Now Read This Site Better With Mobiles

Everton | Jun 14, 2009 | Comments


After successfully testing the WordPress Mobile Pack over on Windows 7 News, I’ve now installed it on this site as well.  Now a simpler version of the site will be displayed automatically to users browsing the site with mobile devices.

The new mobile site supports the following:

  • Auto-browser detection
  • Automatically removes interactivity and media elements (such as script, Flash, movies, and embedded frames) from the posts and pages depending on handset capability
  • Breaks large pages into smaller ones to make easier to read and load
  • Shrinks images to fit smaller screens
  • Simplifies styling to ensure mobile compatibility

I decided to do this because more and more users are using their mobiles to browse the internet.  Despite being a mobile internet evangelist for the last 10 years or so, I currently don’t use my phone for more than making calls and sending emails and SMSs.  This is because my Sony Ericsson is just too clunky to do anything that doesn’t involve the keyboard as the touch screen is too hard to use.  If I want to use the internet I have to get the stylus out which is a disaster as I’m left trying to browse using my fingers, the stylus and the keyboard which is just too fiddley.  It’s also too slow.  I hate wanting to do something simple like getting a number, and then having to wait because the phone has randomly decided to freeze for a few mins.

sony_ericsson_xperia_x1

I’ve decided that I’m going to replace my Sony Ericsson X1 with an iPhone 3G S.  The UI is just amazing and although I’m very anti-Apple because I hate getting on the bandwagon, I’ve (grudgingly) had to concede that the iPhone is the best phone on the market, just like the iPod is the best mp3 player.  If I’m not careful I might end up paying through the nose in a few years and buying a mac!

iPhone 3G S

I was tempted with getting an Android phone, but there’s just not enough apps out there to choose from, and also I haven’t seen a decent Android handset yet.  The user experience on the iPhone is just amazing, and there’s great support for the apps I need – web, iGoogle, gmail, SMS and email.

I hate my Sony Ericsson X1 so much now that I’m going to buy myself out of my contract with T-Mobile in a few months, so that I can get an iPhone.  I shouldn’t be too much out of pocket though as I will be selling my Sony Ericsson X1 on eBay.

When I do get my iPhone, what apps should I install first?


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Filed Under: Apple • Blogging • Featured • Gadgets • Mobile & Telecoms • iPhone

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About the Author: Everton is based in London and has worked in the internet and mobile space for over ten years now, and before that worked in corporate strategy and consulting. He has a degree in Economics from Cambridge University.He also writes for Windows 7 News, Windows 8 News and One Tip A Day.

  • I think you'll like the iPhone 3G S - it is fast becoming more than just a plaything for teenagers. The new functions and range of apps really makes this the best smartphone around at the moment. I have mine on order, just waiting for the postman now!
  • The idea of this particular mobile plugin is that it detects whether you have a mobile device, but also lets you opt-out (or -in) to the other experience if you'd rather.

    i.e. if you've an iPhone and get given the mobile site by default, there's a 'visit our desktop' link that will take you there - and remember your choice for next time!

    It's a little like those sites that detect which region you're coming from and chose the .co.uk by default but still allow you to visit the .com (or whatever) for whatever reasons you may have.

    Detection alone is naive, and hopefully that's not a problem you have with this plugin.

    Oh, and I hope you like it :-)
  • I think Apple are making a real conscerted effort to turn the iPhone into a multi-functional tool that you can use to run your entire life. Most people probably only use their iPhone to 10% of its capacity.
  • Not enough apps for Android phones? Try http://www.cyrket.com/
  • ok, maybe that was an understatement. I guess my point is that the iPhone beats (current) Android handsets in terms of overall experience and apps available. I'm not that impressed with the Android handsets I've seen announced so far, so I think I'm going to go for a iPhone 3G S as it will definitely do what I need well, and the 32GB will make it a good mp3 player as well. It also will support Tom Tom, so I can sell my current Tom Tom as well.

    I just like the idea of cutting the number of mobile devices I use down from an iPod, phone & Tom Tom to just one device.
  • bill m
    Oh no..i hate mobilised sites. Lifehacker is a prime example, along with flickr. If you get an option to view the full site, then fair enough. Those skyfire users certainly dont want the flash removed, and opera users get the full site configured anyway. Hate hate hate hate mobile sites.
  • had to disable it for a bit as the mobile theme was showing on all pages because of a mistake I made when i tried to enable the 'toggle' allowing users to choose which version they wanted.

    You raise a good point as modern mobile browsers are supposed to show the web in all its glory...need to think about this a bit
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