The basic difference is that a Progressive Web App (PWA) is not compiled for any specific platform; instead, it is compiled so that it runs in a browser. As a result, a PWA does not require installation since it uses the browser’s connection to the device’s operating system to access device resources as needed.

Although Vernier’s PWAs run in a browser, they generally do not require internet connectivity to run after initial use. This is because the code needed to run the app is stored in the browser history similar to how web pages are stored. Although you will need periodic internet connectivity to check for and apply updates, or to verify for-purchase licenses, you can use a PWA offline for at least two-weeks (and often much longer) if needed.

PWAs are required for Chromebooks as native (aka, packaged) ChromeOS apps are no longer supported by Google.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

To access a PWA, open a new tab in your Chrome (or Edge) browser and enter the URL noted below.

Note: Vernier Video Analysis is a for-purchase app and requires a valid license key to use the app.

These PWAs require a current Chrome (or Edge) browser running on ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, or Android devices. Sensors can connect by Bluetooth or, if the device supports it, USB. Vernier Video Analysis can also run in Safari, as that app does not require data collection with sensors. 

Installed Apps

Access to native (installed) apps are from the Vernier website (Windows and macOS computers), Apple’s App Store (iPhone and iPad), or Google Play (Android phones and tablets). As the name suggests, these versions require installation on the device on which they are used. For quick access to the installers, use the links below.

There is no installed version of Vernier Video Analysis. It is a PWA only.

Comparison—Pros and Cons

Progress Web Apps Installed Apps
Pros
● No Installation Required
● Supports Chrome OS devices
● Performance (speed) can be better
● App URL can be bookmarked for easy access		 Pros
● Access to App is familiar to users
● Supports iOS and iPadOS devices
● Automatic identification of USB connect devices
● Supports Local Data Sharing with LabQuests
Cons
● Connection to USB devices is not automatic
● Local Data Sharing w/LabQuests not supported
● Not supported on iPad/iPadOS devices
● May require periodic internet connectivity		 Cons
● May require Admin rights for installation
● Not supported on Chromebooks
● Updates not applied automatically (computers)
● Restrictive minimum OS version support

Background Information

Initially, Vernier developed separate applications, from totally separate code bases, for computers, Chromebooks, iPads/iPhones, and Android devices. This made the user experience very different when going between applications on different devices.

In 2016, Vernier made the decision to build our software for the future using a common code base from which our newest data-collection apps would be developed. Starting with Graphical Analysis v4.0, we developed apps that used a common user interface across all platforms. While these applications are built from a common code base, they still require separate compiling for different platforms.

In 2020, Google announced that is was ending support for native apps run on ChromeOS devices (Chromebooks) in favor of Progress Web Apps. Installed apps, accessed through the Chrome Web Store, were no longer going to work on a Chromebook. That support officially ended in January 2025.

In response to the change imposed by Google, Vernier released the first PWA version of Graphical Analysis in the summer of 2022. In late 2024, Vernier discontinued all native-ChromeOS apps in favor of the PWA versions.

While these PWA versions were developed for Chromebooks, they can also be use on Windows and macOS computers that have a Chrome (or Edge) browser installed. The PWAs can also work on Android devices, however, we recommend the installed version available from Google Play for those devices. (Note: Due to browser limitations, PWAs cannot be used on iPhone or iPad.)

Additional Links

Published: June 10, 2022. Updated: March 25, 2025.