How 5G and Progressive Web Apps may fix Microsoft's app gap

[Windows Central]

Surface folding device fan render, by David Breyer.
Microsoft's ambitions for Windows 10, cellular PCs and its potential folding mobile device have an undeniable Achilles Heel - the app gap. But there may be a solution on the horizon.
Microsoft's personal computing efforts are often met with legitimate criticisms about its app gap. It lacks the developer support critical to the modern app model.


Full story from the WindowsCentral blog...

 

[agd87]

I always thought web apps are the way to go to ensure true cross platform compatibility with minimal effort rather than trying to code an app for each device. I’m sure they’ll be some slight tweaks to be made for each platform but nowhere near as much as native apps.

My only issue is how well will Progessive Web Apps be able to communicate with network devices? Native apps can achieve this pretty smoothly. E.g. Will a PWA be able to access my NAS drive? Will a PWA Sky app be able to communicate with my Sky Box via my WiFi? Will I be able to cast media to another device?