Google believe the days of the mobile phone app are numbered

So Google think that apps for mobile phones won't last, that places like Apple's app store are a fad and that the future is in web based applications.

Well, they would wouldn't they? Google's business plan revolves around web applications.

But lets examine the prospect. For web based apps to work on a mobile device you need a good signal all the time, and for s lot of apps you need a 3G signal because if the amount if data involved. 3G coverage is spotty at best in many cities and with increased uptake, speeds drop. A recent survey in London found that day time speeds were rarely above 1Mbps. Service providers are about to start rolling out a 4G service, but they haven't even got a country wide 3G service yet.

To take an example: to do lists. An app sorely missing from the iPhone. There are plenty of web based to do sites, Toddledo fir example. Do you really want to be dependant on a good web connection for something so important? How would you feel if you couldn't get at your to dos because you don't have a data signal where you are?

So I don't think web based apps are going to take off any time soon.