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javascriptmobiletablet

How to detect device type using javascript

I am developing an web application where I need to detect the device from javascript. Could anybody tell me whats the best way to do it ? I found several solution by googling. But no one is full proof. I do not want to use server side detection like WURFL.

My update

I am detecing device by matching CSS media queries using javascript. For media query matching using polyfill by Paul Irish https://github.com/paulirish/matchMedia.js/

Solution

  • I advise you check out http://wurfl.io/

    In a nutshell, if you import a tiny JS file:

    <script type='text/javascript' src="//wurfl.io/wurfl.js"></script>

    you will be left with a JSON object that looks like:

    {
 "complete_device_name":"Google Nexus 7",
 "is_mobile":true,
 "form_factor":"Tablet"
}

    (that's assuming you are using a Nexus 7, of course) and you will be able to do things like:

    if(WURFL.form_factor == "Tablet"){
    //dostuff();
}

    This is what you are looking for.

    Disclaimer: I work for the company that offers this free service. Thanks.