Mozilla Apps

The user's perspective: Lock-in

• I want a shiny device that runs my favorite apps, what are my options?

• Each stack works great! But, what happens if I use some combination of Android/Windows/iOS?
• Can't expect stores to honor each others' purchases; can't even expect same apps in every store

The developer's perspective

• I want exposure (broad potential customer base, easy discoverability), do I have to port my app to each stack?

Why not use the web stack?

• Every device running a modern web browser can run webapps; users and developers are freed!
• User perception: native Apps > webapps
  • e.g. Can't run offline (even though they can), "This is just a bookmark"
• Developer effort: Can't just submit an app and wait for checks to roll in

"Mozilla Apps" Fills in the Gaps

• Integrates HTML5 apps with platform; as native as possible
• Helps solve hard problem of payment verification

I've written an HTML5 app, make it a Mozilla App!

• Host an app manifest from the same domain as your HTML5 app
  • e.g. favimon - Favimon manifest
• Invoke the Apps JavaScript API (aka "MozApps API") to manage installation of your app
  • getSelf - check if your app is installed; returns App Object that contains receipts for verification/validation
  • install - install your app (e.g. from an "install" button)

Try it out yourself!

Marketplace

• Mozilla Labs Apps test directory

Desktop

Alpha implementation currently available in Firefox Nightly (test with one of the marketplace links above)

Mobile

"Bare bones" implementation currently available in Fennec Nightly (download using QR code below)