On: Apple’s refusal to support Progressive Web Apps is...

[interpol_p]

As I said, desktop Safari allows websites to prompt me for push notifications.

I can't stand it: that a web site has the ability to display a modal prompt sheet that I have to cancel.

[matthewmacleod → interpol_p]

There's a preference to disable this, though. Don't get me wrong - it's awful and I hate it. But I'm sure there are valid use-cases for people who use e.g. webmail.

[marpstar → interpol_p]

This isn't new. Desktop browsers have been showing modal prompts via the javascript `prompt()` method for quite some time.

[santaclaus → marpstar]

> This isn't new.

Just because it is old doesn't make it a good user experience.

[falcolas → marpstar]

It's not coincidental that the ability to do so has been actively limited by so many browsers (with opt-out forever options in some cases).

[fredley → interpol_p]

It's not modal (like `alert`), it doesn't steal focus, at least not on any browser I've used.

[jasonlotito → interpol_p]

Disable it.

It's a feature some people like and use. I like getting notifications from some services I use without needing to keep a browser window open on that page to get notified. And I like not having to download and install yet another flipping app to get that feature.

[Spivak → jasonlotito]

I cant imagine a service that you frequent enough to want push notifications but not enough that you would be willing to install a native app for a smoother experience.

[jasonlotito → Spivak]

Installing an app is not a smoother experience. Allowing notifications is one click. Also, apps don't always have the same features as websites. You also make the assumption that services I use with browser notifications also have apps. This is not true in the slightest. And in some cases, I still prefer the website over an app.

How is it hard to imagine a service I don't frequent use but when I do, I want notifications? I use these services a few times a year at most. Why would I want to install an app if they have it?

[jdauriemma → Spivak]

One where the developer does not have enough resources to develop for and support multiple platforms?

[Spivak → jdauriemma]

Right, but the parent's argument is that web notifications are a way to avoid installing a native app.

[jasonlotito → Spivak]

My argument is not limited to some thin line you define. Please don't speak for me or put words in my mouth that are not true.

[jasonlotito → jdauriemma]

You get it.

[fenomas → Spivak]

> I cant imagine a service that you frequent enough to want push notifications but not enough that you would be willing to install a native app for a smoother experience.

Um. Email?