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Make a Splash with Mobile Ads
Get your business seen by the millions of mobile users worldwide. Easy to setup, modify at any time. Every ad includes mobile web features such as Click-To-Call, Text-to-Email Messaging, and Link-To-URL.
Make a Splash with Mobile Ads
The Mobile Billboard Guide
This is a downloadable ebook, which is the only one in its niche. It teaches people how to start their own mobile billboard advertising business.
The Mobile Billboard Guide
Mobile Catering Mastery
Mobile Catering Business Course
Mobile Catering Mastery
(edited by author)
Seven Myths of the Mobile Web
by Maximiliano Firtman
As the Web has moved onto mobile devices, developers have told themselves a lot of stories about what this means for their work. While some of those stories are true, others are misleading, confusing, or even dangerous.
It’s not the mobile web; it’s just the Web!
I’ve heard this quote many times in the last few years, and it’s true. It’s really the same Web. Think about your life. You don’t have another email account just for your mobile. (OK, I know some guys that do, but I believe that’s not typical!)
You read about the last NBA game on your favorite site, like ESPN; you don’t have a desktop news source and a different mobile news source. You really don’t want another social network for your mobile; you want to use the same Facebook or Twitter account as the one you used on your desktop. It was painful enough creating your friends list on your desktop, you’ve already ignored many people…you don’t want to have to do all that work again on your mobile.
For all of these purposes, the mobile web uses the same network protocols as the whole Internet: HTTP, HTTPS, POP3, Wireless LAN, and even TCP/IP. OK, you can say that GSM, CDMA, and UMTS are not protocols used in the desktop web environment, but they are communication protocols operating at lower layers. From our point of view, from a web application approach, we are using the same protocols.
So, yes…it’s the same Web. However, when developing for the mobile web we are targeting very, very different devices. The most obvious difference is the screen size, and yes, that will be our first problem. But there are many other not-so-obvious differences. One issue is that the contexts in which we use our mobile devices are often extremely different from where and how we use our comfortable desktops or even our laptops and netbooks.
Don’t get me wrong–this doesn’t mean that, as developers, we need to create two, three, or dozens of versions duplicating our work. In this book, we are going to analyze all the techniques available for this new world. Our objective will be to make only one product, and we’ll analyze the best way to do it.
You don’t need to do anything special about your desktop website.
Almost every smartphone on the market today–for example, the iPhone and Android-based devices–can read and display full desktop websites. Yes, this is true. Users want the same experience on the mobile web as they have on their desktops. Yes, this is also true. Some statistics even indicate that users tend to choose web versions over mobile versions when using a smartphone.
However, is this because we really love zooming in and out, scrolling and crawling for the information we want, or is it because the mobile versions are really awful and don’t offer the right user experience? I’ve seen a lot of mobile sites consisting of nothing but a logo and a couple of text links. My smartphone wants more!
One website should work for all devices (desktop, mobile, TV, etc.).
As we will see, there are techniques that allow us to create only one file but still provide different experiences on a variety of devices, including desktops, mobiles, TVs, and game consoles. This vision is called “One Web.” This is to an extent possible today, but the vision won’t fully be realized for years to come. Today, there are a lot of mobile devices with very low connection speeds and limited resources–non–smartphones—that, in theory, can read and parse any file, but will not provide the best user experience and will have compatibility and performance problems if we deliver the same document as for desktop. Therefore, One Web remains a goal for the future. A little additional work is still required to provide the right user experience for each mobile device, but there are techniques that can be applied to reduce the work required and avoid code and data duplication.
Mobile web is really easy; Just create a WML file.
I’m really surprised how many mobile websites are still developed using a technology deprecated many years ago: WML (Wireless Markup Language). Even in emerging markets, there are almost no WML-only web-capable devices on the market today. The worst part of this story is that these developers think that this is the markup language for the mobile web. Wrong! WML development was called mobile web (or WAP) development a couple of years ago, when the first attempt at building a mobile web was made. There are still a small proportion of WML-only devices available in some markets, but WML is definitely not the mobile web today.
Just create an HTML file with a width of 240 Pixels, and you have a mobile website.
This is the other fast-food way to think about the mobile web. Today, there are more than 3,000 mobile devices on the market, with almost 30 different browsers (actually, more than 300 different browsers if we separate them by version number). Creating one HTML file as your mobile website will be a very unsuccessful project. In addition, doing so contributes to the belief that mobile web browsing is not useful.
Native mobile applications will kill the mobile web.
Every solution has advantages and disadvantages. The mobile web has much to offer native applications, as Chapter 12 of this book will demonstrate. The mobile web (and the new concept of mobile widgets) offers us a great multi-device application platform, including local applications that don’t require an always-connected Web with URLs and browsers.
People are not using their mobile browsers.
How many Internet connections are there in the world?
How many people have mobile devices?
So, one of the reasons why people are not using their mobile browsers may be because of us, the web producers. We are not offering them what they need. There are other factors, but let’s talk about what we can do from our point of view.
Opera Mini is a mobile browser for low- and mid-range devices. It is free and it has had more than 50 million downloads to date. This tells us that 50 million users wanted to have a better mobile web experience, so they went out and got Opera Mini. Do all the 4 billion plus worldwide mobile device users know about Opera Mini? Perhaps not, so it’s difficult to know how many would be interested in trying this different mobile web experience. However, 50 million downloads for only one browser that the user had to install actively is a big number for me. When Opera Mini appeared in Apple Inc.’s App Store, from which users can download and install applications for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, 1 million users downloaded the browser on the first day. This is quite impressive.
Today, less than 4% of total web browsing is done from mobile devices. This percentage is increasing month by month. Mobile browsing may never become as popular as desktop browsing, but it will increase a lot in the following years.
In addition, user browsing on mobile devices will likely have a higher conversion rate. How many tabs do you usually have open at once in Internet Explorer or Firefox on your desktop or laptop? On a mobile device, when you browse you are more specific and more likely to act on what you find.
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Price: $ 31.09
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Related Iphone Mobile Products
Share your music wherever you go–and we do mean wherever–with the Altec Lansing IM9 portable speaker system for the Apple iPod, which includes a rugged backpack-style carry bag. The iM9 is compact, so it fits just about anywhere and is easy to carry. Shock-resistant, rubberized elements ensure durability. And it fits, syncs and charges all iPod models with dock connector and links iPod with video and iPod photo to your TV. It’s compatible with color display iPods, iPod nano, iPod mini, and iPods with a dock connector. It features an advanced Class D amplifier for maximum power and superior MaxxBass technology for quality bass without a subwoofer. It runs on four C batteries (not included) for more than 24 hours of battery life. Its compact design easily folds close for convenient mobility–and it weighs just 4 pounds. It also offers an input jack for second device connection, including CD and DVD players, and video output for iPod photo and iPod with videoShare your music wherever you go–and we do mean wherever–with the Altec Lansing IM9 portable speaker system for the Apple iPod, which includes a rugged backpack-style carry bag. The iM9 is compact, so it fits just about anywhere and is easy to carry. Shock-resistant, rubberized elements ensure durability. And it fits, syncs and charges all iPod models with dock connector and links iPod with video and iPod photo to your TV. It’s compatible with color display iPods, iPod nano, iPod mini, and iPods with a dock connector.
It features an advanced Class D amplifier for maximum power and superior MaxxBass technology for quality bass without a subwoofer. It runs on four C batteries (not included) for more than 24 hours of battery life. Its compact design easily folds close for convenient mobility–and it weighs just 4 pounds. It also offers an input jack for second device connection, including CD and DVD players, and video output for iPod photo and iPod with video
What’s in the Box
iM9 speaker system, universal power supply, deluxe backpack, printed user’s guide, and quick connect instructions
iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video
List Price: $ 99.95
Price: $ 49.99
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Introducing Peek Pronto – Time and Wired Magazine’s Gadget of the Year of 2008 – with lifetime service included.Feel the speed with the power of push email! Peek Pronto gets your emails as soon as they’re sent.Peek is a super thin and stylish device that lets you take your email with you and stay connected when and where you want it.Peek is packaged in a lightweight, slim design with a color display, full keypad and simple menus to make email and texting on the go a breeze.Get unlimited email and text messaging for the life of your Peek. Never ever worry about monthly bills, late fees or penalties ever again. Peek is compatible with most major email providers including Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, Microsoft Exchange, AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, Roadrunner, BellSouth, SBCGlobal, Earthlink, Cox, Charter, Cablevision, NetZero, Mac, Optonline and many others. Plus, it is super simple to set-up — enter your email address and password and that’s it. You’ll start receiving emails in minutes!Peek works on a high-speed wireless data network with nationwide coverage so it will work almost anywhere. Peek Pronto also supports the viewing of images, Word and PDF documents.Critics have been raving about Peek. The New York Times says Peek is “simple” and “elegant.” The Wall Street Journal says its “stylish and simple” and BusinessWeek calls it “sophisticated and easy to use.”Peek’s friendly and helpful Customer Care is available via phone (877-677-PEEK (7335)) or email ([email protected]) to answer any questions and resolve any problems you might have.What’s in the box: Peek Pronto device, AC charger, Rechargeable lithium ion battery, Quick start guide
List Price: $ 316.99
Price: $ 264.23
The sequel to RIM’s first-ever touch screen Blackberry Smartphone, the unlocked Storm2. Not only does it include the business/multimedia features that made the first version popular amongst executives and entrepreneurs’. RIM further enhances the Smartphone with increased memory, the latest SurePress technology, and Bluetooth technology. This is Smartphone will definitely make you shine amongst others at the next board meeting. From organizational tools to social networking applications, this phone does it all with style and simplicity.
The next generation SurePress technology on the BlackBerry Storm2 Smartphone, combined with SureType technology, provides better typing accuracy and a more tactile feel. Type on a virtual, full QWERTY keyboard in portrait or landscape mode. Touch two areas of the screen at once to select multiple items.
Link to wireless networks or hotspots with Wi-Fi connectivity. While away from your regular home or work coverage areas, you can still access streaming audio and video, BlackBerry data services and more.
With a powerful battery and removable back plate for easy battery swapping, the BlackBerry Storm Smartphone helps you do what you love, longer.
Built for speed and endurance, the BlackBerry Storm offers fast, reliable browsing and communication coverage.
A high-resolution 480×360 screen displays over 65,000 colors across a large wide screen, creating an awe-inspiring display that enhances all your multimedia.
Snap pictures like a pro with the built-in 3.2 MP camera featuring auto-focus and auto-flash, or catch the sound and action, then share it with friends with the video camera function.
The familiar BlackBerry phone buttons are at the bottom of the BlackBerry Storm, ensuring an easy transition from browsing to call taking, without compromising current on-screen data. 3.2 MP camera 3.5mm stereo headset capable Talk time -Stay connected to the people, places, and things that matter most with the BlackBerry Storm2 from Verizon Wireless, the second generation of RIM’s innovative and award-winning touchscreen smartphone. Featuring the BlackBerry OS 5.0, the Storm2 is enhanced with an improved touchscreen platform, larger internal memory (now 2 GB), Wi-Fi networking capabilities (802.11b/g), and hundreds of hardware and software enhancements. And whether traveling to Europe or Asia, the Storm2 provides globetrotters the freedom of reliable global connectivity with the reliable Verizon Wireless high-speed 3G CDMA network here in the United States, and compatibility with GSM and 3G UMTS networks abroad.
The BlackBerry Storm2 offers an enhanced SurePress touchscreen display, Wi-Fi capabilities, and a solid BlackBerry smartphone messaging experience. |
Enjoy fast cellular connectivity with the reliable Verizon Wireless 3G network and global GSM/3G connectivity when traveling abroad. |
The Storm2 significantly improves the touchscreen interactivity with new SurePress technology, which is based on an electronic system that provides the user with tactile feedback when the touchscreen is pressed. The new system responds equally to gentle pressure applied anywhere on the surface of the screen and makes clicking the display practically effortless. It also offers multi-touch support, allowing you to type a letter with one thumb even while their other thumb may still be touching or resting on another letter, thus enabling faster typing and multi-key actions such as Shift or Alt-key combinations.
This mobile multimedia powerhouse is compatible with the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via the fast Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network, and the V CAST Video on Demand service that enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips.
You’ll stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service, and be able to find your way in foreign destinations using the VZ Navigator Global service. And with the optional Visual Voice Mail service, you’ll be able to quickly and easily scroll through your messages and pick the ones you want to listen to. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.
The elegantly designed Storm2 offers a smooth design and premium finish with sloped edges, chrome accents, glass lens and stainless steel backplate. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, included 16 GB microSD memory card (with 16 GB maximum expansion), support for up to 10 personal and corporate email accounts, easy access to favorite social networking and instant messaging services, support for BlackBerry App World, and up to 5.5 hours of talk time.
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Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry Storm2 weighs 5.5 ounces and measures 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.53 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.5 hours of talk time, and up to 269 hours (11.2 days) of standby time while on the Verizon Wireless CDMA/EVDO Rev. A network (800/1900 MHz). When accessing GSM networks (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) while abroad, the Storm2 offers up to 5 hours of talk time and 305 hours (12.7 days) of standby time, and up to 6 hours of talk time and 281 hours (11.7 days) of standby time when running on a 3G UMTS network (2100 MHz).
What’s in the Box
BlackBerry Storm2 handset, 16 GB microSD memory card, rechargeable battery, microUSB international charger with international clips, USB cable, wired 3.5mm stereo headset, pre-installed SIM card, quick reference guide, documentation kit, global support kit
Additionally, this phone is compatible with the VZ Navigator Global service, which enables you to find locations and access turn-by-turn directions in North America and Western Europe, including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (with more being added). Helping to alleviate stress or confusion caused by reading road signs or directions in an unfamiliar language, VZ Navigator Global allows you to choose either English or Spanish as the default language, and miles or kilometers to mark distances. You’ll also be able to find restaurants, gas stations, banks/ATMs and other popular spots in these countries using Local Search.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview, and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.
The service offers unlimited viewing of Basic Videos and the ESPN MVP channel. You can choose from 14 categories, including Entertainment, Kids, Music, Sports, Comedy, News, Pop Culture, Information, Women, Latino, Home & Leisure, Multicultural, Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional subscription charges applicable.
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This phone provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.1+EDR), and includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges applicable and subscription to Mobile Broadband Connect service required).
List Price: $ 473.14
Price:
Peek is a super thin and stylish device that lets you take your email with you and stay connected when and where you want it. Designed for and dedicated to your personal mobile email, Peek is packaged in a lightweight, slim design with a color display, full keypad and simple menus to make email on the go a breeze.
Get unlimited email and text messaging for a flat, low monthly rate of .95. Monthly service is billed to directly to your credit card, so no need to worry about bills, late fees or penalties. And best of all, there are NO CONTRACTS EVER.
Peek is compatible with most major email providers including Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, Hotmail, AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, Roadrunner, BellSouth, SBCGlobal, Earthlink, Cox, Charter, Cablevision, NetZero, Mac, Optonline and many others. Plus, it is super simple to set-up — enter your email address and password and that’s it. You’ll start receiving emails in less than 2 minutes!
Peek works on a high-speed wireless data network with nationwide coverage so it will work almost anywhere.
Critics have been raving about Peek. The New York Times says Peek is “simple” and “elegant.” The Wall Street Journal says its “stylish and simple” and Time and Wired magazines have named Peek the Best Gadget of 2008!
What’s in the box: Peek mobile email device, AC charger, Rechargeable lithium ion battery, Quick start guide
List Price: $ 49.99
Price: $ 24.99
Ocean friends smile from overhead, swaying gently from side to side. Baby can enjoy the music of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, or you can choose peaceful ocean sounds. Plays up to 12 minutes of music.
List Price: $ 34.99
Price: $ 22.95
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This innovative mobile intrigues, calms and entertains. It features a cute “pond” at its center, and a friendly trio of hippo, flamingo and frog revolves steadily as a ladybug and turtle create their own contrasting movements, zigzagging around and captivating baby’s attention. The glowing pond creates a calming atmosphere that doubles as a pleasant night light. Mobile features twenty minutes of continuous music with four melodic tunes (two classical and two nature). Uses 3 “C” (LR14) 1.5V batte
List Price: $ 49.95
Price: $ 39.95
Colorful on the go mobile minutes of musical play easily fits into bag for on the go Can fit most pack n plays car seats strollers and bassinetsThe TINY LOVE Take Along Mobile is a fun, colorful mobile that can travel everywhere you and your baby go. Featuring five soothing melodies and fun colors to keep your baby relaxed and entertained, the engaging mobile secures with a simple snap to most pack-and-plays, car seats, and strollers. Parents and children will enjoy the sense of familiar
List Price: $ 24.99
Price: $ 24.50
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The Enchanted Forest Musical Mobile soothes your baby to sleep playing the music of Brahms’ Lullaby. Easy to follow assembly instructions are included. Contains optional wall mount assembly.
List Price: $ 44.99
Price: $ 39.95
Their lightweight plastic bodies will hop about in the slightest breeze. Flensted Mobiles are created so that the elements are in constant motion while the entire mobile maintains a harmonic balance. They offer casual energy and grace to any room and spark the imagination of children and adults alike.
List Price: $ 23.00
Price: $ 27.00
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The Milano is the pinnacle of elegance Influenced by today’s fashion runways, this faux-croc design will carry your computer in a style never before available Gone are the days of only bland choices. Finally a computer carrying case that can match your sense of style
List Price: $ 99.99
Price: $ 59.99
Find More Handbags & Accessories Products
Flensted Mobiles are created so that the elements are in constant motion while the entire mobile maintains a harmonic balance. Each mobile is carefully assembled, and balanced by skilful hands. They are packed so that they are ready to hang. Mobiles are a traditional craft in Denmark, but the modern mobile was created in 1954 by Christian Flensted and his wife Grethe. Their first design, the Stork mobile, was a great success, and now flies all over the world.
List Price: $ 22.50
Price: $ 26.50
Safely and Easily Attaches Mobiles to Cribs Safely attach crib mobiles with J.L. Childress easy-to-use Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp! The Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp features large rubber pads that grip the crib railing and protect your crib from scratches and damage left by knob-and-post style arms. Use the clamp as a replacement for knob-and-post styles that don’t fit in all cribs. The Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp fits onto both traditional and convertible cribs, including Baby’s Dream and spe
List Price: $ 12.99
Price: $ 10.95
More Mobile Products
AmazonBasics products are quality electronics accessories offered at a great value.The AmazonBasics Universal Case for Small Electronics offers a simple and affordable way to store and protect your camera, cell phone, GPS unit, or other small electronic device. This versatile case features foam padding to protect your gadget, as well as a drawstring closure for security and a carabiner for easy carrying.
Quilted Case
for Small Electronics
At a Glance Quilted case with double-si
Price: $ 6.99
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Tiny Love Clip & Go Musical Mobile The Tiny Love Clip & Go Musical Mobile is the musical mobile built for mobility. It fits most baby carriers, strollers and cradles. The developmental elements relevant to the product are the senses, object permanence, language & communication and EQ. It exposes the child to classical music as the mobile features 5 continuous classical music tunes. The mobile has two stages of operation for a child from newborn right on up. The first stage of the mobile is
List Price: $ 26.95
Price: $ 20.00
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Related Mobile Products
Tranquil music and magical movement will engage any baby. Baby will marvel at the movement of the characters as they rotate around. The convenient remote control, calming night light and 20 minutes of music will help baby go to sleep.With multidimensional movement and tranquil music, the TINY LOVE Tiny Princess Mobile entertains your baby and encourages important developmental skills. The adorable pink mobile features bright, hanging animals to delight and mesmerize your baby. A music box with a
List Price: $ 49.95
Price: $ 38.00
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