Mobile Development › why mobile web development? 6.4 why mobile web development?Developing for the mobile phone requires an understanding of the opportunitiesand challenges presented by mobile technology. Challenges include theobvious, such as a smaller screen and navigation limitations, to more complexissues such as file formats.There are two opportunities for developing content for mobile phones: mobilewebsites and mobile applications.Mobile websites make it possible for users to access information about yourbrand on the move wherever they may be, as long as their phone has a browserand an Internet connection.Mobile websites need to be designed with the mobile phone in mind. Mobilewebsite interfaces demand a simpler approach, one which many brandshave neglected to cater for as they assume their sites will only be visited viapersonal computers.An application is software designed to help users perform particular tasks. Youmay be familiar with word processers, media players and similar applicationsused on desktop computers. Mobile applications are similar, but they are formobile phones. A mobile application might be a fuel calculator or a recipeindex.Figure 6.3 Mobile applications help users perform specific tasks.Source: ÜbergizmoMobile apps can be sold, or made available for free. There are many developerswho create apps in order to sell downloads and derive an income, while free appsthat offer users value are often sponsored by brands. In this way an applicationcan be an excellent tool for connecting with your customer. In this chapter we 145