What we did
Property consultants Cluttons LLP have had a simplified version of their website available for mobile users for some time, but the advent of jquery mobile prompted us to suggest updating their mobile site for users lucky enough to have one of those lovely smartphones we're all supposed to have now (you know, so that our lives don't disintegrate around us because we missed a tweet or heaven forbid, an amusing status update on Facebook).
With mobile browsing set to grow rapidly, if not become the default way of browsing the web, we've built a site that uses jquery mobile to achieve the look and feel of a native app, but with the not inconsiderable bonus of far wider platform compatability. Iphone and Android users can now browse Cluttons' property database with a much prettier interface optimised for touchscreen devices. Other mobile users will simply access the older version of the mobile website.
As support for CSS3 and javascript improves on smartphone browsers, the reach of the web app can simply be extended to new devices as they get up to speed. No need to build device specific apps (iphone app, ipad app, android app etc.), pay developer kit fees or indeed, ask Apple's permission to distribute it. Good eh?
Try the link below on your iphone, ipod touch or android phone to see our web app in action (desktop browsers will see the original mobile site by the way).
View the mobile site