Should I use the mobile app or the web browser release?
I play bridge by invoking https://www.bridgebase.com/ in the browser on my desktop, tablet and phone. I was recently asked how to get rid of intrusive ads that take over the whole screen, something I did not experience when playing the game.
It turns out that there is also a Bridge Base Online “mobile app” available from the Apple store and the Google play store for a tablet and a phone.
The big surprise was that the mobile app has many more intrusive and longer ads than the browser version. Some ads took over the whole screen for more than 15 seconds without being able to stop them.
I asked my good friend Copilot “why does the bridge base online app have more intrusive ads than bridgebase.com on the browser?”
- Mobile apps often rely on full-screen ads and video ads to generate revenue. These formats are more disruptive but also more lucrative for developers. It’s a common strategy across many free mobile apps.
- On the other hand, the browser version typically uses less intrusive ad formats, like banners or sidebars, which don’t interrupt the application as aggressively.
‘Free’ mobile apps with more intrusive ads than the browser version include YouTube, Spotify, Duolingo, weather apps, mobile games, news apps and streaming apps. Using browser versions with ad-blockers or opting for premium subscriptions can make a big difference.
If you are using a mobile app that seems to have intrusive and longer ads, consider testing the web browser version, if there is one. Don’t forget to remove the mobile app from your phone or tablet, if you are satisfied with the browser version.
When should you use the mobile app or the browser version?
In general, a mobile app is typically better for providing a high-performance, feature-rich, and deeply integrated experience for a frequent or dedicated user. The browser version is better for broad accessibility, easy discoverability, and minimal friction for a casual user or a user on a desktop computer. But it can be worth trying both – often the experience is nearly identical, but sometimes you will find that you prefer one over the other.