The Mira App: Why HTML5 Rocks

This year we were very happy to have the opportunity to work with TechPoint on a mobile app for their annual Mira Awards event.

I got a chance to directly contribute code to the app and I must say I had a blast. I actually had so much fun I found myself waking up at 3am to keep improving it.

While I had originally looked at JQuery Mobile, PhoneGap, and Appcelerator, I ultimately chose Sencha Touch, a high-performance HTML5 mobile application framework for building universal apps that run on any device. I love its consistent user experience across all platforms, not just iPhones and Androids. This means we also get an output for Windows Mobile and Blackberry users, which is pretty slick.

The Mira App now boasts a native look, even though it's an HTML5 app. Users can bookmark it like a webpage that saves content locally. It gets real-time updates for fast and responsive interaction between the event organizers and their audience.

HTML5 rocks because of its standards compliance out of the box and its faster, leaner UI for most of our needs. Really, unless you need 3D rendering and accelerated graphics, you most likely don't need a native app. Especially since Sencha Touch still gives you access to core hardware functionalities such as GPS, camera, and other sensors using native packaging tools.

Also, with HTML5, there is no third party approval process to slow you down. Yet you still have the possibility of adding your HTML5 apps to the Apple and Android stores if desired.

So, if you are interested in getting your feet wet with HTML5, I would recommend Sencha Touch: check out their online video tutorials and the Kitchen Sink (note: use Safari or Google Chrome to view the Kitchen Sink). Also, be sure to invest some time upfront in learning the thought-process behind how Sencha Touch constructs an app. Once you understand it, you will leverage the framework instead of fighting it.

If you'd like to discuss a mobile app for your organization or upcoming event, contact us.

You can also learn more about our integrated mobile app solutions.