As the modern web trends go, jQuery has become the front runner in bringing the client side Javascript to a common platform. But will it be able to bring the same level of success when it comes to mobile where there’s a gaping gap for a common platform ? As a bunch of developers interested in mobile apps we certainly do hope so.

Following major announcements from Sencha Touch and jQTouch, the jQuery team has piped up: announcing jQuery Mobile. How the jQuery Mobile project differs from projects like jQTouch is the way in which it aims support a range of devices. This can only be achieved by making use of a unified design approach.

jQuery Mobile is Touch-Optimized Web Framework for Smartphones and Tablets. It is a unified user interface system across all popular mobile device platforms, built on the rock-solid jQuery and jQuery UI foundation. Its lightweight code is built with progressive enhancement, and has a flexible, easily themeable design.

The aim is to provide tools to build dynamic touch interfaces that will adapt gracefully to a range of device form factors. The system will include both layouts (lists, detail panes, overlays) and a rich set of form controls and UI widgets (toggles, sliders, tabs).

jQuery Mobile is faced with an exceptionally difficult task. jQuery Mobile theme design must complement a range of operating systems including iOS, Android, webOS, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry and more. Full list of browsers and platforms to be supported.


jQuery's Mobile Testing Lab

Over the years, Apple has introduced and perfected a range of design and usability conventions for the handheld device. It has always felt like the competition has been clamoring to catch up. Libraries like Sencha Touch and jQTouch piggy-back off the success of the iOS interface. If jQuery Mobile is to set itself apart from other libraries, and appear as native as possible across a range of devices, it must abandon some of the best-practice examples that Apple and others have already established.

A quick peek at the basic UI elements, they look very good. Check out their concept designs page.



Concept of interface controls for jQuery Mobile

jQuery mobile framework takes the "write less, do more" mantra to the next level: Instead of writing unique apps for each mobile device or OS, the jQuery mobile framework will allow you to design a single highly branded and customized web application that will work on all popular smartphone and tablet platforms.

Huh, it should be a sweet thing. Curious about what they will show to us. jQuery mobile team aim to deliver first working versions in late 2010.