Detect user devices with high accuracy is an essential step in optimizing content and user experiences. It allows web sites to adjust layouts and navigation based on screen size, hardware, and OS. In the early days of the World Wide Web, desktop computers were the norm and websites were designed for large screens with mouse/keyboard interfaces.

Today, a wide range of mobile devices access websites. Website owners must provide optimized content and experiences for these devices to avoid losing visitors.

Pinpoint User Devices with Advanced Accuracy Tools

In the past, developers analyzed the User-Agent string to determine the device type. This approach is prone to problems because the rules for creating UA strings are not strictly enforced and browser makers can conceal information (known as’masquerading’) to trick detection algorithms. A modern solution should take advantage of other methods to identify the device.

For example, screen size analysis is an excellent alternative to analyzing the UA string. It is more accurate and less prone to errors. It should be used in conjunction with a device detection system to maximize accuracy.

Accurate real-time granular specifications of the users requesting your content is crucial to improve user experience and convert revenue. It is important to understand how your supplier measures and maintains this level of accuracy. Make sure they have a solid track record of performance and can provide test results to back up their claims. A good solution will also be tightly integrated with your existing CMS, web platforms and key software programs. This will reduce the need for costly external cloud services which can introduce delays into response times and are not suitable for web sites where sub millisecond response speeds are required.