Transparent virtual machine for mobile applications

A wireless mobile computing device comprising:

• a processor;
• memory in communication with said processor, storing software adapting said device to:
• receive an application definition file with metadata, said application definition file comprising a markup language and including:
• a format of a user interface for said application at said mobile device;
• a format of network messages for exchange of data generated by said application;
• and
• a format for storing data related to said application at said mobile device,
• said metadata including:
• a location at said mobile device for said application definition file;
• and
• a reference to an image file representing an icon to be displayed at said mobile device and whose selection shall initiate execution of said application;
• receive said image file in association with said application definition file;
• create an application descriptor file based on said metadata, said creating comprising:
• assigning, to a variable of said application descriptor file, said reference to said image file;
• and
• specifying in said application descriptor file said location at said mobile device for said application definition file;
• register said application descriptor file with an operating system that is executing a virtual machine for interpreting application definition files defining applications in said markup language;
• execute said operating system to:
• responsive to registration of said application descriptor file, present said icon based on said variable of said application descriptor file;
• receive an indication of selection of said icon;
• indicate said selection to said virtual machine;
• execute said virtual machine to:
• interpret, responsive to receiving an indication of said selection, said application definition file to create an application;
• and
• execute said application,
• such that said virtual machine for executing said application is rendered transparent to a user of said mobile device.

A computer-readable medium storing software that, upon execution by a processor of a wireless mobile device having an operating system and a virtual machine executed by said operating system, said virtual machine for interpreting application definition files defining applications in a markup language, configures said device to:

• receive an application definition file with metadata, said application definition file comprising said markup language and including:
• a format of a user interface for said application at said mobile device;
• a format of network messages for exchange of data generated by said application;
• and
• a format for storing data related to said application at said mobile device,
• said metadata including:
• a location at said mobile device for said application definition file;
• and
• a reference to an image file representing an icon to be displayed at said mobile device and whose selection shall initiate execution of said application;
• receive said image file in association with said application definition file;
• create an application descriptor file based on said metadata, said creating comprising:
• assigning, to a variable of said application descriptor file, said reference to said image file;
• and
• specifying in said application descriptor file said location at said mobile device for said application definition file;
• register said application descriptor file with said operating system that is executing said virtual machine;
• at said operating system:
• responsive to registration of said application descriptor file, present said icon based on said variable of said application descriptor file;
• receive an indication of selection of said icon;
• indicate said selection to said virtual machine;
• at said virtual machine:
• responsive to receiving an indication of said selection, interpret said application
• definition file to create an application;
• and
• execute said application,
• such that said virtual machine for executing said application is rendered transparent to a user of said mobile device.