I’d like to be able to “Install” the web app (app.plex.tv) from my browser so it creates a shortcut in my start menu/desktop/task bar.
I don’t need offline capabilities or sync capabilities, I just want a lightweight player that doesn’t require any binary installation and doesn’t require opening the browser to type the url.
This could be achieved by simply adding an app manifest at the root of the application. Web app manifests | MDN (mozilla.org)
Simply copy the shortcut to your web browser and edit the command line. Append the web address of the web app.
So, on Windows it can be
"C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" http://your_plex_server_ip:32400/web
or alternatively
"C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" https://app.plex.tv
Now copy this shortcut wherever you like it.
If you have an .ico file with the plex logo, you can give the link a fitting icon as well.
This would only work on windows and is much more work than just clicking the “install app” button from the browser.
Plus doing so opens a regular browser window/tab and not a web app host (own logo, separate from the other tabs)
Not sure what other platforms you have in mind… on a Mac you can simply drag the address to Finder to get a web shortcut. Same as with Otto’s approach you can customize that with its own icon. Then again… this will also simply open that link in the standard browser.
Not exactly sure what use case you’re trying to serve by making the web app “seem” to be its own app?!
If you are after a real app, download and install Plex for Windows/Mac.
linux? windows with install restrictions (corporately managed)? android that doesn’t have access to the store (corporately managed)?
having a PWA uses more real estate on the screen (arguably on a browser you can use f11 to full screen), and hides away some browser features (tabs, address bar, etc…)
additionally having a PWA would allow to be listed in the store Welcoming Progressive Web Apps to Microsoft Edge and Windows 10 - Microsoft Edge Blog
