This document discusses the complex mobile platform world. It describes the layers ("stack") of a mobile device as the browser, operating system, and physical device. It notes the variety of mobile browsers and operating systems that exist, including differences between browsers that are based on WebKit. The document also discusses proxy browsers and tips for setting up a diverse mobile device lab for testing purposes.
20. Mobile browsers
• Safari • IE
• Android WebKit • MeeGo WebKit
• Samsung Dolfin • Firefox
• BlackBerry WebKit • Obigo WebKit
• Opera Mobile • BlackBerry old
• Opera Mini • NetFront
• Nokia WebKit • UC Browser
• Ovi • Bolt
• Palm WebKit • Silk
You may groan now
21. Mobile browsers
• Safari • IE
• Android WebKit • MeeGo WebKit
• Dolfin • Firefox
• BlackBerry WebKit • Obigo WebKit
• Opera Mobile • BlackBerry old
• Opera Mini • NetFront
• Nokia WebKit • UC Browser
• Ovi • Bolt
• Palm WebKit • Silk
WebKit-based
22. There is no single WebKit
Not all WebKits have hardware-accelerated
animations. That requires good access to a
high-power GPU, and not all devices provide
that.
Similarly, interfaces for the network stack,
mouse, keyboard, and threading system, must
be written separately for each browser.
And not everyone uses the same WebKit
version.
See http://quirksmode.org/webkit.html
23. Proxy browsers
• A proxy browser leaves the fetching and
rendering of resources to a server.
• The client receives a compressed bitmap.
• Advantage: cheap device and low data costs
• Disadvantage: no client-side interaction.
Every JavaScript call requires a server
request.
24. Proxy browsers
• Safari • IE
• Android WebKit • MeeGo WebKit
• Dolfin • Firefox
• BlackBerry WebKit • Obigo WebKit
• Opera Mobile • BlackBerry old
• Opera Mini • NetFront
• Nokia WebKit • UC Browser
• Ovi • Bolt
• Palm WebKit • Silk
25. Setting up a device lab
• Save about $100 per month. That allows
you to buy two devices per year
• Buy a non-iPhone, non-Android
• Buy a non-touchscreen
• Buy an Android from a different vendor
• Install Opera Mini
• Swap devices with other companies or
freelancers in your area
• Coordinate with them when buying new
devices
26. Thank you
I’ll put these slides online
Questions?
Peter-Paul Koch
http://quirksmode.org
http://twitter.com/ppk
Mobilism, 10 May 2012