>What's the point of using this for native applications ?
The point is that javascript isn't actually a bytecode (javascript as the "bytecode for the web" is just a metphor and a necessary evil,) and compiling to javascript isn't as efficient as compiling to bytecode. Also, that webassembly provides an open (non-proprietary) general purpose compile target for multiple languages, as opposed to Flash or Java, which are proprietary and meant to target only a single language. Also, to allow for seamless transitions between applications on the web and off the web, allowing the web to serve as a primary channel for the distribution of native software.
The point is that javascript isn't actually a bytecode (javascript as the "bytecode for the web" is just a metphor and a necessary evil,) and compiling to javascript isn't as efficient as compiling to bytecode. Also, that webassembly provides an open (non-proprietary) general purpose compile target for multiple languages, as opposed to Flash or Java, which are proprietary and meant to target only a single language. Also, to allow for seamless transitions between applications on the web and off the web, allowing the web to serve as a primary channel for the distribution of native software.