Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile

AppTracker lets Android and iOS publishers track ads without Device IDs

Jeffrey Van Camp
By
wda-app-tracker-dashboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With iOS 5, Apple has told developers that it will be eliminating the collection of unique device identification numbers (UDIDs) because of concerns over privacy. This number has been vital for ad networks and developers to help track users if they click on ads or move between apps. Its elimination has caused a stir in the app community. WDA believes it has developed a solution to this problem.

Today, WDA, which has been in the mobile apps and services space for 10 years now, has announced AppTracker, a way to track mobile users safely and anonymously, without using UDIDs.

Recommended Videos

“App publishers also need to know that the tools they use to run their businesses do not run afoul of users’ right to privacy,” said Konny Zsigo, president and CEO of WDA. “That is why we have designed our products from the very beginning to absolutely ensure privacy and anonymity for users.”

Related

But AppTracker actually solves more than one big problem. WDA representatives tell us that it is also the first system that enables real time click-to-install logging of app downloads that originate from a mobile ad, regardless of whether the user came from a web ad or in-app ad. AppTracker can track users as they travel back and forth from mobile websites and apps. Marketing a smartphone app has always had an Achilles heel: you can track mobile web ads using cookies and you can track in-app ads with UDID (unique device ID), but there was no good way to crossbreed the two. You couldn’t advertise your app on the web and know how many people actually installed it on their phone.

If you’re a smartphone user, this won’t mean much, but if you’re an app publisher (these days, everyone seems to be), this makes it possible to actually know if your marketing dollars are working. Publishers can now fully track how effective an ad campaign is, how many people are downloading, when they’re downloading, and whether it’s from your web ads or in-app ads using the web dashboard provided with the AppTracker service. We spent some time with a demo AppTracker account and found it remarkably useful. It breaks down app installations by time, region of the world, and which app store they came from, while also separating out how many new users vs old users are using an app.

For those interested in checking out the AppTracker and web dashboard interface, or WDA’s full suite of “mobileDSP” platform services, you can sign up for an evaluation account at wda.us/apptracker.

(Full disclosure: I was the head of game & app content reviews at WDA from 2006 to 2009. I have never written about WDA before.)

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jeffrey Van Camp
Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
The best walkie-talkie apps for Android and iOS

If watching the kids in Stranger Things communicate via walkie-talkie left you wishing it was still the '80s, we've got some good news. Walkie-talkie apps bring all the excitement of walkie-talkie chat to your smartphone, allowing you to talk to your friends, send them messages, and leave voicemails. Of course, they don't use real walkie-talkie frequencies -- so you won't get any interference -- but they're still the coolest, most retro way of talking with your friends. There are even apps that allow you to talk with users in your area and worldwide. Turn your Android or iOS device into a digital walkie-talkie with our hand-picked selection of the best apps.
Marco Polo

This one is for users who love fancy features in their walkie-talkie apps. It combines the best features of social media while letting you communicate walkie-talkie-style. It works over Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and supports audio, video, and chats. You can even enjoy voice effects and camera filters with a selection of emoji for added fun with your friends. All of this is free to use, but you can also buy the $5-per-month subscription to get the ability to fast forward, use custom emoji reactions, and share a family pass.
Android iOS

Read more
Best period tracking apps for Android and iOS
Dot Menstrual Cycle Tracking App

Tracking periods manually is a cumbersome task and there’s a high possibility of losing track of your flow cycle. If you still happen to use pen and paper for period tracking, it’s time you switch to an app. Apart from tracking your monthly cycle, they record flow heaviness, ovulation and assist you in flagging any potential health problems that may occur due to it. Though not completely accurate, the collective data presented by these apps can be extremely beneficial. Read ahead to find out the top period tracking apps for both Android and iOS.
Flo

 

Read more
Best period-tracking apps for Android and iOS
Dot Menstrual Cycle Tracking App

Tracking periods manually is a cumbersome task, and there’s a high possibility of losing track of your cycle. If you still happen to use pen and paper for period tracking, it’s time you switch to an app. Apart from tracking your monthly cycle, they record flow heaviness and ovulation and assist you in flagging any potential health problems that may occur. Though not completely accurate, the collective data presented by these apps can be extremely beneficial. Read ahead to find out the top period-tracking apps for both Android and iOS.
Flo

Flo is a massively popular period-tracking app that offers a minimal interface along with a plethora of features. It allows you to log more than 70 symptoms and activities to provide you with an expansive AI-based overview of your health. On top of that, Flo works closely with more than 80 health experts to better understand users’ health.

Read more