Embedded media in the mobile browser
Video content has become more and more popular on the Web. Mobile browsers will soon enable users to access and view the same content where ever they go - right on the mobile screen.
On desktop Web browsers, a media clip embedded on a Web page does not make the page too crowded. However, on a mobile browser and a limited display, it may be advisable to consider opening the media clip in a new window or launching a separate player.
Example video (opens in video player)
Audio playback for mobile browsers
Simple markup enables playback of sound files right from the browser - without launching an external player.
Pop-ups for mobile browsers
Pop-up windows have a notorious reputation for driving the user crazy - the worst case scenario is that a Web site opens a number of intrusive pop-up windows automatically and the user has no control over them. On a mobile display, the effect is even worse, since the pop-up window hides the main window from the user's view.
The key to using pop-ups is giving the control to the user. Make sure users know when they are opening a pop-up window. When a pop-up is opened, display clear controls for closing it. The best place for a Close button is in the upper-left corner of the window.
Open a new window (w/ DOM target)
SVG for mobile browsers
The SVG format has yet to become widely used by web designers, but the technology holds great potential, and it is an open source solution. On mobile devices, the economy of scale is particularly useful.
Ad banners
Interactive and animated Flash banners are very common on Web sites. On a mobile browser, the use of banners is a bit trickier - they use valuable display space and the mobile device may not have the necessary Flash support.
If you decide to display Flash banners for mobile browsers, make sure they do not steal attention and room from the navigational elements on the page. Also, instead of using Flash, consider using Flash Lite. Flash Lite gives most of the required functionality needed on banners, but has a much wider support on mobile devices.