In the summer of 2022 Vernier began releases of Progressive Web App (PWA) versions of Graphical Analysis. PWA versions of Spectral Analysis and Instrumental Analysis are in development. PWAs run in the Chrome browser. These PWA versions will be available alongside the native (locally-installed) app versions. As a result many users will have the option to choose which version to use.
Currently released PWAs as of March 2024:
As yet unreleased PWAs:
- Spectral Analysis
- Instrumental Analysis
With the exception of Vernier Video Analysis*, these PWAs require a current Chrome browser running on ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, or Android. Devices can connect by Bluetooth or, if the device supports it, USB. At this time iOS and iPadOS do not support the use of the latter three PWAs because browsers available do not support communication with sensors or devices.
PWAs require no installation. A user browses to a particular URL to access the PWA. For example, Graphical Analysis is accessed using https://graphicalanalysis.app. A Pro activation code can be entered to use the full-featured Graphical Analysis Pro.
In contrast, native applications are installed by the user or manager. For macOS and Windows, an installer is downloaded from Vernier, and the app is installed. For iOS/iPadOS, ChromeOS and Android, the apps are obtained from the respective app store.
Advantages of PWAs
- No installation is required; the user browses to a URL to access the app. The needed code is downloaded to the browser, and then can be used offline.  PWAs can be installed for simpler access if desired.
- Performance (speed) may be better than for local applications.
- The PWA can be bookmarked in the browser for easy access.
Advantages of native applications
- Access to the app is very familiar to users
- Graphical Analysis still functions as a Data Sharing client from a LabQuest source
- Required for iOS/iPadOS due to browser limitations
- Complete compatibility with legacy written connection instructions
- App is able to keep the Chromebook from sleeping during data collection without third-party solutions.
Disadvantages of the Graphical Analysis PWA
- Chrome Browsers as old as version 89 as supported as of May 2023, but that may change.
- Depending on a school’s security, use of Vernier PWAs may require that IT administrators allow access to the .app domain.
- Connection to LabQuest Stream by Bluetooth is not supported. Connection by USB is available.
- Because of security requirements, at this time the Data Sharing function from LabQuest or Logger Pro to Graphical Analysis on a local network does not function when using the PWA form of Graphical Analysis. Internet data sharing, from Graphical Analysis to Graphical Analysis, does function.
The process of connecting a sensor or device to a PWA differs slightly from native applications in that you must first pair the device with the browser, and then connect the device with the PWA. The process is straightforward, but requires this additional step in comparison to native apps.
Sometime in 2025 Google will cease support of Chrome Web Apps (apps from the Chrome Web Store) so that for Chromebooks, the PWA version will be the only version available.
*The situation is different for Vernier Video Analysis, which is only available as a PWA. Since it does not depend on sensor communication, it runs on Safari and Firefox in addition to Chrome. Thus Vernier Video Analysis runs on all platforms commonly used in education, including iOS and iPadOS.
What domains need to be allow-listed for Graphical Analysis and Vernier Video Analysis?
How do I connect Bluetooth sensors to the Progressive Web App version of Graphical Analysis?
How do I keep a Chromebook from sleeping?
I need an older version of Graphical Analysis, Spectral Analysis, or Instrumental Analysis.
Is there a way to activate Graphical Analysis Pro at install time?
Graphical Analysis Troubleshooting and FAQs