GetJar slaps down Google predictions of mobile web dominance

GetJar VP of marketing Patrick Mork says the evolution of the mobile web won't replace downloadable applications.

"Users will always opt for the method that most suits them and it’s important that apps and the mobile web both continue to exist, much as software and web applications complement each other on the PC," he says.

"It’s inconceivable that mobile apps will be phased out as they are not hindered by the speed or performance of the network. Users can download an app and run it regardless of being online or not, while the mobile web will be used for different scenarios."

Although he didn't refer to Google by name, Mork was clearly responding to recent comments by Google's engineering boss Vic Gundotra, who said that as mobile browsers get more powerful, web apps will take over from the currently popular downloadable apps.

"In our eyes, the mobile apps and mobile web both have a future, although mobile apps will dominate on the mobile web," says Mork.

"Apps offer the flexibility and functionality to take full advantage of new handset features, especially as handsets have such a quick development lifecycle. There will always be some things that users want to do on their mobile that are not possible or as attractive via the mobile web."