Overview
We're aiming to provide the simplest and most reliable method for .NET developers to integrate mobile devices with their existing and future web sites, which is why we've used WURFL as the primary source of device information. Operated by WURFL-Pro (the company founded by Luca Passani, the WURFL inventor), the WURFL device database is widely-accepted as the most advanced and up-to-date mobile device database available. More information is available here.
We have created an add-in for .NET web sites that'll automatically determine if a mobile device is accessing the site and redirect it to mobile specific content. Our Application Programming Interface (API) utilises the useragent string provided in the header of each HTTP request to identify the browser and mobile device making the request. The device database contains a useragent string for each known mobile device. When a new request is received, the API matches the useragent string to one in the database - either through a direct match or by finding the closest.
Once integrated into a web site, the API wil parse device data and store it in memory during the first request. Every time a mobile page is requested, .NET standard browser capabilities are enhanced using the mobile device data to override original values. Parameters such as screen width, screen height, colour depth, brand and model will be considerably more accurate, enabling you to create a web site that's more compelling and more reliable. In technical terms, when the Request.Browser object is queried, mobile device data is returned. It's that simple.
The following code placed in the Page_Load event returns the mobile device manufacturer and model details:
LabelManufacturer.Text = Request.Browser.MobileDeviceManufacturer;
LabelModel.Text = Request.Browser.MobileDeviceModel;
With the .NET Mobile API installed and WURFL providing mobile device data, these calls will return extremely accurate data when compared to the standard browser information provided by Microsoft.