# App Shortcomings and User Experience Half-baked functionalities in Google and other companies' apps frustrate users. - **Source:** [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Product Management](https://brifing.si/c/product) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/26ea098a-83a9-4e85-9701-9798de4e5892 ## Google's Half-Finished Apps Google's apps often come with incomplete functionalities or unresolved bugs. For instance, even a simple task like subscribing to an event calendar doesn't work properly in the app. Users are forced to revert to the desktop mode of the website. This highlights the shortcomings in Google's product development processes. ## App vs. Web Usage Differences Many companies prefer apps to maintain a permanent presence on users' home screens. However, apps often offer limited functionalities and redirect users to web browsers. Meanwhile, web browsers can perform many functions better than apps. This raises the question of whether apps are truly necessary. ## App Update Challenges One of the biggest issues with mobile apps is the complexity of update processes. Every new feature or page must be tested on thousands of devices. This delays the rollout of updates to users. While dynamic loading of new features is a solution, it essentially mimics the core functionality of web browsers. ## Pros and Cons of Apps Apps have advantages like home screen icons and offline functionality. However, web browsers are increasingly catching up. For example, websites can now add icons to home screens and work offline. These advancements call into question the future of apps. ## Companies' App Strategies Many companies opt for apps to boost user engagement and meet leadership targets. However, half-baked or limited apps negatively impact user experience. This reveals gaps in companies' product strategies. ## App Evolution from Past to Present In the early days of phone apps, platforms like Symbian, BlackBerry, and Palm Pilot were dominant. Even today, adding and distributing new app features takes time. This issue becomes more apparent when compared to the flexibility of web browsers. ## User Preferences and Expectations Users expect apps to be more comprehensive and seamless. Incomplete functionalities or constant redirections to web browsers degrade user experience. Companies need to put more effort into completing their apps and meeting user needs. ## The Future of Apps The future of apps is being questioned as web browsers advance. Web technologies can mimic many app advantages. Companies may face a choice between completing their apps or shifting to web-based solutions. User experience will be at the heart of this decision. ## Sources covering this story - https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2026/08/it-works-better-in-the-app/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._