Question

Download an applications that has both a free web and mobile version. Research any known safety risks for the apps. If you determine the app is safe, have access to the appropriate device, and would like to test the mobile app, you can download it to a smartphone or other mobile device.

Try accessing the web app on a computer. Using your experience or research, note the differences in functionality between the web and mobile app. Is one or the other easier to use? Discuss your answer.

Answer 1

Let’s take the an example of Netflix.

Netflix is very widely used by everyone across the world, it’s an online streaming app/website where you can watch your favorite shows and series. It can be accessed via app or web. Coming to the app version which is available on any smartphone device, it provides good quality and can be watched anywhere. It’s very easy to use and navigate, and also no commercials to interrupt! Security risks are actually prevented a lot as their firewall is quite strong. A few risks can include having a weaker password, where an intruder can easily guess or you can be sent fake emails where you’ll be asked to enter your details of login. Netflix has good security as it’s their priority. So the smartphone device version of app provides ease of access, stream it anywhere, can be downloaded as well and viewed offline, etc. The web app provides same features as well except for the fact that the screen is bigger. There's a difference in selecting the options while playing, but overall it's very similar. And I prefer the mobile app as it can be connected to your smart TV and watched, it has a bigger screen. In case there's no presence of a smart TV, I'd prefer the web app. Netflix is also available to download from chrome on Desktop. Web app is easier to use and more convenient while watching on a laptop/PC.

Another example can be Online shopping app, such as Amazon, etc. We know that the mobile app is better to use as it's easier to scroll through the items you want to check, the interface and design is a lot easier to use. While coming to the web app, it provides lower quality, it's generally hard to click and go through it. It's easier to use mobile apps for such shopping for me.

comment for any clarifications!