Recent research suggests that there are currently over 2.8 billion mobile phone users worldwide, with that number expected to reach a staggering 3.8 billion by the end of 2010.
Mobile phone technology has come a very long way since the first briefcase-sized models in the 1980s, and high-speed data connections (such as 3G, 3.5G and Edge), built in WiFi networking, Web browser software and colour displays, are making using websites on-the-move a much more appealing prospect than ever before.
Additionally, mobile phone owners vastly outnumber those using traditional desktop and laptop computers to access the Web, so in our opinion, they add to the huge potential audience for any given site, and as such should not be ignored! Future technological developments in mobile computing will only increase this number further...
Recently, the .mobi domain extension was released - the idea being that sites designed specifically for use on mobile platforms could be instantly identified, and being a relative newcomer to the marketplace, allowed for the acquisition of names where the .com (or equivalents) versions had long-since been snapped up.
A good question, to which we'd have to reply; ideally, yes! If you are at all interested in tapping into the huge number of mobile-based Web users, you should take into account the differences between viewing, and using sites on a computer and a handheld mobile device.
Right now, some of the things to think about are; screen size and resolution, use of graphics and Flash animations, and methods of inputting information (such as completing forms online, or even typing in the address of the site you want to visit), use of Javascript and Java and so forth...
Having a W3C standards-compliant website (such as the ones we build) will always help in the long-run, but to maximise your visitor's experience when using a mobile device, we'd suggest launching a separate mobile-friendly version with a separate .mobi domain name. Our mobile websites are built to current dotMobi standards and will be carefully tailored and tested for real world optimal results.
If you are thinking of going mobile with your website, why not speak to us today to find out how we can help you?
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247 Creative offers outstanding standards-compliant web design, eCommerce website development and Search Engine Optimisation services to businesses, charities, clubs and individuals in and around the city of Chichester, West Sussex.
