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Apple Launches WebApps Directory

Apple Launches WebApps Directory



Apple has launched a directory of web-based applications designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch at http://www.apple.com/webapps/.

Applications are divided into a number of categories, including Calculate, Entertainment, Games, News, Productivity, Search Tools, Social Networking, Sports, Travel, Utilities, and Weather. Developers are invited to submit their own applications for inclusion in the directory.

Despite rumors of expanding application development options from Apple, the launch of this directory appears to underscore Apple's commitment to web-based applications.

MacRumors readers can visit mobile.macrumors.com for an iPhone/iPod Touch friendly browsing experience.

Article Link
 
oh well. I'm going to hang on to some hope that Leopard will expose the ability for more sophisticated apps, and those that are proficient with HTML/jQuery/etc can just go on down this "you gotta be connected to the internet" path.

edit: not even a special version for the iPhone. Has to be the "full" apple page, though I guess that's what they've been promoting.

edit2: the Weatherbug app is an excellent example of a "webapp". Maybe better than WeatherUnderground's??
 
Wish it was more iPhone friendly. And the RSS feed doesn't open the actual apps when you click on one.
 
Strange... no IM apps?

Apple seems to have left off the Instant Messaging apps deliberately, I wonder if their contract with AT&T prohibits the iPhone from having an IM app? Otherwise we'd have iChat by now, since it's a fairly easy app to code...

I hope I'm wrong.
 
bravedeer said:
Apple seems to have left off the Instant Messaging apps deliberately, I wonder if their contract with AT&T prohibits the iPhone from having an IM app? Otherwise we'd have iChat by now, since it's a fairly easy app to code...

I hope I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Or possibly it implies that there is no need for them, since Apple is readying iChat for the iPhone :rolleyes: I could only wish...
 
does that mean i have to find a starbucks, pay $10 and log in before i can use a calculator on the iPod touch? and i can't read my notes unless i'm logged in to the internet?

they urgently need to allow this programs to be used offline. you just burn batteries if you use them online. and that is a problem even for the iphone. with the ipod tough you're lucky to have connection at all. i don't like that concept of applications that are ONLY on the web.

aside of that they are cool.
 
bravedeer said:
Apple seems to have left off the Instant Messaging apps deliberately, I wonder if their contract with AT&T prohibits the iPhone from having an IM app? Otherwise we'd have iChat by now, since it's a fairly easy app to code...

I hope I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Isn't it possible to use webmessenger or the aim exquivalent then on the iphone ?
 
So it's a bunch of website addresses? Errr...

Ok, it's a start, but I don't get reception everywhere. Downloadable, installable apps, please. Thank you.

Although weatherbug is pretty cool... :cool:
 
At least it's easier to find iPhone sites now. I wonder if the IM ones are on there or if Apple have really sold out to AT&T.
 
this would be great if you could use the apps offline, but what the point if you HAVE to be connected to the internet???????!
 
Not bad, keep people going until the SDK has to come out.

Now add a google gears style off-line webapp layer and I might be slightly impressed.
 
Nothing special IMO. I am curious about why they left off all the IM sites. Why must everything be a secret with Apple?
 
andiwm2003 said:
does that mean i have to find a starbucks, pay $10 and log in before i can use a calculator on the iPod touch? and i can't read my notes unless i'm logged in to the internet?

they urgently need to allow this programs to be used offline. you just burn batteries if you use them online. and that is a problem even for the iphone. with the ipod tough you're lucky to have connection at all. i don't like that concept of applications that are ONLY on the web.

aside of that they are cool.
Click to expand...

my sentiments exactly. what's the point of having these "apps" if you can only access them via the web? they're literally useless if you have no EDGE or WiFi connection.

i think many of these web apps are great and they'd be AWESOME if they could actually be installed without hacking the iphone or ipod touch.

although i do have to say it's a step in the right direction to have people developing web apps, but not quite there yet.

if/when a SDK is released, then will most people be happy/satisfied (i think).
 
I'm fine with having all add-on apps be based on HTML/CSS/JavaScript/etc. (hopefully including Flash one day). Look at Dashboard widgets, many of which offer massive functionality based on those same technologies.

BUT:

I would need a way to store those apps locally on the phone, NOT dependent on any network connection.

Preferably accessible separate from Safari, without browser controls.

Then the experience can be complete, and the difference vs. "real" executable apps would be largely academic. Remember, conventional Mac binaries will never run on an iPhone since iPhones use ARM processors instead of Intel or PPC. Until/unless iPhones use an Intel chip, iPhone apps will always be separate from Mac apps--as they should be, since the UI is different.

(I know there will always be some things that a binary executable can do better/faster, but I expect additional Apple-authorized apps to be coming anyway.)

If there are are security/stability benefits to NOT having random 3rd-party binaries on the iPhone (I'm reminded of all the stories of other phones crashing due to bad apps) then I'm OK with Apple choosing this route.

If real binaries and real dev tools can be done well and safely in future, then all the better! But I don't see how that could be possible yet: the iPhone OS is still young and in flux, and presents a moving target that is bound to cause problems for both developers and users. Apple-supported dev tools don't make sense until the platform settles down. Meanwhile, HTML/JavaScript/etc. provide a platform that can be counted on, and is easy to develop for. And which makes use of multitouch scroll and zoom, too.
 
A Pittarelli said:
this would be great if you could use the apps offline, but what the point if you HAVE to be connected to the internet???????!
Click to expand...

98% of the time I have an internet connection - that being said only about 80% of the time is it a good one. Edge is spotty - even here in Southern California.

Places I have had problems with EDGE:

On Planes
Road Trips
Hospitals (not supposed to use phone in exam rooms etc)
Parking Garages
Some older buildings

Im sure there are lots of places that unfortunately make Apple's plan of web apps not 100% feasible.

All that being said Im glad they made the directory - its something I will use and most likely use a lot.
 
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