Are Mobile Web Browsers Even Necessary?

Antoine Wright · 05-06-2009, 09:01 PM

Talking to those who are (still) excited about their iPhone is something of a revelation. They are excited not so much by the solid web browser, though it does garner a good deal of comments. They are excited about the applications. And not just any application, those that utilize their web connections to get information and keep them connected to the world around them.

Listening to these folks has got me thinking; are mobile web browsers even necessary? I mean, for all that we are using mobile devices to do, browsing actually seems to be the least pleasurable task. So why do we harp about with different mobile browsers? Are we missing the mobile paradigm of use completely?

A Mobile Paradigm?
Now that mobile is more than just a niche phenomena, we can start to see some generalizations in the way mobile devices are used that are remarkably different from PC and other media use. I like to use the phrase "30 second tasks versus 30 minute tasks." Essentially, mobiles enable us to do those tasks that only take a few seconds to get done, and we generally leave those longer tasks for more fully-featured devices.

For example, a mobile device might have word processing software, but because it's screen and input facilities are more limited we usually resort to using this software for searching specific topics or for spot checking. Rarely are we using it for fuller tasks. However, we will utilize that file on a desktop in order to do fuller editing and content mixing.

This is what I mean by "30 second tasks versus 30 minute tasks." Mobile devices let us get the smaller tasks done immediately because they are always with us. But when it comes to mobile web browsers, the idea is completely different: "PC browsing in your pocket," though not every one seems to agree that such capability is necessary.

So What Are the Other Options?
There are a few types of mobile application scenarios that we are most familiar with: searching, mapping/GPS, and social connecting.

In terms of searching, many mobile devices allow you to use a search widget from a home screen or through a key-press that brings up a native or web-runtime (WRT)-based application. This will sometimes open the result in a browser window, but more often than not it won't. You get some results and then are able to do other actions with them -- call, add to contacts, get directions, etc. Sure, you connected online to get the information, but didn't use a browser.

Then you have mapping/GPS applications. These also use a wireless connection to download maps and get the data. But again, you aren't in the browser. In fact, these applications do everything they can to keep you from ever seeing the browser. And that's a good thing, given the size of a mobile device and how difficult some can be in switching applications. No tabbed interfaces here, just search, see, and go.

Then you have those applications that just connect you with other people. Social networking, instant messaging, and email software are great examples. Like mapping/GPS, these are usually single-task applications, but these are person-to-person, rather than person-to-thing. Some facilitate SMS messaging in lieu of IP-based connections, some allow file swapping, and others even consolidate several types of these services under one application. All done without the browser.

So we have here three quick means of using a mobile device (30 second tasks) that don't require a browser. And I'd even guess that these three kinds of applications would cover most of the usages that many mobile users would have.

So then, why would we even need a web browser? Especially now when mobile application stores are appearing as applications on devices. It seems like the wrong direction to go. And with mobile devices, doesn't efficiency count more than replicating past comforts?

jigwashere · 05-06-2009, 10:50 PM

Very good and thoughtful comments and questions, AWright. But who are you asking? From the end user perspective, functionality and efficiency are very important, I agree. I want my mobile device to give me information, allow me to send/store information, provide the means to interact with people and other computers, and most importantly, I want it to entertain me. When these activities involve some kind of network connection, I don't care if it's through a browser or other application as long as it works and works well.

Are your questions more for the application developers? As a mobile web application developer, I am constrained by small screens of various sizes and shapes, varying input methods, limited storage capacity, computational power, connectivity, etc. There are few (or no) standards among mobile devices. How can I create software that anyone can use on any device?

In the old days, I used to develop client software that you installed on your desktop or laptop because web browsers weren't standardized, there were various operating systems, and computing power wasn't up to par. But now there are standards, lots of computer power, and web browser standards. I can create a web application anyone can use on their desktop or laptop, regardless of operating system. I can't do that with mobile devices, so I have to create multiple client applications for multiple device types. That's expensive.

I would prefer that mobile devices evolve to the point that their computing power is great enough and that standards are created and adhered to so I can simply write and support one application. The end-user-me wants to be able switch devices at will and still accomplish the same things, too.

Drillbit · 05-06-2009, 11:27 PM

In my devices, the only reason I would start up my browser is to fill a search request from a Google or Yahoo widget. You can obtain the vast majority of your information with RSS newsreaders and dedicated news applications.

On the iPhone for example, why bother opening Safari to read the New York Times when you can get an NYT app on the iPHone for free? I get my news from Bloomberg actually, but guess what I never ever opened their webpage more than twice, because I rely on their dedicated news reader and stock quote every day. The Bloomberg app on the iPhone is truly a remarkable and professionally made application.

By far its the twitter clients and the RSS readers that are opening browsers to access links.

On the iPhone, why bother with browsing Amazon and eBay, when both have dedicated apps. Even Paypal has a dedicated app now. Facebook, MySpace,they all got dedicated apps. Want to download podcasts? There are even apps that will download and stream them for you. Wiki? Dedicated app too.

Its possible to go through the iPhone now doing all your Internet stuff completely on applications alone, with Safari only going up here and there on the request of Twitters, RSS readers and search engine applications.

AWright, I have a feeling that you're also referring to Yahoo Go! which is an all you can do Internet-Java application.

And if you're with Blackberry and Windows Mobile, take a good look at Viigo.

My most opened applications on my own Windows Mobile, is Iliums' RSS Hub, Viigo, Pocketwit, all of whom would call on Opera 9.5 only if needed to open a link.

In my experience, having RSS formatted to mobile is far more efficient than mobile browsers. I can update over two hundred RSS feeds, including Brighthand, and read most of the contents on the reader already formatted without need of browser navigation and zooms.

jigwashere · 05-07-2009, 12:34 AM

This commentary reminded me of another here at Brighthand, and a quick search came up with it and another related post that are interesting. Mind you, they were both written about a year ago:

It's the Web Browser, Stupid

Advanced Mobile Web Browser Market Set for Strong Growth

They're both interesting to read again.

brickman65 · 05-07-2009, 08:04 AM

I agree with your premise AW, but even though as Drillbit pointed out, we can do a lot with dedicated apps and never have to open a Mobile Browser. Do you not still have to have a MB to retrieve such content, even through a dedicated app? I know in Twitter if you click on a link in a tweet it will open up my MB. Does not Google do basically the same thing?

I guess I am asking more of a question in how do dedicated apps (ie Twitter/Google) retrieve their content from the Internet? Is it not through your phones MB? Behind the scenes so to speak?

philpalm · 05-07-2009, 09:32 AM

People who surf using the internet/mobile network are usually on the go (i.e. not at home) or at home but sharing the connection. (one guy here at brighthand used to always use a pda and never used a real computer has gone to a netbook).

Yes some mobile browsers are agony to use if you are spoiled by a computer browser. Newbies who use TX or IPhone or even Blackberries eventually figure out the best method to ultilize their internet/network connection. Brighthand is the forum to discuss the best methods or new methods of communication/data retrieval.

-------------------------------------
My biggest question is what is the easiest and most economical way to use a mobile device. If a data plan is too expensive I would like to know the best alternative in determining which mobile device to switch to or not.

Antoine Wright · 05-07-2009, 09:34 AM

Great feedback. Some responses...

Quote:

...who are you asking...
Are your questions more for the application developers?

Who: everyone (I know, broad ain't it)
For application developers: the question is "how" are you designing connectivity into your apps (under the assumption that many are doing so already). And does that connectivity need a browser in the traditional sense, or the web frameworks (APIs and such) in the current sense?

Quote:

AWright, I have a feeling that you're also referring to Yahoo Go! which is an all you can do Internet-Java application.

And if you're with Blackberry and Windows Mobile, take a good look at Viigo.

Also referring, but also not referring to those. Apps like Viigo and YahooGo! are one part of this idea of accessing connected data without needing a browser. And its a good thing that these exist; but because they do, why would I need bookmarks to/remember a URL?

Quote:

Do you not still have to have a MB to retrieve such content, even through a dedicated app?

Simple answer: Nope. Why: Application Stores are "applications" themselves only needing a connection, not a browser

Quote:

This commentary reminded me of another here at Brighthand, and a quick search came up with it and another related post that are interesting. Mind you, they were both written about a year ago:

That's the great thing about these days and times, life accelerates and times change. We see things differently and more opaque all the same...

...its just this time, the browser is an accessory rather than a necessity (on mobile).

Antoine Wright · 05-07-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philpalm

People who surf using the internet/mobile network are usually on the go (i.e. not at home) or at home but sharing the connection. (one guy here at brighthand used to always use a pda and never used a real computer has gone to a netbook).

Yes some mobile browsers are agony to use if you are spoiled by a computer browser. Newbies who use TX or IPhone or even Blackberries eventually figure out the best method to ultilize their internet/network connection. Brighthand is the forum to discuss the best methods or new methods of communication/data retrieval.

-------------------------------------
My biggest question is what is the easiest and most economical way to use a mobile device. If a data plan is too expensive I would like to know the best alternative in determining which mobile device to switch to or not.

This is a slightly off-topic branch of the discussion, hence I'll address it in the context of the discussion.

A digital fact is that more people access the Internet over a mobile device (phone, smartphone, PDA) than a non-mobile one (laptop, desktop, dumb terminal/kiosk) (ref. Tomi Ahonen's Mobile 2009 Almanac). To that end, the question has to be asked if mobile browsers are necessary to the point that they have been developed now... or if the core technology is really what is needed, and the idea of a mobile browser needs to be spread over the three aspects of connectivity spoken about in this editorial.

I agree, BH is one of the better places online to speak about new communication methods and data retrevial paradigms

There is no such thing as a globally "easiest" way to access connected data on a mobile device. Regional, cultural, and economical issues make that answer different all around. That being said, once you can access it, you want to do so efficiently. Whether or not a mobile web browser is best doesn't matter to those billing you... they will charge you just to connect.

Hook · 05-07-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philpalm

My biggest question is what is the easiest and most economical way to use a mobile device. If a data plan is too expensive I would like to know the best alternative in determining which mobile device to switch to or not.

HERE is one possible model for you (the solution is device neutral, just has to be GSM with wifi). I can tell you, it works very nicely for me.

Hook · 05-07-2009, 09:55 AM

An interesting piece, AW, and important questions.

I can remember back when Microsoft tried an experiment with Windows 98 and IE 4 (shudder) that was poorly executed, a security nightmare and probably a good decade ahead of its time. They had the idea to make the internet an integrated and integral part of the OS and to greatly blur the line between your desktop and your browser.

I think we are finally reaching the point where, with a handheld, the device is the network. A browser is just an app. It is just Adobe reader. Give it some mark-up and it renders. People have come along and added tricks for being able to "render" many kinds of content besides text, but it is still Adobe Reader. Many of those things can be handled better by apps that can pull the same data independently of using a Browser as a link collector.

It will be fun to watch hw this landscape changes.