Downloading a New MIDlet

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Question

How do you download a new MIDlet? If I have an MIDP-enabled device such as a cell phone, how do I download a new MIDlet to it? Do I:

• Download it through a wireless connection?
• Download it with a PC, and then from the PC through a cable to the phone?

In either case, do I need a browser in the phone, and if so, which one?

Tip

It depends on what approach the device vendor implements. The vendor can enable you to download MIDlets wirelessly or to use a connection to a PC. You shouldn't need a browser, the vendor should provide the appropriate application management software on the device. For example, Motorola indicated that it will provide a free application loader on its iDEN developer Web site to download J2ME applications to an i85s iDEN phone.

Over time, the approach for MIDlet downloads should evolve to "wireless provisioning," a recommended way of distributing MIDP applications (also called "MIDlet Suites") to wireless devices. Wireless provisioning is defined by the MIDP expert group in the draft specification.

Over the Air User Initiated Provisioning for Mobile Information Device Profile
An updated draft of that specification should be available soon.

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to members Eric Giguere and Mark VandenBrink for contributing to this answer.

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