Mobile Development › why mobile web development? will look at the key differences between mobile websites and applications, as well as provide some basic information for designing your own mobile website or application. 6.4.1 Mobile Web vs. Mobile App The key difference between mobile applications and mobile websites is that websites can be accessed using any Internet enabled mobile device, while applications are designed for particular handsets and operating systems. Should you wish to target Apple and BlackBerry users, for example, you will need to create two different applications or focus on making a cross-platform application – something that can be difficult and expensive. Given the many different devices out there, targeting a specific device can also ensure you avoid many of the challenges mobile website developers face in terms of creating a consistent user experience across phones. It is a good idea to focus on mobile sites when targeting a broader group and building an application when wanting to reach a niche or targeted audience. BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Google’s Nexus One all run on operating systems which support the creation of applications. It’s also worth considering that a mobile site can be built once-off (in theory) while an application must be rebuilt for every platform and must be adaptable to phone updates. Applications can be useful for performing functions while websites connect users with a range of information. It doesn’t always come down to a case of “either, or”. Your mobile application could be used as a bookmark to connect a user to your mobile site. Mobile Websites Applications Device independent. You just need a Build for each platform, e.g. iOS, Devices browser and a connection. Android, Symbian. Developer can control the Different browsers and devices Experience experience by designing for each might affect experience. device. Applications are found through Websites can be found through Discoverability application stores, such as Apple’s search and links. App Store. Figure 6.4 Mobile Websites vs. Applications