Desktop applications with a Web Based UI I think is the way to go. I love Desktop applications, but being able to just open a browser and use an app from my phone or tablet, regardless of whether they're iOS or Android, or whatever is better than developing a full blown native application that doesn't work "everywhere". There's more applications like that, but I leave that fun to others.
Comments
They exist with a different approach from what you're thinking:
CherryMusic - https://github.com/devsnd/cherrymusic SABnzbd - http://sabnzbd.org/
Desktop applications with a Web Based UI I think is the way to go. I love Desktop applications, but being able to just open a browser and use an app from my phone or tablet, regardless of whether they're iOS or Android, or whatever is better than developing a full blown native application that doesn't work "everywhere". There's more applications like that, but I leave that fun to others.