ACTION-47: Draft a chapter outline of "What is a Web App?"

Here is a stab at ACTION-47 (http://www.w3.org/community/coremob/track/actions/47), drafted by Bryan Sullivan and I. Please let me know if this helps to define "What is a Web App" at least within the context of the CoreMob requirements scope.
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What is a mobile Web app?

First, a mobile Web app is mobile.  That means that it is meant to be used on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Further, it is likely to be used in and between various network environments, and usable when the user's device is network-connected (online), or offline. It may be expressly intended for offline use only, requiring no network connection after being loaded or installed.

Next, while being based on Web technologies (e.g. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), mobile Web apps can be implemented using WebView APIs in a native code wrapper, as installable Web apps using various standards-based and proprietary app packaging, or as Web browser-based apps.

Mobile Web apps  may be loaded on-demand from a Web server, may use installed or persistently cached Web content, or may use a combination of both installed/cached and on-demand Web content.

Mobile Web apps are typically single/special purpose rather than general purpose apps. They also focus on simple presentation and ease of user interaction, leveraging diverse forms of user input including touch, on-screen or dedicated keyboards, accelerometer, and speech.

Mobile Web apps are designed to work well in diverse environments and device form factors or orientations, and often use device information (e.g. geolocation) to provide a more contextually relevant user experience. 

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Jennifer Leong
Web Technologies SME

AT&T Services, Inc.
Rethink Possible(SM)

Developer Program
16221 NE 72nd Way
Redmond, WA 98052
P: 425.580.6759
jennifer.leong@att.com

att.com

Received on Sunday, 12 August 2012 16:24:31 UTC