What is User Agent?

In terms of web browsers, User Agent is a string that identifies the browser. When a mobile device uses a browser to access a website then this User Agent string, tells the website as to what type of browser is being used to access the website. Depending on the type of browser, the website modifies its content and makes it suitable to be viewed on the web browser. Ex – If you are using a Nokia 5800’s browser to access Gmail, then the layout is modified by the Gmail web server to suit the web browser. Similarly, if you use the iPhone to access Gmail, the layout will be different depending on the iPhone’s browser.

To modify the User Agent for Nokia 5800, we need the following three installation files. One of these files is unsigned and need to be signed before you can install it on your phone. There is an existing post detailing the entire process of signing an unsigned application.

1) iphonesque_UAChange.sis [Need to be signed]
2) PythonForS60.sis
3) UserAgentSelect.sis

Benefits of changing the User Agent of Nokia 5800

There are no great benefits of doing this, however, it does allow you to access some sites that are more easy and comfortable to browse on your phone. One of the greatest examples are gmail, orkut, facebook and other google apps. Sometimes, you may be looking to download some content from a website that is not available for your phone but you know that it will work on your phone. In such a case you simply have to change the User Agent and get the desired content.

Iphonesque is a Python based application that actually gives you a UI based change options between the following User Agent –

Let’s start the step by step process of installing all the required files. It is mandatory to sign “iphonesque_UAChange.sis” before installing it to your phone.

Step 1 – Install PythonForS60.sis

Step 2 – Install UserAgentSelect.sis

Step 3 – Install iphonesque_UAChange.sis

Note: If you install python and the UserAgentSelect and not the Iphonesque, your phone’s browser may crash as soon as try to launch it. In such a case just uninstall both of the installed files and restart your phone. The browser will start functioning normally.

Let's review Google Apps with Nokia 5800's Original UA and Iphone's UA. See the difference.

Nokia 5800 Original Browser User Agent

Nokia 5800 with Iphone's Browser User Agent

You will find the same differences as shown above in other websites as well. Please post your comments and views about this post. Do let me know if you find any issues in following the instructions.

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