alt Hacker NewsI guess for the author's limited worldview - "apps" are only available through the app stores.
could be an unfortunate thing of the author growing up in an era of gated ecosystems.
however much of the software out there - is via web - and some desktop - some internal use - some external - some shit without ui - some billed yearly, some billed by subscriptions
but I guess tell us how AI is gonna kill subscriptions
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The salient point is it is becoming easier and easier for end-users to create apps for their use cases, rather than having to rely on a developer, or packaged apps.
I can come up with a few ideas that could work, but lately I have opted not to give my ideas out for free. I do think we are over estimating actual apps complexity given that Apple is strict about what goes into their app store. As for websites the complexity of hosting a vibe coded app is often overlooked.
That all said, I could see some killer features coming to AI companies if they really want to make a dent.
I think it depends on what percentage of apps need a website. Most users use apps on their devices, for me, I don't want to open another website when I need an App if it's avoidable.
Actually I've been making several webapps with AI lately, for things I've always wished for and can now selfhost.
At one point I had an idea I brought to AI, got ready to code it, then said "wait, someone has to have done this before me", sure enough, found it, written with warp!
So I can't say it'll kill all app subscriptions, but AI is definitely enabling people to finally make reality out of that idea they've had rattling around their heads but never took the time to realise.