Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here, but I don't think the argument is to cede the web to documents, but I also don't think the idea is to cede all functionality to apps.
I think the problem is the hype about native apps and everyone wanting an app without understanding their purposes, utility, and unique characteristics. There are situations where a web app / site is the exceedingly more appropriate solution, but there are other uses where a native app is equally exceedingly more appropriate. The problem is that people are having a difficult time discerning the two and the appropriateness of each.
I don't agree with this article and the sentiment about the critical question being whether people want your icon on their homescreen as being the differentiating characteristic. What is not discussed is the possibility for putting the icon on the home screen as a link to a web view that can function the way a native app can function. It even addresses a question regarding distribution if you simply ask your user whether they want to "install" or add an icon to their homescreen to install your "app" / web app / site. It can be designed in such a fashion that it is indistinguishable from a native app of a certain type that has rather narrow requirements.
I think the problem is the hype about native apps and everyone wanting an app without understanding their purposes, utility, and unique characteristics. There are situations where a web app / site is the exceedingly more appropriate solution, but there are other uses where a native app is equally exceedingly more appropriate. The problem is that people are having a difficult time discerning the two and the appropriateness of each.
I don't agree with this article and the sentiment about the critical question being whether people want your icon on their homescreen as being the differentiating characteristic. What is not discussed is the possibility for putting the icon on the home screen as a link to a web view that can function the way a native app can function. It even addresses a question regarding distribution if you simply ask your user whether they want to "install" or add an icon to their homescreen to install your "app" / web app / site. It can be designed in such a fashion that it is indistinguishable from a native app of a certain type that has rather narrow requirements.