Mobile Device Profile Update History
July 28th, 2006 by Scott Janousek
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I know this probably isn’t exactly the best forum to post feature requests per se, but I felt like this was important enough to blog about.
First off, I don’t think I’d get any arguments if I said that the Flash Lite Mobile Emulator is perhaps the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to Flash Mobile Development.
However, in regards to Mobile Device Profile updates (MDP’s) … I just wanted to suggest that a “change mod” text file be added to future updates (copying a text file within the .MXP is fine). This file would contain a history of device profile changes for each update.
Why do I think this is this important?
Well, one reason is device manufacturers seem to have the power to do whatever they want with Flash Lite on their devices when it comes to content type support.
A second reason, is no matter how much testing you do, there will always be (some) inconsistencies.
I just ran into both issues, so I think it would be beneficial to relay this type of information via some README.txt files in the MDP .mxp’s.
A simple “Minor enhancements for the following existing profiles:” is not sufficient in my view. I’d like to know what was changed (and if possible, why).
Anyways, these are just my thoughts as more FLP 1.1 and FLP 2.x devices hit the streets, and FLP penetration rate increases, it it becomes important to keep track of device capabilities.
P.S. I’d also like to leave this post open for informal comments on the Flash Lite Mobile Emulator, feature requests, and proposals for making it a better tool.
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July 29th, 2006 at 6:15 am
Hi Scott,
That is a really good point and I agree but I often think it should be the manufacturer’s responsibility as well to have a file shipped in the device listing all its capabilities outside flashlite. Sometimes you need to know more about the device such as file format support, wap support etc…
Cheers
July 31st, 2006 at 3:54 pm
I came across a 3rd party online service that attempts to do this (forgot the name of it though).
Unfortunately, you have to pay for it. It’s really meant for developers … and no, they didn’t have Flash Lite device capabilities as part of their listings.
Nokia is already starting to bundle tutorial .swf’s … why not bundle a device capabilities listing .swf as well? Running the .swf would tell you more about the device’s capabilities (on a low level).
A text file could even be used to update the info more easily … or xml file, when FL 2 handsets start to ship with Nokia (others).
August 1st, 2006 at 9:23 pm
Yes I found a couple of companies doing that and like you say not for free. I have been looking to learn how to read the HHTP headers looking for the UAProf but it is all so annoying.