I would much prefer a new browser that makes true native web apps possible with a one-click install to indicate trust.
A browser built with Electron that exposes Node.js and otherwise keeps away from the HTML5 kitchen sink, in order to push innovation away from the spec committees and back out to the community. Vital technology like TCP, UDP, DNS, and the filesystem is being locked up behind a fascade of poorly implemented APIs.
A browser with a small, efficient core, optimized for rendering, and with a brilliant app install system, and brilliant native cross-platform integration. The time is ripe.
Agreed on the idea, not necessarily the implementation. I have 2 modes when browsing - reading (docs, news, etc.) or using an application (Gmail, banking, etc.). I do not want to download a >2MB application just to read 1000 words (hence why I wrote this Chrome extension https://github.com/srpeck/readingmode). And when I am using a web application, I would like more say over what it can do and when/if I have to update it - more the Chrome app/extension model.
Plus, as a developer I would really like this model, as it allows the browser to open up even more of the operating system functions, especially the file system, leading to less workarounds.
The APIs you describe are not 'locked up' by 'spec committees'. They're typically implemented by browser developers within the community, based on the demands of developers and users, grow towards standardisation cross-browser, and are eventually developed into official specifications.
> Are you aware of any existing, serious effort to build such a thing?
NaCl (>90% of native performence) comes to mind. Too bad NaCl apps can only be downloaded via chrome web store not by visiting url like PNaCl (~10% of native performence).
A browser built with Electron that exposes Node.js and otherwise keeps away from the HTML5 kitchen sink, in order to push innovation away from the spec committees and back out to the community. Vital technology like TCP, UDP, DNS, and the filesystem is being locked up behind a fascade of poorly implemented APIs.
A browser with a small, efficient core, optimized for rendering, and with a brilliant app install system, and brilliant native cross-platform integration. The time is ripe.