Mobile versions of websites on iphone. Turn off button?

[jbkeyman]

Originally Posted by TallGuy1970

Yes and no. Most sites are designed to identify what browser you are using and direct you to the appropriate version of the site. So, in that aspect, it is a setting on the webserver hosting a website or in the coding for the site itself.

Most mobile browsers, by default, identify themselves as mobile browsers and are directed to the less graphic intensive and smaller resolution mobile websites. However, there are some mobile browsers that allow you "trick" the websites and identify themselves as regular browsers. Thus, you are directed to the full version of the website. So, if your browser allows that option, it can be considered a browser setting.

Regardless, a good programmer will place a link somewhere on a mobile website linking you to the full version if you want it.

Exactly. It starts with the browser identifying itself as mobile. The server just responds to how the browser identifies itself.

But, if a search result returns a non mobile result, Im still redirected to the mobile site homepage and not the link I clicked.

Clicking the Desktop/mobile link from the mobile homepage just redirects to the DT homepage not my search result.

But, if I can globally switch my browser between DT and Mobile MODES (simple fix), I don't have to depend on NON-OS-INTEGRATED thirdparty apps. I dont have to load the page twice(once for the mobile and once for the DT). I don't have to hope there is a link for A DT site . And my search results always send me where I want to go.

[japasneezemonk]

Originally Posted by takeshi74

Or JB and use UA Faker.

I think just using Atomic would be easier than JB. IMO, if the OP needs to ask how to change the User Agent, the simplest solution will be serve best.

[jbkeyman]

If you have a thirdparty browser installed, which browser comes up if you click a link inside a forum app?

If you click a link in your email, which browser pops up?

I suspect safari not Atomic. Workaround yes. Soloution no.

I just shouldnt have to hack my $700 phone to use its capabilities.

Particularly when it would be so easy to fix it.

Its not like safari can't render a desktop page.

If it couldn't the Desktop link wouldn't work.

User MODE to change the user agent string. After all it is the "user" agent.... not the browser or device agent.
It should reflect what the user wants. It's not: "can" it be done? It is: "will" it be done?

Btw I'm not suggesting that Safari should spoof itself as Firefox. And I think the term "desktop site" should be replaced with "Full Site" in nomenclature.

[Ryem]

Originally Posted by TallGuy1970

Yes and no. Most sites are designed to identify what browser you are using and direct you to the appropriate version of the site. So, in that aspect, it is a setting on the webserver hosting a website or in the coding for the site itself.

Most mobile browsers, by default, identify themselves as mobile browsers and are directed to the less graphic intensive and smaller resolution mobile websites. However, there are some mobile browsers that allow you "trick" the websites and identify themselves as regular browsers. Thus, you are directed to the full version of the website. So, if your browser allows that option, it can be considered a browser setting.

Regardless, a good programmer will place a link somewhere on a mobile website linking you to the full version if you want it.

Those full version links don't always work. I just get redirected to the mobile site. I'm trying Google Chrome. There's a drop down menu with a choice for Request Desktop Site. It's not perfect, you can't have it as a default, but you don't have to jailbreak the phone which I'm reluctant to do while it's still under warranty. I read lots of complaints about the latest version crashing, but it's working fine for me.

[960design]

Just bad webcoders. They should provide a common interface across all devices. The responsive meme that is happening right now, may soon mature into something more productive, but right now it pretty much sucks.

We all should strive to build sites that look the same across all devices.

Changing the menu structure between mobile and desktop versions drives users mad.

[aquimanda]

install kissmyagent from appstore. Choose iphone or desktop button.

Rockn roll

[Gaidin43]

Are there any sbs settings toggles that can be set up to turn from mobile to desktop views on this? Or even a switch in Safari in its self.

[Zyriab]

Get used to mobile versions of web-sites. The prevailing trend in the web design world is "responsive web design" whereby the site adapts itself to the 'viewport' of the device, i.e. the width of the browser window. Be clear that this is not a different version of the site especially for mobile devices, it is the same site which adapts, or "responds" to the device it's being viewed on.

For example, go to Starbuck's website - http://www.starbucks.com - on your computer and resize the browser window. Watch what happens.

Here's another nice example - https://ohm2013.org/site/. Reduce the width of your browser to about 360px to see how the site would look on your iPhone.

Responsive web design is very "now" in the web design world, so expect to see more sites like this.

[MaloCS]

I absolutely hate pinching and swiping a web site deigned for the desktop on my mobile device. Talk about poor usability. When I'm browsing the internet from my phone I want a fast, streamlined experience that isn't bogged down by stupid ass crap that modern day web sites include in their desktop versions. When I'm on my phone it means I'm on the go and I have no time for desktop versions of anything.

However, if I'm on my iPad or my desktop then please give me all that extra, superfluous crap that isn't needed on a phone.

[Zyriab]

I agree with you MaloCS, and that's precisely why responsive web design is taking off like it is. All my future web-sites will be responsive!

[peterjonson]

I was also looking for the same answer from last 3 weeks. Now I got it. I am using atomic web browser it is having really good features and its cool.

[adam044]

Use google chrome and you can request desktop page

[Gaidin43]

Originally Posted by adam044

Use google chrome and you can request desktop page

Is chrome as fast as safari on iPhone 5?

[Kissaragi]

This always annoys me too. Id rather use safari than one of the browsers from the app store with a user agent setting

[D.T.]

Originally Posted by TallGuy1970

Yes and no. Most sites are designed to identify what browser you are using and direct you to the appropriate version of the site. So, in that aspect, it is a setting on the webserver hosting a website or in the coding for the site itself.

Most mobile browsers, by default, identify themselves as mobile browsers and are directed to the less graphic intensive and smaller resolution mobile websites. However, there are some mobile browsers that allow you "trick" the websites and identify themselves as regular browsers. Thus, you are directed to the full version of the website. So, if your browser allows that option, it can be considered a browser setting.

Regardless, a good programmer will place a link somewhere on a mobile website linking you to the full version if you want it.

Nice and accurate response.

Last sentence I totally agree with - if you're going to redirect to dedicated mobile content based on user agent, just make it a gateway, and allow subsequent user nav to the desktop version of the content.

Originally Posted by Gaidin43

Is chrome as fast as safari on iPhone 5?

Based on the last benchmarks I saw (that are now ~6 months old), it definitely doesn't test as fast. Some major impact things like the JavaScript engine were significantly faster on Safari. That being said, depending on the specific sites, your end user experience might not be all that different (especially on fast devices like an iPhone5 or iPad4), especially static content, low script content type sites.

I stick with Safari because: 1) the issue of mobile sites doesn't effect or bother me, 2) it's integrated in the OS, so links, etc., are headed there anyway, 3) iCloud tabs, bookmark syncs, etc., built in (prefer not to use a 3rd party service), 4) high percentage of iOS users on it, meaning sites are generally cross checked for it, 5) Safari is already my standard browser on OSX (see previous comment about sync, cloud tabs)

[adam044]

Originally Posted by Gaidin43

Is chrome as fast as safari on iPhone 5?

I've been using it for almost a month now since I use it on my Mac and yes I dont notice any diference. I believe it runs the same code or whatever you call it as safari it just has a skin over it

[C DM]

Originally Posted by adam044

I've been using it for almost a month now since I use it on my Mac and yes I dont notice any diference. I believe it runs the same code or whatever you call it as safari it just has a skin over it

One of the main differences is that Safari on the iPhone has access to a much faster Nitro JavaScript engine while Chrome and other browsers do not. Beyond that it's mostly the look and feel and maybe some extra features that are different between the browsers (not really the actual rendering of web sites or anything like that, JavaScript aside).

[adam044]

Originally Posted by C DM

One of the main differences is that Safari on the iPhone has access to a much faster Nitro JavaScript engine while Chrome and other browsers do not. Beyond that it's mostly the look and feel and maybe some extra features that are different between the browsers (not really the actual rendering of web sites or anything like that, JavaScript aside).

I use it strictly because I use chrome on my computer which is noticeably faster than safari. That's me not saying its right or wrong not starting a huge debate over browsers it's up to the user. Thanks for clarifying though

[C DM]

Originally Posted by adam044

I use it strictly because I use chrome on my computer which is noticeably faster than safari. That's me not saying its right or wrong not starting a huge debate over browsers it's up to the user. Thanks for clarifying though

Yeah, I was just adding some more info as to the difference between Safari and other browsers in iOS (compared to it being completely different in OS X or pretty much any other OS).

[vastoholic]

Originally Posted by japasneezemonk

I think just using Atomic would be easier than JB. IMO, if the OP needs to ask how to change the User Agent, the simplest solution will be serve best.

Does Atomic transfer all your Safari bookmarks and iCloud stuff? I honestly don't know. That would be the larger benefit of UA Faker (which I use) if it doesn't. If they are strictly a Safari user, then UA Faker would still allow them to use it.

[peterjonson]

Safari is the default browser for iPhone and iPod. It also offers several other options available which you can download from app store. I think this is the fastest working browser.

[peterjonson]

You can also try Atomic web browser is an advance web browser in which you can see complete website. I am using it. As my business has mobile website developed by Zippie Mobile. I can see it completely on it. It really cool.

[AQUADock]

Originally Posted by kdarling

With each and every request, your browser sends a User Agent string to the server, telling it what kind of browser it is.

In this case, it's identifying itself as mobile Safari and an iPhone (or touch).

While some other mobile browsers let you change your User Agent string to spoof the web servers, Safari does not. (It's part of being a SIMPLE user interface)

Your choices (without jailbreaking) are 1) find the link that gives you the full page, and/or 2) write the webmaster and ask that they create one.

(Personally, I like most mobile websites, especially if they're a lot faster and they scale down the graphics. The "real internet" is made for much larger screens than the iPhone has, and that's what my laptop is for... or perhaps one of the new VGA+ phones available now.)

To me 0.8 or so inches doesn't make much of a diference even on a full size iPad I find myself zooming in quite a lot. Most of the time mobile sites are better than the full version except a few times.

[DanielLebaro]

Yes Aquadock mobile sites are much better than a normal website. You can use an Atomic web browser is an advance web browser in which you can see complete website. I am using it. It really works well.

[Radiating]

Just use perfect browser. It's a regular iphone app. I can't believe I'm the only one who has said this.

Yes this problem is VERY annoying - web designers are morons.