zlacker

Push notifications and home-screen icons are strictly opt-in. If you don't want them, don't opt, simple as. I use webapps for several things because I can much better protect myself from tracking and data-harvesting with a well-configured browser than I can using a native app.

>>fredle+(OP)
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.

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

>>marpst+21
> This isn't new.

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

>>marpst+21
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).

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

>>interp+A
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.

>>interp+A
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.

>>jasonl+w4
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.

>>Spivak+N9
One where the developer does not have enough resources to develop for and support multiple platforms?

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

>>Spivak+N9
> 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?

>>Spivak+N9
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?

>>Spivak+5n
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.

>>jdauri+rf
You get it.