Mobile Application Development

PWAHub – a platform for mobile PWA applications

We designed and developed PWAHub, our own distribution platform for modern progressive web applications. The solution brings a diverse range of mobile apps together in one catalogue and provides a shared approach to their presentation, installation and operation.

Project brief and objectives

The objective was to create an alternative distribution channel that would make mobile applications available without relying on traditional app stores such as the App Store and Google Play. The platform needed to be easy to use, support multiple app types and business models, and deliver an experience comparable to a native mobile application.

Reference solution

PWAHub serves as the common entry point to the entire ecosystem. Users select an application from a clear catalogue, open its installation page and save it directly to their phone's home screen. The unified platform supports both free applications and solutions offering in-app purchases or exclusive digital content.

The architecture enables independent applications to be created for specific customers, brands and use cases on top of a shared technology base. Each product can have its own visual identity, content and features while retaining a consistent installation process and common operating principles.

Key platform features

• a catalogue and presentation layer for progressive web applications,
• installation from a mobile browser on Android and iOS devices,
• launching from the home screen in standalone mode,
• support for free, paid and exclusive digital content,
• a responsive interface optimised for mobile devices,
• the ability to use selected features with limited connectivity,
• a shared foundation for the continued development of customer applications.

Delivered applications

The PWAHub ecosystem is used by applications covering a broad range of use cases. These include the Treasure Private interactive content platform, the Plateo nutrition app, the Rugby Club Tatra Smíchov club app, the Play Prague!, Digitoulky and Metro 50 geolocation games, the interactive City Guide, and the CubeIQ home power plant management application.

Technical solution

The applications use Progressive Web App technologies, particularly a web app manifest and Service Workers. As a result, they can be installed directly from a supported browser, displayed with their own icon on the device's home screen and used in much the same way as conventional mobile apps. Web technology also makes it possible to operate a single continuously updated application across supported platforms.

Benefits of the solution

The result is an extensible ecosystem that shortens the journey from development to end user and makes it efficient to launch additional specialised applications. Users benefit from straightforward installation and consistent access to content, while customers and partners gain a flexible foundation for delivering their own mobile solution without having to develop and distribute separate native applications.

Reference web links