What is a Progressive Web App?

Progressive web apps (PWA) are a relatively new generation of web applications that combine the best features of both regular websites and mobile apps in a user-friendly way, and do it on any given device to create a more engaging and responsive experience for your users.

A PWA can deliver push notifications, and leverage device hardware in a similar way to native apps. And progressive web apps are not only ultra-fast, they can also continue to work even when the user isn’t connected to the internet.

Service workers, the technology behind this feature, are files that run separately from the main browser. These have the flexibility to manage network requests to retrieve them from the local cache, minimising the amount of data needed to run the app, and delivering much better performance than traditional web apps.

Advantages of Progressive Web Apps.

Discoverability and easy installation are some of the best features of PWA. Because it’s a website that’s sort of boxed up into an app, you can find a PWA using your usual search engine, without the need to visit the Play Store or app store. And once you’ve found it, it installs automatically.

App-like experience.

PWAs are designed to provide a user experience similar to a native app, together with the open nature of the web. Unlike traditional web apps, PWAs are designed to work on any device with a standards-compliant browser. They adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring a consistent user experience across platforms.

Instant updates.

A PWA comes with none of the usual problems of launching a new version of a mobile app. You simply upload new files to your server. PWA features mean that publishers have full control of content and can implement patches immediately, so you always get to use the most current version of the application.

Security.

PWAs use the HTTPS protocol which means the data transmitted is encrypted, so it’s more difficult to intercept and change. It’s also a guarantee of the safety and reliability of publishers.

Using device features.

Because PWAs are built using the latest web technologies, they can be accessed via URL, like a website, and also integrated with the device and other installed apps such as a camera, GPS, or fingerprint scanner.

Why co.agency uses Progressive Web App technology?

Ultimately, it ensures the agencies we work with and their clients always have the most up to date version of the web app. PWAs take up less space on your device than native apps so if you’re using your personal device we’re sure you’ll appreciate every kilobyte of free memory. Not to mention the enhanced security and encryption gives you and your clients peace of mind that your data is safe.

How to install Progressive Web Apps.

The process to install a Progressive Web App (PWA) can vary depending on the device and operating system. Before completing these steps check to make sure your home screen layout isn’t locked which may prevent new apps from being added.

• Android: Use the Chrome browser to navigate to the PWA site, then select the three dot icon in the upper right corner. Select ‘Add to Home screen’, then press Add in the pop-up. 
• iOS: You can only use Safari to download a PWA on Apple devices. First, navigate to the PWA site, then press the “Share” button (bottom of your screen square with the arrow pointing up) and select “Add to Home Screen” from the popup. Then look towards the top right corner and tap “Add” to finish installing the PWA. It will now be on your home screen.

When you attempt to login on a mobile device while using the co.agency portal on your browser, you may be prompted to install the PWA without needing to follow the steps above. Once installed, PWAs behave like any other applications.

Why not consider a 30 day free trial with co.agency and see how our PWA performs for you. You’ll even get £100 off per month for a whole year with the code INTRO100.