Unlocking the Power of Native Mobile and Desktop Experiences on the Web
A revolutionary initiative is underway to bridge the gap between web and native applications. Project Fugu, a collaborative effort between Microsoft, Intel, and Google, aims to bring native mobile and desktop functionalities to the web while maintaining security, privacy, and trust.
What is Project Fugu?
Project Fugu is a cross-company initiative focused on providing web developers with access to native APIs, enabling them to create seamless experiences across devices and operating systems. This ambitious project seeks to close the capability gap between the web and native, making it easy for developers to build great experiences on the open web.
The Future of Web Development
With Project Fugu, developers will no longer need to create separate mobile and desktop applications to access native APIs. Instead, they can leverage a set of new web APIs to build powerful, device-agnostic experiences. This shift has the potential to transform the way we develop and interact with web applications.
Exploring the APIs
Several APIs are already available for experimentation, including the Badging API, File System Access API, and Contact Picker API. These APIs offer a range of possibilities, from notifying users of important events to interacting with files on their local devices.
Getting Started
To begin exploring these APIs, you’ll need a solid foundation in HTML, JavaScript, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Create a new directory for your project, and set up a PWA using the live server extension in VS Code. Then, follow along with our examples to see how these APIs can enhance your web application.
The Badging API
The Badging API allows developers to notify users of important events, such as new messages or updates, with a subtle, non-intrusive badge on the app’s icon. This API is perfect for chat or email applications, where users need to stay informed without being distracted.
The File System Access API
The File System Access API enables users to interact with files on their local devices, much like text editors, IDEs, and video editors do. Developers can read and write files directly on a user’s device, creating a seamless experience across platforms.
The Contact Picker API
The Contact Picker API, available on Android devices running Chrome 80 or later, allows users to access their contact list on the web. This functionality has been native to mobile OS for a long time, and with Project Fugu, it’s now possible on the web.
The Future of Web Development is Here
Project Fugu is revolutionizing the way we develop and interact with web applications. With these new APIs, developers can create powerful, device-agnostic experiences that rival native applications. Join the movement and start exploring the possibilities of Project Fugu today!