Today we launched an iPad optimized plugin/theme across WordPress.com. Developed by the fine folks of OnSwipe with collaboration and tweaking for this particular WP.com implementation by the WordPress.com team, this touch aware theme is a native HTML5 experience — no download or native app required. It takes advantage of what’s possible now — touch interactions, swiping, accelerometer, ability to add it to your homescreen, and much more.
A few topics we wanted to cover that are specific to WP.com VIPs:
What Is OnSwipe?
OnSwipe is a plugin for WordPress that makes your content display beautifully on the iPad. It works with your existing theme and content. When a reader comes in from an iPad Safari browser, they get the experience created by the theme. It does this by recognizing the user agent and activating the plugin.
How do I get started? And is this turned on for my site?
For most of you, no action is required to get started — it’s ready to go. We do not modify your content and we do not require any extra work on your end when creating posts. It just happens “automattically”.
If your site has mobile themes disabled completely or has a custom mobile theme running for smart, dumb, or iPad — we will not activate the PadPressed theme by default.
If your site is running our standard mobile themes, PadPressed will be on by default.
You can also turn it on or off from your WordPress.com dashboard, Appearances -> Onswipe
How do I do basic customizations like adding my logo, and changing fonts?
Setting Up Logos?- You can set separate logos for both the categories page and the cover. The optimal size is 200×200 resolution.
Setting Title Fonts- We allow users to choose from a large range of fonts that are native to the iPad for use on their blog. The font is only applied to titles and headings, while keeping the simple readability for the actual text of articles.
What is the basic architecture of the plugin?
Everything is kept under the PadPressed main folder. That folder is then divided into: assets, themes, and framework. Most of the php functions related to WordPress are located under the framework folder. The key files to the theme and design are located under the themes folder and the subfolder warp.
How do I create child themes?
Very soon we’ll have documentation on how to modify and tweak this theme.
What if I want more customization?
We understand as VIP clients you may want more customization and functionality. By modifying the code (soon), you should be able to accomplish anything that you’d like to do. If you have more questions, drop us a note via the VIP ticket system, and we can also connect you directly with the team from Onswipe for more info.
And for more information, please check out the announcement post on WordPress.com.
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