[taffronaut]

No, I think he searched for the ETA App and was disappointed at the lack of emphasis on an alternative to the app once you are in it. If you just search the web for ETA and gov.uk it takes you straight to the online portal (which also asks for feedback as it's a service in Beta). The gov.uk website is neutral between you using the app or the online portal.

The only point I can see here is that once you are in the app it keeps encouraging you to use it and doesn't keep suggesting you might like to use the online portal instead. But I don't understand the initial premise about not using app stores. If the author didn't want to use an app store, why did he download an app instead of going to gov.uk?

[dTal]

gov.uk is not neutral at all!

"The easiest way to apply is on the app"

"By applying on the UK ETA app you're more likely to: complete your application quicker; get a faster decision".

"You should apply online if: you cannot download the app on your phone; the person you are applying for is not with you"

All of these are things you see over the course of the THREE (!) pages between https://www.gov.uk/eta and the actual start of the online form, https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-...

It really gives you the runaround and makes it very clear than the non-app flow is a weird, second-tier option.

[chrishannah]

If you don't want to use the app, why would you search for the app?