object Tag Limitations

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Pocket Internet Explorer supports ActiveX controls and allows the methods and properties to be scripted. However, there are a few limitations compared to the desktop-computer implementation:

  • Controls cannot be installed on the fly. The ability to download and install ActiveX controls is not supported for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs. However, ActiveX controls that already reside on a Pocket PC can be referenced with the <object> tag in pages. ActiveX controls can also be installed on the device by packaging them in a CAB installer and posting them on a Web page. The user can then tap the link to download and install them. For more information, see Installing Applications on Windows Mobile-Based Devices.

    **Note   **Pocket Internet Explorer does not include Microsoft Authenticode® security to support signed ActiveX controls.

  • ActiveX controls are not affected by the Fit to Screen menu option. Even if Fit to Screen is selected and the ActiveX control is resized to fit into the screen area, the content of the control is not resized. If you are creating ActiveX controls to be used on Web pages in Pocket Internet Explorer, design the client area accordingly.

  • Java applets are not supported without a JVM installed. Microsoft does not include a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs; without a JVM, Pocket Internet Explorer is incapable of displaying Java applets. However, third-party JVMs are available, and some device manufacturers include them with their devices.

  • Newly created ActiveX controls require new information when registered. Newly created ActiveX controls require that the threading model for the component be declared as "Free" or "Both" when they are registered. In earlier versions of Windows Mobile software, this registration setting was ignored by the system. In Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, it is required.

    See the MonthCal ActiveX control in the SDK for a sample that uses Active Template Libraries (ATL) to register ActiveX controls with the system.

See Also

HTML Reference for Pocket Internet Explorer

Mobile Web Site Design Overview

Pocket Internet Explorer Overview

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