Hello.

The Web Share Target API is now available as an origin trial in Chrome, bridging the gap between web and native apps. Previously, only native apps could register as share targets, limiting the web's ability to seamlessly integrate with system-level sharing functionalities. This new API empowers installed web apps to receive shared content, opening up exciting possibilities for web developers. The API's potential is highlighted by Twitter's early adoption and my own experimentation with a custom manifest.json file. While file support is still pending, the future looks bright for effortless content sharing between web and native environments.

This post discusses the problem of content silos on the web, particularly how native apps dominate sharing functionalities, limiting the web's reach. It highlights the irony of navigator.share, which, while enabling web sharing, still directs users towards native apps. The post emphasizes the need for the web to participate more actively in user interactions. It celebrates the 'Improved add to home-screen' feature for PWAs on Android, generating APKs and making them function more like native apps. Finally, it introduces the promising 'Share Target API', allowing PWAs to receive shared content, including links, thus breaking down silos and fostering a more inclusive web ecosystem.