ELI5: How does my phone’s web browser know to open a link with the app I have installed?

1

Reddit

#Social Networks #Social Network #Forums 3294 social mentions

2

IMDb

Oh and this mysterious "how can IMDB ask you to use the app if imdb.com doesn't automatically open the IMDB app"?" Yeah, they just use branch.io or similar services to show that popup, and if you answer yes they redirect you to App Store/Play Store using the relevant URI scheme. Because the app store is already registered on the phone to handle those URIs the same way other apps can register them. It's a dark pattern pushing you to install their app so they can collect more personal data, send notifications, and keep their shortcut on your home screen as a constant reminder to visit their site and monetise your attention. And you know what happens after you install the IMDB app? imdb.com URLs now open automatically in the app without the browser bothering to ask you any more, using the exact same URL handling registration mechanism you don't understand.

#Entertainment #Movies #Movie Reviews 186 social mentions

3

Branch Metrics

Oh and this mysterious "how can IMDB ask you to use the app if imdb.com doesn't automatically open the IMDB app"?" Yeah, they just use branch.io or similar services to show that popup, and if you answer yes they redirect you to App Store/Play Store using the relevant URI scheme. Because the app store is already registered on the phone to handle those URIs the same way other apps can register them. It's a dark pattern pushing you to install their app so they can collect more personal data, send notifications, and keep their shortcut on your home screen as a constant reminder to visit their site and monetise your attention. And you know what happens after you install the IMDB app? imdb.com URLs now open automatically in the app without the browser bothering to ask you any more, using the exact same URL handling registration mechanism you don't understand.

#APIs #Marketing Platform #B2B 36 social mentions