Welcome to Appscope
Welcome to Appscope, one of the leading directories for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Here you can find hundreds of web-based applications that are compatible with all devices.
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What are Progressive Web Apps?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are the future of apps. Advancements in web browser technologies have made it possible to create web-based applications that mimic and offer the same functionality as native (traditional) applications. This means that apps can now be made just as easily as websites, and that developers no longer need developer licenses to distribute them.
Just like an increasing number of desktop-based applications nowadays offer their functionality online, mobile applications are about to move to the browser as well.
How do I install PWAs?
Although not required, you may save PWAs to your home screen to make them more accessible.
Android
Many PWAs will automatically prompt an install button when you visit the app in the web browser. If not, tap the button next to the address field and select "Add to Home screen" in the list of options that appears.
iOS
While using a PWA in Safari, tap the button in the browser. Scroll right among the options that appear and select "Add to Home Screen".
How are PWAs better than traditional apps?
There are many reasons why PWAs are better than traditional apps. Here are some of their most promising advantages.
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Cross-platform compatibility
Unlike native applications that need to be developed for either desktop, iOS, or Android, PWAs are compatible with all three! This means as a developer, you only need to develop one application to reach users on all platforms.
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Simpler development
Creating a PWA is just as easy as creating a website. PWAs are made with HTML5 and Javascript, and do not require niche programming languages like Swift.
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App Store independence
As browser-based applications, PWAs are not subject to the bureaucracy of the traditional app stores. This means that updates can be made instantly, without the having to await the approval of a review team. Similarly, no developer license is required and developers keep all of their earnings (avoiding the 30% transaction fee that is forced upon native apps.)
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Search engine friendly
Unlike native applications, PWAs are discoverable and listed by search engines, making them easier to be found by new users.
How do I submit a PWA to Appscope?
We are always looking for new apps to add to our directory. If you know of a great Progressive Web App, use this form to let us know about it.
How do I contact you?
If you have any questions or suggestions, please shoot us an email at [email protected]. For press inquiries, see our press page.
Introduction
We are always looking for new Progressive Web Apps to add to our directory. To make it easier for developers and submitters to develop and find suitable apps, we have compiled guidelines outlining the specific qualities we are looking for. In essence, we are looking for apps that use the latest web technologies to create excellent app-like experiences served inside the user’s browser.
Technical features
There are four main technical features that constitute a Progressive Web App that works well on every major platform.
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HTTPS
A Progressive Web App must be secure. Even static websites should always be served over HTTPS due to the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks and tampering.
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Manifest
The manifest file provides metadata about your progressive web app such as icon and title, and is necessary for the discoverability and installability of your app.
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Service Worker
A Progressive Web App should provide a Service Worker that enables the app to function offline.
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iOS Icon
In order to be installable on iOS, your Progressive Web App should include an apple-touch-icon
link tag with an iOS icon.
To test how well your app implements these features, Lighthouse is a good tool that is built-in to Chrome and gives you concrete and actionable results.
Quality
In addition to looking at the technical features of your app, we also evaluate its general quality and appeal to users.
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App-likeness
Your progressive web app should feel fluid and fast. It should also be able to run standalone without the context of a browser.
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Usefulness
Apps we list are useful and provide functionality or a meaningful experience for its users. We very rarely accept personal blogs or websites. Your app can target a niche audience, but the value it provides must be clear.
If you have built or found an app that seems like a good fit for us, please submit it here. We love to see what creative web developers come up with!