We just released a new feature specifically for cross-platform app developers. We think this solves a real problem, so let’s dive into the details.
The problem:
Say that you are an app developer with an application with the same name on more than one platform; for example, iOS and Android. You are likely presenting your users with multiple download links depending on which platform their mobile device supports.
OK, now what happens if you want to promote your mobile apps via Facebook, Twitter, email etc?
You have to either:
A) Post a link to your “See all of our apps” page, which is a redundant step in the case where the users hits the link from an iOS or Android device, or
B) Post multiple links and hope users click on the right one.
And if you have more than two platforms… forget about it.
A new solution from App.net, Multi-Platform App links:
App.net partners can use the interface pictured below to create a relationship between multiple apps. So if a user hits the URL for a linked application, they will be automatically redirected to the best platform on a case-by-case basis. The benefits of this approach is that for users on a supported device, there is one less step in the app install funnel. When you are talking about app distribution every step counts!
Multi-platform links in action:
This feature has been beta tested by O’Reilly Media for their Maker Faire and Strata mobile applications. O’Reilly was able to market their cross-platform app via a single URL via social media as well as at the physical event location.
Thanks! We would love to hear your feedback and new feature requests. You can talk to us via Twitter, Facebook, or Email.
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