I also don't like it.
Similar situation: just the other day some startup contacted me, asking if I wanted to place my events on their platform. iOS app only - I don't have an Apple device. "Android support is coming soon!" they say happily. Well, still a showstopper to me, why would I want to install an app? Just give me a web site and I will see what you have on offer. I don't like having to jump through hoops - such as installing single use apps, or apps of something I don't even know whether it's interesting.
That said, in another project I'm using tablets for user interface. The tablet is part of the project: the requirement was touch screen interface, and then an Android app is the easy way of implementing that. The project is based on an ESP8266, in host mode, tablet connects to that specific network, and they can happily exchange information as the tablet builds up the nice graphic UI, deals with touch, etc.
I'm still looking at a convenient way of offering client an app they can install on their phone, and connect that way. Finding the project on the local WiFi network is the problem. Not likely they can be issued a static IP, and I have no idea how to find them other than a blunt network scan, trying to connect to all IP addresses in the subnet until the expected response is received. And risk turning the IT manager into a BOFH.