JavaScript Creator Cautions Against Rushed Web UX Over Native Solutions Amid Windows 11’s Increased Focus on WebView2 and Electron

The ongoing evolution of Windows 11 has triggered significant criticism, particularly regarding its inclination towards web technologies. From applications like Discord and Teams to various integrated features such as Windows Search and the revamped Agenda view in the Notifications Center, users are increasingly noticing that the operating system is overcrowded with web-oriented components. This sentiment is echoed even by Brendan Eich, the co-founder of JavaScript and CEO of Brave, who has raised concerns about this trend.

Recently, I explored Microsoft’s public denial of claims suggesting that Windows 11 is being entirely rewritten using AI technology and Rust programming language. While that was a critical part of the discussion, it also led to a more pressing issue: the growing dependency of Windows 11 on web frameworks like WebView2 and Electron. My goal has been to highlight this “web-enshittification, ”drawing attention to its potential impacts on usability and performance.

Brendan Eich’s Concerns About Bloat in Windows 11

Brendan Eich, an influential figure in the tech community, including the founding of B2G OS (Firefox OS), has voiced his concerns about the excessiveness attributed to web applications over native solutions. He argues that while web apps can be designed effectively, the rush to utilize web technology often results in inefficiencies and bloat that hinder performance. This observation resonates particularly around applications like Discord, which struggles to optimize RAM usage under heavy load.

In a recent post on X, Eich pointed out that Windows 11 faces a significant challenge related to WebView2 and Electron, emphasizing that “it can be done right; it takes time” to avoid bloat. He expressed concern that these frameworks are often implemented hastily, leading to user frustration and suboptimal application performance.

The Debate: Web vs. Native

The conversation surrounding web applications often leads to a debate about the merits of web versus native development. Some users have suggested that the reliance on WebView may facilitate the rise of subscription-based software models. Eich countered this view, questioning how the distinction between web and native contributes to such agendas. He pointed out that native applications can, in fact, serve as a more efficient tool for user lock-in, thereby complicating the argument against web applications.

Eich’s perspective expands into the broader business incentives governing software development today. He highlighted a shift from traditional ownership models to subscription-based systems, noting how these dynamics contribute to what he terms “enshittification, ”characterized by strategies that prioritize short-term profit over user experience.

The Necessity for Quality in Web Applications

While web applications are not inherently problematic, they must be implemented with care and consideration for their context. Notably, features as fundamental as the Notifications Center do not necessarily require web technology; however, Windows 11 has chosen to introduce a WebView2-based Agenda view, which leads to a concerning increase in RAM usage. Monitoring tools show that processes associated with Edge can experience RAM spikes, which detracts from system efficiency.

For independent developers, utilizing web frameworks for cross-platform applications can certainly be beneficial. Nonetheless, it raises questions when tech giants like Microsoft—valued at over $3.5 trillion—struggle to create a native user interface for something as simple as a Calendar Agenda view. This trend needs reevaluation.

What are your thoughts on this approach? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.

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