Recent Handy Developments On iPhone-Friendly Web App Front

While it’s not at all fair that Apple’s iPhone (and the developments its release has spawned) are getting the overall bulk of the attention doled out to the smartie market these days, it’s certainly worth pointing out highlights that are piggybacking the multi-touch marvel’s success as they make their way into public view, if only because they’re 1) quite useful, and/or 2) so frickin’ cool.

Today we talk about two Web-based deliveries: Wakoopa and Google Docs. One is a slick mobile utility directory (sure, Apple recently unveiled its Web app site, but it ain’t iPhone-friendly, ironically), and the other, well, you know what that one’s all about.

First, we shine the limelight on Google Docs. Google’s office suite is a decent Web-based multi-function trilogy comprised of a word processor, a spreadsheet editor, and a simple presentation maker, and, to the benefit of iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile users alike, it was released last week for use with a variety of smart handsets. (Note: the applications are read-only at the moment. No edit-on-the-go possible as of yet.)

Just point your (compatible) handset’s browser to ‘http://docs.google.com/m’ and you’ll be directed to the applications (Docs, Spreads, and Presents are all accessible from an iPhone; while only Docs and Spreads are open to BlackBerry and Windows Mobile users). There, you’ll find any existing files displayed in a neat, single column. Very easily accessible, no doubt.

Documents are displayed in a format that makes only vertical scrolling necessary, which is quite convenient, as opposed to spreadsheets, which are shown in their original size by default (or so it appears when using an iPhone). This is not so terrible, as “pinching” the screen makes for easy adjustment of a spreadsheet. But if one is using a BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device, things could be a bit difficult to manage.

As was said earlier, presentations are only viewable on an iPhone at the moment, and, well, they’re not so attractive, on the desktop or the mobile phone, so I think we’ll pass on giving a comment on the application with further detail.

On to Wakoopa. Wakoopa is, on the whole, a sort of social network built around the world of iPhone applications, Web-based or not. It’s where folks that want to discuss and share all things iPhone-development-related can do so.

But perhaps you’re not using your desktop browser and browsing the site or chatting up fellow iPhone crazies. Perhaps you’re using your iPhone and you want to fine a nifty application quickly, without having to pinch your way to a successful solution. Well, the folks behind Wakoopa have put together something for their mobile visitors.

Venture over to ‘http://i.wakoopa.com’ with your iPhone, and you’ll be greeted by a menu displayed in neat, easily navigable column, with an “iPhone Apps” menu as well as one labeled ‘You’, where registered members of the site can log in, share new Web-based iPhone-friendly creations or see what one’s “friends” are up to. Wakoopa’s iPhone apps lists are threefold: Alphabetical, Most Popular, and Most Recent, and all are quite elegantly displayed. There are some small format issues to weed out, but overall, Wakoopa is a thoroughly useful bit of kit. I highly recommend using it if you’re on the go ¬and in need of something to show off to your pals.

So, there you have it. Google Docs with mobile access and Wakoopa for iPhone fanatics. Enjoy!