Globalization for Wireless

Localizing for Mobile Devices: A Primer

Globalization processes that deal with wireless/mobile devices require special attention due to the limits inherent in small form factors and the limited bandwidth available to many devices. To assist developers in making sure that their applications will work adequately with wireless devices globally, LISA offers Localizing for Mobile Devices: A Primer.

Contents

• The mobile world and localization
• Designing for mobile communications
  • Small screens
  • Screens of various types
  • Keyboards versus styluses
  • Operating systems for mobile devices
  • Proper internationalization is necessary
• Dealing with localizable files
  • File formats for localizable resources
  • File size: the smaller the better
  • File-naming conventions
  • Installer or setup applications
  • Content development for mobile devices
• Localization and language issues
  • Display language-specific special characters
  • Line- and word-wrapping
  • Text-truncation and dialog-resizing issues
  • Use of abbreviated translations
  • Using icons to save space
  • Online help
  • Documentation
  • Taking localized screenshots
• Localization testing
  • Localization test specifications
  • Testing with a device versus an emulator
  • Testing with different accessories and hardware
  • Testing with third-party software
  • Language sign-off during testing
• Further information
• Glossary

Download

Localizing for Mobile Devices: A Primer is available for download at no charge in PDF format. Download now