iPhone OS feature creates full-screen web apps

Hidden iPhone compatibility features have been found in Google Wave, reports say. Wave is used to merge e-mail, wikis, instant messaging and social networking, and is currently in its beta stages. The web app is supported in two ways on an iPhone, the first being visiting its website through Safari. People are warned that their browser is not supported during the preview period, but after proceeding, problems should be minimal.

The website has been optimized for WebKit-based browsers such as Safari, as well as Google's Android phones, allowing users to select various conversation "waves" and contacts.

People can alternately save a bookmark to an iPhone's home screen. When launched Wave is shed of its Safari wrapper, but still functions like the regular web app. Google confirms that the option is exploiting an existing iPhone OS feature, which supports entering a full-screen mode dubbed "app mode."

by MacNN Staff