Oct 03 2008
Mobile Technology and Web 2.0
There is still no exact definition provided for the term ‘mobile technology’. Generally speaking, however, mobile technology is used to describe the mobile aspect of technology. The Internet browsing capabilities of mobile phones together with the mobile access offered by Web 2.0 applications are both good examples of mobile technology.
What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is the evolved version of Web 1.0 websites. Web 2.0 applications are best known for providing open data – data which users create and manage on their own, usable across various devices, and available in different formats. Web 2.0 also focus on offering user-friendly experience with rich, convenient, and social network building applications. Speaking of social networking, users of Web 2.0 applications make do with customer self-service but at the same time benefit from collective intelligence, contribution of other users like comments and reviews, and being part of a community.
Mobile Technology and Web 2.0
With the combination of mobility and technology in Web 2.0, people can now access and use their blogs and
social networking profiles through different devices. Personal digital assistants (PDA) and the Internet now
permit people to send and receive faxes. There are also advertisements today that have been specifically designed for devices with mobile technology features.
Possible Problems with Mobile Technology
Of course, mobile technology hasn’t been around for long and it’s thus not altogether surprising that it’s still suffering from a few flaws here and there. Staying connected while “on the go” is still the biggest
advantage offered by mobile technology but this may be undermined by the following possible disadvantages.
Screen Differences – Do not expect all devices to have the same screen with your computer. Phones and even personal digital assistants (PDAs) are sure to have smaller screens than your computer monitor. With a
limited screen size, you’ll have a hard time deciphering certain text and graphics. The limited screen size would force you to zoom in on particular objects and naturally requiring you to make more use of your window’s vertical and horizontal scroll bars.
Screen resolution could also be a problem. This depends mainly on the image resolution capabilities of your
device. If it is not able to provide high image resolution then you would have a hard time distinguishing images with high definition color and detail.
Lack of Windows – Naturally, your mobile device would not let you open as many windows as you’d want or are used to with your computer. Having various windows open allow you to multitask, switching from one window or another, copying and pasting text or graphic from one website to another. With a seriously limited number of windows to work with, you’ll definitely be forced to spend more time and effort than necessary on your tasks.
Navigation – Unless you’re able to connect a mouse to your mobile device, you’d have to do with the few
buttons it provide to navigate your way around the website.
Accessibility – Web 2.0 applications tend to be capable of offering access to a variety of devices. But this is not so with Web 1.0 applications. With the latter, you might find certain pages of a website completely
inaccessible. If not that, you might be provided with a less enhanced version of the page you wish to view.
Speed – Connection speed for mobile devices tend to be much slower than what you’re used to with your computer.
Here is where this lesson ends for today. We really hope you enjoyed this lesson too.
You will receive the next lesson in 7 days. Next week’s lesson will have the following title:
“The Advent of Web 2.0 and Mashups”
Copyright(C) 2008 by John Delavera & Reimund Lube
