- Planning Ahead
- Managing Your Resources
- The Developer's Perspective on Tablets
- New Devices Mean New Audiences
- Publishing Tablet-Friendly Apps
Publishing Tablet-Friendly Apps
The Android market has no specific way to target or disable publication to specific types of devices such as tablets, though you can use market filters to restrict your application to users with devices of certain screen sizes, libraries, and other device features. As no tablet "flag" exists, it's not a very good practice to name your app for its device target ("My Killer App for Tablets").
Just try not to make assumptions about what your device features imply. A large screened device could be a tablet, but it could also be a netbook or an Android-powered refrigerator with a built-in digital TV. As always, don't make assumptions that are not supported by the Android SDK! One of those mistaken assumptions is that tablets are special—they're not. We sometimes like to think of them as big, dumb, pretty cousins of smartphones—all looks, no talk (or phone, at least).
Conclusion
Tablets running mobile operating systems are a new and popular device category. When you're developing Android applications, tablet development is simply a special compatibility case, as opposed to a completely separate project. The underlying functionality should be the same. With careful planning, wise use of resources, and good development techniques, supporting tablets need not be a daunting affair. In this article, you've learned a variety of tips and tricks to smooth the transition from small screen smartphones to devices of all sizes, including modern tablets.