The digital media and new media job field is expanding even more! We are all familiar with the domain extensions like .com, .net, .us, .org etc. but if don't already know, there is a new wave of extensions .mobi. These .mobi's are for the mobile phone environment! Of course how cool is that?
There are already a some big names already developing on this platform which is basically developing sites SPECIFICALLY formatted for the mobile phone platform. What does this mean exactly? Well take a look at some of these: bmw.mobi, amtrak.mobi, foxnews.mobi, smirnoff.mobi. Now you get the idea! It is backed by 13 major internet and mobile organizations to provide users seamless access to the internet and it is the first and only domain extension specifically for this use.
As you the consumer scroll through your mobile content as you surf the web, are you going to go to a site that you can read easily OR tab all over the place just to hit the search or find button? I rest my case. Now with this new development crops up some special programming skills because there is definitely a guideline to developing for a .mobi site. You CANNOT use the same programming skills you need to develop a site for a computer screen. There is a different architecture, different protocols and standards plus a slew of best practices.
Additional Considerations for the .mobi developer:
* Web developers and designer now have to keep in mind that the structure of the site has to deliver the most important information to the user because there is no hiding behind the graphics but the focus is more on the content management and usability.
* There is also the issue of screen size. Not all mobile phones have the same screen size.
* There are also different guidelines for developing depending on the category of phone for example there the following: PDA's (uses a stylus and or keyboard), Feature Phones (like a flip phone) Smartphones (same as the feature phone but is more application based and can run 3rd party software)
* Must be able to design without using frames.
* Must be well versed in XHTML
There are several resources in orders to learn more about .mobi but a good overall guide we found at Network Solutions. There is also a brand new discussion on our site that started on this as well. This is definitely going to be another niche for web developers to consider.
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