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Is it Really TRUE what they are saying about Mobile detection redirect Scripts??

by MissTR
24 replies
Is it Really TRUE that if I am putting a mobile detection auto-redirect script on a site, I need to update that script on each site I put it on, whenever a new cell phone comes out???

If this is true, I will be horrified and wondering how I am going to manage this.


Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some intelligent feedback on this.

-MissTR
#detection #mobile #mobile detection script #mobile redirect #mobile redirect script #redirect #scripts #true
  • Profile picture of the author Kung Fu Backlinks
    I don't think this is true. The scripts that I've used go by screen size, so anything smaller than a certain size is automatically redirected. If you have a mobile device larger than those dimensions, I'd image it could handle a desktop website.

    Now there are redirect plugins for WordPress and they should be updated (like any other plugin), but I'm not sure this necessarily has anything to do with new phones coming out.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Kung Fu Backlinks View Post

      I don't think this is true. The scripts that I've used go by screen size, so anything smaller than a certain size is automatically redirected. If you have a mobile device larger than those dimensions, I'd image it could handle a desktop website.

      Now there are redirect plugins for WordPress and they should be updated (like any other plugin), but I'm not sure this necessarily has anything to do with new phones coming out.
      Interesting, thanks for bringing up a good point and that is...I hadn't specified if I was asking about html or wordpress.

      I am asking about html. Although I like hearing the views on wordpress also, since I am sure there will be wp sites involved in my clients' sites at some point.

      I am still a little unclear.

      But thanks a lot for your response.

      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

    Is it Really TRUE that if I am putting a mobile detection auto-redirect script on a site, I need to update that script on each site I put it on, whenever a new cell phone comes out???

    If this is true, I will be horrified and wondering how I am going to manage this.


    Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some intelligent feedback on this.

    -MissTR
    Short answer - no that is not true.

    What you are talking about are mobile redirect scripts based on user agent detection. A good redirect script will require minimum updates due to the way its been designed by the developer, however at certain stages its inevitable that an update will be required but certainly not as often as say Joomla or Wordpress core updates are released.

    Whilst a screensize based javascript redirect script will likely be updated much much less than its user agent based counterpart they are typically less accurate at correctly detecting and redirecting mobile visitors, and has known issues with correctly determining certain Android device screen sizes. Not to mention they are not recognized and followed by the Google Mobile Search Bot either.

    Before deciding which script type to use be sure you understand the pros and cons for each. Additionally certain scenarios will require different types of script deployment.

    Whilst we offer a script that caters to both - I personally prefer User Agent detection and redirect over screen size.

    If you search on Google you will find plenty of FREE and paid redirection scripts, whilst the functionality of redirection may sound straight forward you will find the more you get involved in mobile your requirements or your clients needs will change and you will need to look beyond basic implementation, also you will find that some scripts are supported and also not supported by the developer.

    Hope that helps, if you have any other questions at all feel free to ask.

    Cheers,

    Jay
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

      Short answer - no that is not true.

      What you are talking about are mobile redirect scripts based on user agent detection. A good redirect script will require minimum updates due to the way its been designed by the developer, however at certain stages its inevitable that an update will be required but certainly not as often as say Joomla or Wordpress core updates are released.

      Whilst a screensize based javascript redirect script will likely be updated much much less than its user agent based counterpart they are typically less accurate at correctly detecting and redirecting mobile visitors, and has known issues with correctly determining certain Android device screen sizes. Not to mention they are not recognized and followed by the Google Mobile Search Bot either.

      Before deciding which script type to use be sure you understand the pros and cons for each. Additionally certain scenarios will require different types of script deployment.

      Whilst we offer a script that caters to both - I personally prefer User Agent detection and redirect over screen size.

      If you search on Google you will find plenty of FREE and paid redirection scripts, whilst the functionality of redirection may sound straight forward you will find the more you get involved in mobile your requirements or your clients needs will change and you will need to look beyond basic implementation, also you will find that some scripts are supported and also not supported by the developer.

      Hope that helps, if you have any other questions at all feel free to ask.

      Cheers,

      Jay
      I was referring to HTML scripts only. And I never even considered "screen size" redirection.

      Also, what do you mean by "the more you get involved in mobile your requirements or your clients needs will change and you will need to look beyond basic implementation"?

      -MissTR
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      • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
        Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

        I was referring to HTML scripts only. And I never even considered "screen size" redirection.

        Also, what do you mean by "the more you get involved in mobile your requirements or your clients needs will change and you will need to look beyond basic implementation"?

        -MissTR
        If your using a basic redirection script if a visitor wants to return to the main desktop site they will get stuck in a loop and keep getting returned back to the mobile site.

        More advanced implementation would prevent that loop happening, other options maybe that you want to provide your visitor with a mobile alert and give them an option to redirect or not, perhaps choose to redirect say iPads and other tablets or not, just things like that.

        Really the options you have for a HTML site are a user agent based JavaScript script, a screen size detect and redirect JavaScript script or using a .htaccess file that also uses user agent detection.

        Hope that helps

        Jay
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTR
          Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

          If your using a basic redirection script if a visitor wants to return to the main desktop site they will get stuck in a loop and keep getting returned back to the mobile site.

          More advanced implementation would prevent that loop happening, other options maybe that you want to provide your visitor with a mobile alert and give them an option to redirect or not, perhaps choose to redirect say iPads and other tablets or not, just things like that.

          Really the options you have for a HTML site are a user agent based JavaScript script, a screen size detect and redirect JavaScript script or using a .htaccess file that also uses user agent detection.

          Hope that helps

          Jay
          Hmm, I'm starting to understand this better now.
          (Still a bit alarming though, considering all the scripts out there and people really don't know what they're getting.)

          Anyway, I don't understand the loop thing? What exactly do you mean?- because if you add a link to allow the user to go to the full (non-mobile) website they should be fine. What am I missing?

          Also, I am not in agreement with giving a choice. If they are on a mobile device they don't need a delay in viewing the content they are 99% of the time looking for, by being prompted to make a decision of whether they want to view mobile or non-mobile versions. The mobile site with mobile specific content should always be the default on a mobile device (with an option, later- as a link, to view the full(non-mobile) site, in my opinion. Again, am I missing something here too? -What would be the purpose of giving them a choice to be redirected to a mobile site or not?

          Thanks,
          -MissTR
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          • Profile picture of the author chrislim2888
            I suppose the mobile user agent shall be able to detect the source and make the right redirection.
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            • Profile picture of the author MissTR
              Originally Posted by chrislim2888 View Post

              I suppose the mobile user agent shall be able to detect the source and make the right redirection.
              chrislim2888,
              You probably should take a look at post #3 or 6, or both.

              -MissTR
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          • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
            Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

            Anyway, I don't understand the loop thing? What exactly do you mean?- because if you add a link to allow the user to go to the full (non-mobile) website they should be fine. What am I missing?
            If the main site automatically redirects the user to the mobile site - how do you propose it to NOT automatically send them right back again to the mobile site when the user returns from the mobile site?

            You would need to implement some additional coding or logistics to prevent it redirecting them in this scenario or else they will never be able to see the main desktop site no matter how many times they click the "Full Website Link" the main site would just auto redirect them back to the mobile site.

            Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

            Also, I am not in agreement with giving a choice. If they are on a mobile device they don't need a delay in viewing the content they are 99% of the time looking for, by being prompted to make a decision of whether they want to view mobile or non-mobile versions. The mobile site with mobile specific content should always be the default on a mobile device (with an option, later- as a link, to view the full(non-mobile) site, in my opinion. Again, am I missing something here too? -What would be the purpose of giving them a choice to be redirected to a mobile site or not?

            Thanks,
            -MissTR
            Whilst it is your opinion and i agree with you, a client may not want to do it that way. I was just providing you with an example of things that can occur through my own personal experience and highlighting addition features that can be added with more advanced coding and implementation

            If you are concerned about the speed at which mobile users access the mobile site (which you should) then you need to be using a non javascript based user agent detection script - combine this with submitting a correctly formatted Mobile Site map to your Google Webmaster Tools will all help Google identify your mobile site and make sure that when your main website is displayed in the Google Mobile SERP's that any mobile users get sent STRAIGHT to the mobile site when clicking your link.

            Additionally you will also stay away from responsive layouts in favor of an adaptive design or a specifically optimized mobile site.

            If you want the broadest range of mobile devices beyond just smartphones to access your mobile sites than you will also need to look into properly validated code too...

            HTH

            Jay
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            • Profile picture of the author MissTR
              Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

              If the main site automatically redirects the user to the mobile site - how do you propose it to NOT automatically send them right back again to the mobile site when the user returns from the mobile site?

              You would need to implement some additional coding or logistics to prevent it redirecting them in this scenario or else they will never be able to see the main desktop site no matter how many times they click the "Full Website Link" the main site would just auto redirect them back to the mobile site.



              Whilst it is your opinion and i agree with you, a client may not want to do it that way. I was just providing you with an example of things that can occur through my own personal experience and highlighting addition features that can be added with more advanced coding and implementation

              If you are concerned about the speed at which mobile users access the mobile site (which you should) then you need to be using a non javascript based user agent detection script - combine this with submitting a correctly formatted Mobile Site map to your Google Webmaster Tools will all help Google identify your mobile site and make sure that when your main website is displayed in the Google Mobile SERP's that any mobile users get sent STRAIGHT to the mobile site when clicking your link.

              Additionally you will also stay away from responsive layouts in favor of an adaptive design or a specifically optimized mobile site.

              If you want the broadest range of mobile devices beyond just smartphones to access your mobile sites than you will also need to look into properly validated code too...

              HTH

              Jay
              Oh, NOW I GET IT.

              To that I say, I expect the script to do all this (hadn't considered otherwise), but I guess the only way to know for sure is to test it.

              As, far as the other details e.g. responsive -vs-adaptive etc., thank you. I appreciate your thoroughness and would probably not have even thought twice about it.

              All this is Good Stuff!

              Thank you!

              -MisTR

              P.S. -Why is responsive all the rage?
              And are you saying adaptive is faster? or, brings other valuable qualities making it better than responsive?
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              • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
                Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

                P.S. -Why is responsive all the rage?
                And are you saying adaptive is faster or, brings other valuable qualities making it better than responsive?
                An adaptive approach to design will make your site render specifically for a mobile phone as oppose to try and stretch and scale everything to fit, some of the benefits of this is that it is more lightweight, it can cater to a much broader range of mobile devices, its much faster than a responsive design.

                The simplest example would be say for example WPTOUCH addon for WordPress where the content remains the same, but a specific mobile theme layout is displayed on a mobile website which is different from the main desktop theme. I don't particular like WP Touch as it is far from perfect in my eyes but thats an adaptive approach in its simplest form as in it adapts and renders content completely differently based on browsers user agent of the visitor viewing the site.

                Our approach currently is to use responsive design for desktop and tablets, and use an adaptive approach for mobile phones. Depending on the content of the site we may leave it the same or we may optimize the content as well and do a cut down version of it. It really depends on what you are doing and trying to achieve.

                A responsive theme may be perfect for what you need, however if you go with a responsive theme be sure to check how well it performs with Googles Online Speed Test for mobile, and see if it scores upwards of 80% on mobileok checker at an absolute minimum... or at least understand what the errors/warning are that its telling you about.

                The rage... i think people don't necessarily know any better, there's plenty of in-expensive responsive themes around and they don't particularly care to have the most optimal mobile end user experience... responsive design can be considered mobile ready but there's a huge difference between mobile ready and mobile optimized in my book

                However also remember that not all clients will want a brand new site re-built, and if thats the case a responsive design isn't going to help much.

                Take a look at the top 200 websites in Alexa and you will find that the biggest corporations opt for either an adaptive or a mobile optimized layout.... and there is a reason for that.... my guess its to have the best mobile experience for their users, but am sure other people have different opinions

                HTH

                Jay
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                • Profile picture of the author MissTR
                  Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

                  An adaptive approach to design will make your site render specifically for a mobile phone as oppose to try and stretch and scale everything to fit, some of the benefits of this is that it is more lightweight, it can cater to a much broader range of mobile devices, its much faster than a responsive design.

                  The simplest example would be say for example WPTOUCH addon for WordPress where the content remains the same, but a specific mobile theme layout is displayed on a mobile website which is different from the main desktop theme. I don't particular like WP Touch as it is far from perfect in my eyes but thats an adaptive approach in its simplest form as in it adapts and renders content completely differently based on browsers user agent of the visitor viewing the site.

                  Our approach currently is to use responsive design for desktop and tablets, and use an adaptive approach for mobile phones. Depending on the content of the site we may leave it the same or we may optimize the content as well and do a cut down version of it. It really depends on what you are doing and trying to achieve.

                  A responsive theme may be perfect for what you need, however if you go with a responsive theme be sure to check how well it performs with Googles Online Speed Test for mobile, and see if it scores upwards of 80% on mobileok checker at an absolute minimum... or at least understand what the errors/warning are that its telling you about.

                  The rage... i think people don't necessarily know any better, there's plenty of in-expensive responsive themes around and they don't particularly care to have the most optimal mobile end user experience... responsive design can be considered mobile ready but there's a huge difference between mobile ready and mobile optimized in my book

                  However also remember that not all clients will want a brand new site re-built, and if thats the case a responsive design isn't going to help much.

                  Take a look at the top 200 websites in Alexa and you will find that the biggest corporations opt for either an adaptive or a mobile optimized layout.... and there is a reason for that.... my guess its to have the best mobile experience for their users, but am sure other people have different opinions

                  HTH

                  Jay
                  Makes sense, but what do you mean when you compare "adaptive" to "mobile layout"? Is WP touch what you call adaptive?

                  Anyway...I have never given consideration to adaptive because I am of the mindset the mobile site should be a mobile optimized layout (in other words looks different, easier access to info.) as well as LESS info. than what's on the full site.

                  I'm not really interested in shrinking the full site to fit a mobile screen size- if that's what you mean- with maybe a menu dropdown (like WP touch creates).

                  I guess there maybe reasons to go with adaptive over mobile layout. I just don't know what those reasons are. Is one because of tablets? Where it is possilbe to still easily view most of the full website version? I don't know...if that's the case, it almost seems like you have to choose who to serve, serve more phone users, or serve more tablet users. I don't get it.

                  I just know it makes more sense, and I prefer a mobile optimized LAYOUT of the entire mobile site. In general, people on phones don't have time to navigate an entire site.

                  You sound like you have lots of experience with this stuff, so I am sure you know all the reasons why a "mobile layout" isn't always the answer over an "adaptive" choice.

                  Maybe you can share, how you decide, if you like.

                  Thanks,
                  -MissTR
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

      Short answer - no that is not true.

      What you are talking about are mobile redirect scripts based on user agent detection. A good redirect script will require minimum updates due to the way its been designed by the developer, however at certain stages its inevitable that an update will be required but certainly not as often as say Joomla or Wordpress core updates are released.

      Whilst a screensize based javascript redirect script will likely be updated much much less than its user agent based counterpart they are typically less accurate at correctly detecting and redirecting mobile visitors, and has known issues with correctly determining certain Android device screen sizes. Not to mention they are not recognized and followed by the Google Mobile Search Bot either.

      Before deciding which script type to use be sure you understand the pros and cons for each. Additionally certain scenarios will require different types of script deployment.

      Whilst we offer a script that caters to both - I personally prefer User Agent detection and redirect over screen size.

      If you search on Google you will find plenty of FREE and paid redirection scripts, whilst the functionality of redirection may sound straight forward you will find the more you get involved in mobile your requirements or your clients needs will change and you will need to look beyond basic implementation, also you will find that some scripts are supported and also not supported by the developer.

      Hope that helps, if you have any other questions at all feel free to ask.

      Cheers,

      Jay
      Hey Jay,

      What is your thought on the mobile site structure regarding .m or /m/ ?

      Does it matter at all?


      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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      • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
        Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

        Hey Jay,

        What is your thought on the mobile site structure regarding .m or /m/ ?

        Does it matter at all?


        Thanks,
        -MissTR
        As far as google is concerned it doesn't matter, they actually prefer everything to be on the same URL as it is easier for them logistically to crawl which applies to responsive and adaptive design.

        However Matt Cutts had at one time mentioned using m. subdomains - a lot of people are kinda familiar with that type of configuration.

        Of course you could also use .mobi domains - there are times you may want to or need to

        As you get more experienced and involved in mobile you will soon realize that there is really no silver bullet and that all projects need careful consideration with which is going to be the best way to move forward.

        Cheers

        Jay
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTR
          Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

          As far as google is concerned it doesn't matter, they actually prefer everything to be on the same URL as it is easier for them logistically to crawl which applies to responsive and adaptive design.

          However Matt Cutts had at one time mentioned using m. subdomains - a lot of people are kinda familiar with that type of configuration.

          Of course you could also use .mobi domains - there are times you may want to or need to

          As you get more experienced and involved in mobile you will soon realize that there is really no silver bullet and that all projects need careful consideration with which is going to be the best way to move forward.

          Cheers

          Jay
          Yeah, .mobi seems to be a whole other discussion. I don't know under what scenario it would make absolute sense to use one, if the client already has a domain and a website. How do you personally make this decision?

          -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
    In general, mobile detection scripts check mainly three things in the user agent:

    1. The operating system of the mobile device (e.g., Android)
    2. The mobile browser (e.g., Opera Mini)
    3. The device brand (e.g., Samsung)

    They never check for single devices such as "Samsung Galaxy S3". Unless a new widely used mobile operating system or a new mobile browser or a new mobile device brand is introduced to the market, you don't need to worry about such a script. Though it would not hurt to continuously test your script on different devices as much as possible.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Nail Yener View Post

      In general, mobile detection scripts check mainly three things in the user agent:

      1. The operating system of the mobile device (e.g., Android)
      2. The mobile browser (e.g., Opera Mini)
      3. The device brand (e.g., Samsung)

      They never check for single devices such as "Samsung Galaxy S3". Unless a new widely used mobile operating system or a new mobile browser or a new mobile device brand is introduced to the market, you don't need to worry about such a script. Though it would not hurt to continuously test your script on different devices as much as possible.
      If this is true, it's an excellent point.

      It makes sense, actually, given my question. It makes more sense that the script looks for the brand, not the actual device itself.

      I guess the confusion comes in when the brand makes a new device. It is possible that something could be different and go wrong there.

      Thanks for the reply.

      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author dudeontheweb
    As a novice php coder, wouldn't be easier to check to see if a user is using a desktop browser as apposed to a mobile browser. Just check for the more common user agent strings insted of the millions of mobile devices out there.

    psudo-code

    if (user agent is not chrome, firefox, opera, IE , safari , ect)
    {
    Mobile site layout......
    with link to standard site if not on mobile device and check to avoid loop...
    }

    else
    {
    Standard web layout....
    }
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    • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
      Originally Posted by dudeontheweb View Post

      As a novice php coder, wouldn't be easier to check to see if a user is using a desktop browser as apposed to a mobile browser. Just check for the more common user agent strings insted of the millions of mobile devices out there.

      psudo-code

      if (user agent is not chrome, firefox, opera, IE , safari , ect)
      {
      Mobile site layout......
      with link to standard site if not on mobile device and check to avoid loop...
      }

      else
      {
      Standard web layout....
      }
      no many of the mobile user agents include derivatives of chrome, firefox, IE

      You would still have to drill it down further...

      ie IOS uses a mobile version of safari, windows phones use mobile versions of IE, etc
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTR
        Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

        no many of the mobile user agents include derivatives of chrome, firefox, IE

        You would still have to drill it down further...

        ie IOS uses a mobile version of safari, windows phones use mobile versions of IE, etc
        Jay,
        Cool point.

        Thanks! I'm really enjoying this discussion now. I think my biggest concern is people tossing in "mobile detection" scripts with their mobile website WSOs. -You just don't know what you will be getting...I don't like that (could run into serious problems).

        -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author ClarkKent
    This is what I'm currently using for my mobile redirections:
    https://github.com/sebarmeli/JS-Redirection-Mobile-Site

    It's excellent because it allows me to specify a no-redirect (so a link that will allow forwarding back to the desktop site).
    It also supports differential redirection of mobile sites vs. tablet sites.

    It uses user agent redirection vs. screen based - I haven't run into any problems though.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Cool. Sounds like I should try it out.

      Thanks

      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author FrankWellington
    Great thread! Great information!
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      So, would you rate this thread 5 stars???



      -MissTR
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