Not Apps, Rule on the iPad — Domain Names

Is the iPad changing how we consume web content?

In January I wrote a post regarding the iPad and how it could be bad for domainers. Devices such as the iPad seek to replace traditional web browsing with apps, thereby rendering the URL useless for accessing content.

Reglike reader Gavin sent over an interesting view from Jason Fry writing for Nieman Journalism Lab. Following using the iPad for a couple weeks, Fry states that web browsing still rules on the iPad; it offers a better experience than apps:

Following regarding a week of using the iPad, I started deleting apps, since the websites themselves were perfectly adequate. This is the reverse experience of the iPhone. On the iPhone, the browser was used only in emergencies, and apps ruled. On the iPad, at least for now, the opposite is true — the browser is superb, and renders many apps superfluous.

Granted, Fry’s reliance on the browser has a lot to do with the early state of most iPad apps. Over time app creators will figure it out, potentially making apps better than web browsing. But it begs the question: if I have a nice, 10″ screen for web browsing, why would I need an individual app for each news site?