Company is killing its Adsense iOS and Android apps.
Is it really necessary to have dozens of apps on your phone when businesses can duplicate the experience through a mobile-friendly website?
Here’s one answer to the question that might be a sign of things to come: Google is getting rid of its Adsense iOS and Android apps in favor of a common mobile website interface.
The company says this will allow it to focus its resources on one common interface that supports all platforms rather than managing three separate interfaces.
A lot of apps are merely dressed-up versions of what you can find on the company’s website. Still, I find that apps can be helpful for sites and services you access frequently. It’s nice to be able to just press an icon and be logged in to the service you want with a simplified interface.
At the same time, it seems wasteful for companies to have to manage two apps (iOS and Android) on top of a website. New technologies make it possible to simplify this into one interface with similar functionality.
MapleDots.ca says
Quote from author of article
“It’s nice to be able to just press an icon and be logged in to the service you want with a simplified interface.”
You can always add the website shortcut to the home screen and it does exactly the same. Only problem is you cannot add it to the app drawer but it does that automatically in Chrome OS so I figure that is also coming to Android at one point. SO yes why have both apps and websites that function almost identically.
Richard says
So Google launched their .app TLD just a year ago, and now is about to kill apps in favor of the mobile web.. LOL. Thanks for playing.
Michael Aanthony Castello says
Interesting how Google works. You never know whats behind the curtain of the Wizard of Oz.
Steve says
Yup. Hey Michael, congrats on the Room.com sale. Well done.
Michael Anthony Castello says
Thank you Steve
snoopy1267 says
Makes sense, that is what happened with .mobi as well. There is no purpose in having a seperate domain for an app.
John Colascione says
Seems odd. I believe I read this is specific to the AdSense interface. Wonder what they are trying to get a handle on displaying properly across all devices with little room for error.
Mark Thorpe says
Good news for domain names!
Eugene Fraxby says
Correct. And I came on to make the exact same comment.
snoopy1267 says
Will be a huge incentive for many companies with apps to go this way in the future to avoid the Apple tax.
Jean Guillon says
Good point, let’s get rid of apps. Let’s just build more responsive websites.
Mikey says
Re Google killing apps and it’s domain extension, I think the opposite. Making the app web based but distinguishable by its domain extension, makes the .app domain more valuable as it provides a real purpose for it. It provides clarity to the consumer as to the purpose of the endpoint.
Formally Informal says
Exactly what Mikey says. It’s great news for dot APP!
TTS says
this was foreseeable as native apps are just unnecessary technical silo / burden. Dot app sends a clear message to customers around the globe