FAQ
What is Handset Detection all about ?
Why do I need Handset Detection ?
How accurate is the information ?
Why are there so many devices ?
How do I link Handset Detection to my website ?
Is this service really free ?
Who uses this service ?
Why is it Beta ?
What are the system requirements ?
In what countries is this available ?
Do I need to get updates ?
Is there any software to download ?
Is there any tracking code that needs to go on all my web pages ?
That analytics section is a bit bare !
I forgot my password - What do I do ?
Whats all this Pura Vida stuff about ?
I found a bug ! How do I report that ?
Who is Zaption ?
What is Handset Detection all about ?
At Zaption we build mobile web and mobile (j2me) application projects. We found ourselves needing to detect handsets over and over again to deliver customized content to mobile devices. So, we thought we'de package everything up into a web service that might be useful to other people. Enjoy. :-)
Why do I need Handset Detection ?
Handset detection allows website owners to customize content for portable or mobile devices. Generally handsets and cell phones format web pages poorly. Handset detection provides you the opportunity to detect detect a device in real time and do something about it. You might choose to use a different set of page templates, not send that 500k of javascript, or, if you're delivering j2me applications you can send custom jad's or jar's specfically built for the browsing device.
You can also request geo-location information. (country, city, isp and company details).
How accurate is the information ?
We're 70% sure its 90% accurate, allthough there's only a 25% chance of that ! :) But Seriously .. Handset data comes from WURFL, and individual vendor device profiles (UA Profiles). Geo-location data is sourced from Maxmind. We use this information in production. Why not sign up, log some data for a while and check out the accuracy yourself ?
Why are there so many devices ?
Good question. We have nearly 8000 device profiles in our database. Companies keep making new and sometimes even better devices ! Some devices conform to standards, some mostly do, others dont at all. Also some devices have multiple versions of software as vendors fix bugs and release updates.
How do I link Handset Detection to my website ?
You need to plug our software into your website. Take a look at the API and examples.
Sure is !
Mostly its just us at Zaption using it internally. However the types of projects we're using it on include
- Mobile content provision (ringtines, icons, wallpapers).
- Mobile website customization.
- J2me applications delivery.
This is the first public release of our software. We feel that its ready for real world use but acknowledge that there are a few rough edges that need polishing. During beta we ask people to sign up and experience the developing features of our web service.
What are the system requirements ?
You'll need a website or some way to script web service requests to Handset Detection. Thats about it.
In what countries is this available ?
All of them. The web service has no restrictions on countries.
No. Our service automatically updates itself a few times per day.
Is there any software to download ?
No. There is no software to download.
Is there any tracking code that needs to go on all my web pages ?
No. Our system works by your webserver passing queries directly to our web service. We then send the replies back to your web server so your web server can decide how to format pages before sending them to people browsing your website.
That analytics section is a bit bare !
Yes - We know. We've got some ideas about that section, but we're always interested in your comments. If you have any suggestions then please drop me (Richard) an email. Thanks.
I have forgotten my password. What do I do ?
Jump off to the forgotten password page.
Whats all this Pura Vida stuff about ?
You can get the low down on Pura Vida from Wikipedia.
I found a bug ! How do I report that ?
We'll have a forum set up soon. In the mean time shoot an email to me, Richard, Thanks.
We build web and mobile crossover products (and now services). You can get the full blurb at the Zaption website.