm thinking of, one of them is a customer-service black hole with a ban hammer, so overnight one could find oneself in the "beg the front page of HN for help" camp for any reason or no reason
I say prayers that the new sideloading thing for the EU will inspire similar calls here in the US, but also I'm super cognizant that such a thing would require a sufficient mass of folks who know or care what "walled garden" or "sideloading" mean :(
With the whole App ecosystem, you only have 2 choices and you are at their mercy. Literally.
I personally would never build an entire business around an "app". Never. I may have an app as a small supplement if at all and that too if my audience really demands it. I hate products that force an app on me when I am on a mobile device. No Thanks. Heck, bring back the whole m.website.com thing but I prefer to avoid the whole app ecosystem.