The standardization of Widget-APIs as an approach for overcoming device fragmentation

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Introduction
  • Widgets
  • Device APIs
  • Security
  • Packaging
  • Configuration
  • Widget Engine
  • Shortcomings of mobile web
  • technical reasons
  • marketing reasons
• Current Innovations
  • W3C Recommendation
  • Joint Innovation Labs (JIL)
  • OMTP BONDI
  • Wholesale Applications Community
  • W3C ongoing work
• Conclusion
  • Consequences and Alternatives
  • J2MEPolish
  • PhoneGap
• Phonegap API Tests
  • Use Case I: Virtual Microscope
  • User Interface
  • Logic
  • Use Case II: Shop Finder
  • Reading geolocation
  • Phonegap Deployment
• References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the challenges presented by the rapid shift towards mobile web usage. It examines the increasing diversity of platforms and device specifications, which pose significant hurdles for developers seeking to create platform-independent applications. While web technologies offer a platform-independent API, they often lack access to essential system APIs. The paper delves into the emerging field of widgets and their potential to bridge this gap by leveraging web standards and providing access to device APIs.

• Device Fragmentation in Mobile Web Development
• The Role of Widgets in Overcoming Platform Diversity
• Standardization Efforts for Widget APIs
• Exploring Alternative Frameworks for Handling Platform Diversity
• Assessing the Capabilities of Phonegap for Cross-Platform Widget Development

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The "Abstract" introduces the challenges of developing for diverse mobile platforms and highlights the potential of widgets for creating platform-independent applications. The "Introduction" traces the evolution of mobile web technologies and discusses the emergence of widgets as a key component of mobile development.

The section "Current Innovations" explores various standardization initiatives aiming to define Widget APIs. These efforts encompass the W3C's recommendations, the Joint Innovation Labs (JIL), the OMTP BONDI project, the Wholesale Applications Community, and ongoing W3C work.

The chapter "Conclusion" summarizes the consequences of device fragmentation and introduces alternative frameworks, such as J2ME-Polish and Phonegap, which offer solutions for handling platform diversity.

The "Phonegap API Tests" section showcases the capabilities of Phonegap through two use cases: a Virtual Microscope and a Shop Finder application. These examples demonstrate how Phonegap facilitates the development of cross-platform widgets.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of the text are: mobile web, device fragmentation, widget APIs, standardization, W3C, JIL, BONDI, Phonegap, cross-platform development, mobile application development, user experience, web standards.