Aims to bridge the gap between progressive web applications (PWAs) and native applications, making PWAs more useful, appealing, and accessible to everyone. This effort is a collaboration between the Chromium community and companies such as Google, Microsoft, and other contributors from the broader web community.
What are PWAs?
PWAs are web applications designed to be fast, reliable, and capable of being installed on devices as if they were native applications. They use modern APIs to:
- Enhance capabilities: Access advanced hardware and features.
- Ensure reliability: Load quickly and work seamlessly, even offline.
- Simplify installation: Behave like traditional apps.
With these enhancements, PWAs combine the best of the web and native applications.
Why "Fugu Project"?
The name "Fugu" refers to the Japanese pufferfish, known for being delicious but dangerous if not prepared correctly. This symbolism captures the essence of the project: the new APIs can be very powerful, but if not implemented carefully, they can pose risks.
Examples of advanced capabilities and risks:
- Advanced capabilities: File system access, video editing tools, integration with Bluetooth and USB devices.
- Potential risks: These tools must ensure user security and privacy.
The Fugu Project focuses on enabling these capabilities while maintaining a balance between utility and security.
Key APIs in the Fugu Project
- File System Access API: Allows applications to read and write files directly on the user's system.
- Web Share API and Web Share Target API: Facilitates sharing content between web and native apps.
- Contact Picker API: Provides access to device contacts with explicit permission.
- Web Bluetooth and Web USB: Enables connection with physical devices to extend functionality.
- Badging API: Displays notifications and counts on the installed app's icon.
Benefits of the Fugu Project
- Universal compatibility: PWAs work on any device with a browser.
- Hassle-free updates: Always up-to-date without requiring downloads from an app store.
- Better user experience: Access to features previously exclusive to native apps.
Security and the Future of PWAs
The Fugu Project aims to expand PWA capabilities securely. It works to mitigate risks through explicit permissions and the development of responsible practices for developers.
With Fugu, PWAs are evolving beyond being mere web versions. They are a powerful tool transforming how we interact with technology.
Bonus: The Momentum website https://momentum-fw.dev/ uses the Web USB API to install an alternative firmware to the default one on FlipperZero.
More examples and inspiration at:
https://developer.chrome.com/docs/capabilities/fugu-showcase
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