OnWired is doing quite a bit with WordPress these days. Most of our clients end up self-managing the sites we build and we’re always looking for ways to make site management easier. Mobile WordPress apps could play a huge part in how our clients maintain their sites moving forward.

WordPress is one of the most widely used content management platforms available. Most users probably don’t need access to their site while they’re on the go, but if you’re using a smartphone (or web-enabled phone) chances are, you can. Maintaining a WordPress site is easier than ever with dedicated mobile apps such as WordPress for Android and iPhone OS. While your options are more limited than working directly in the WP backend, you can easily maintain your site wherever you are.

 

Why would Automattic want mobile WordPress applications? To make it easier for its users to edit/maintain their sites, attract new users/developers to the platform, etc.

Native Applications

So far, there are three official, open-source applications for WordPress: WordPress for iPhone OS (Compatible with iPad, iPhone and iPod touch), WordPress for Android, and WordPress for BlackBerry. Regardless of which you’re on, these all do pretty much the same things. You can easily add new posts and pages, you can maintain existing content, and manage comments. While the UI’s may differ slightly, the feature sets vary little.

• Manage multiple sites
• Create new posts and pages, edit existing content, write local drafts, manage comments

Each of these applications is open-source and constantly being improved by a thriving community of developers. I would encourage you to get involved if you’re able.

WordPress for iPhone OS

WordPress for iPhone OS is a free application that works on iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. The latest version has been optimized to take advantage of the iPad’s large screen size and screen orientation. With this app you can manage multiple WordPress (.com or self-hosted) sites, add or manage existing content, and manage comments. With posts and pages, you can add photos, manage settings like Publish Date, Password-protection. You can even preview what the post will look like. One of the only down-sides to this app is the lack of a visual editing mode. Granted, on a smaller screen visual editing wouldn’t make much sense, but it seems like something that could/should be available in a future version of the iPad app.

More Info:http://iphone.wordpress.org

WordPress for Android

WordPress for Android is a free application that should work on any Android-based phone. It too will allow you to manage multiple WordPress (.com and self-hosted) sites, allow you to manage existing content and comments. When adding or editing content you can add new photos, manage privacy, etc.

More Info: http://android.wordpress.org/

WordPress for BlackBerry

WordPress for BlackBerry is a free application that allows users to write posts, upload photos and videos, edit pages, and manage comments. Compatible with both “Wordpress.com”:http://wordpress.com and self-hosted “Wordpress”:http://wordpress.org. Version 1.1 added comment notifications, post geotagging, touch gestures, photo resizing and more. The app will work with newer BlackBerry devices, including the 8700, Curve, Pearl, Storm, Storm2 and Tour. BlackBerry OS 4.2.1 is the minimum required.

More Info: http://blackberry.wordpress.org/

WordPress on Other Mobile Platforms

f you don’t have an iPhone, iPad or Android-based smartphone, or if you’re looking for a more full-featured admin, here are some plugins to check out:

WordPress Mobile Plugin

This plugin will allow you to admin your site regardless of the type of phone you are using. You can add new posts, post pictures, manage content, moderate comments, manage profiles, and more.

More Info: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-mobile-admin/

iPhone/Mobile Admin plugin

Adapts the admin UI to be more mobile-friendly. While it’s not an in-house project, it is well supported and provides great support for a number of mobile browsers. Works with iPhone and iPod touch. Also works with Windows Mobile and other phones, but they’re supported at a more basic level. These plugins reskin the backend to make them more mobile-friendly.

More Info: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mobileadmin

Summary

These apps aren’t designed to replace the full web experience, but they’re certainly useful when you’re in a pinch or on the go. If you’re looking to manage plugins, themes, settings, etc. these are not for you. Plugins will give you access to some of those features in a mobile browser, but in many cases it would be easier to wait until you’re in front of a computer before making changes.

Links

• Automattic
• WordPress.com
• WordPress.org
• WordPress for iPhone OS
• WordPress for Android
• WordPress for BlackBerry
• WordPress Mobile Plugin
• Mobile Admin plugin