New Google Update on 21st April

[MonicaOConnor]

Tablets are handled slightly differently from Mobile devices. It is not a fair assumption that they will be affected the same as mobile devices.

There is heavy debate on the effects of this update on desktop searches. My theory is that this update cannot exclude desktop search results without there being a mobile index. I believe sites that are responsive will see the greatest benefit of this update.

[RafalJ]

Monica tablets ARE mobile devices! Tablets and mobile phones use the same mobile operating systems and mobile versions of browsers. Also all their tools including Adwords, Analytics and WMT put tablets and mobile phones in the same group - mobile devices so I can't see any reason why they would treat them differently (and have different sets of search results for each?? perhaps I'm wrong but it makes no sense to me!).

I admit I also believe this update will affect desktop search results to some degree but Google certainly claims otherwise. We will just have to wait and see.

[MonicaOConnor]

I understand that tablets are mobile devices, all I am saying is that Google sees them differently. The reporting in Analytics, AdWords, and GWT separates Tablets and Mobile. I don't understand it either, but that is the way the cookie crumbles. I am not saying I understand it or that it makes sense, but there is a small separation for some reason.

[SanjidaKazi]

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[SanjidaKazi]

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[Andy-Halliday]

So basically we are unsure and will have to wait until 21st April to find out.

Thanks for everyones input, been very useful and informative

[RafalJ]

In Analytics (Audience/Mobile/Overview) it shows 3 Device Categories: Desktops, Mobile (phones) and Tablets. This is true but when you look at Audience/Mobile/Devices, the column Mobile Device Info shows all tablets and mobile phones grouped together (!)

Also in Adwords - when you write an ad copy for mobile (devices) it will be shown on both mobile phones and tablets, ad copy for desktops will be shown on desktops and laptops.

WMT doesn't distinguish between tablets and mobile phones at all, they are all mobile devices.

This is what I meant by grouping them together, not that you can turn on reporting for each device category separately. You could turn on reporting for pretty much anything you want in Analytics so this is really not an argument.

I'm pretty certain (99.9%) this is the case Andy and you should make sure both mobile phone and tablet versions of your site are prepared before 21st April.

[Christy-Correll]

Hi Andy,

This is a great question for the thread Dr. Pete started at http://moz.com/community/q/google-s-mobile-update-what-we-know-so-far-updated-3-25\.

Christy

[Eslam-yosef]

hmmmmmm, ok!

Me: Does Google new update for tablets and mobiles, Or just mobiles only?

John Mueller: Smartphones. If it works there, it'll generally also work on tablets anyway.

Screenshot: http://www.jumzle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/001.jpg

[Eslam-yosef]

Check this: http://moz.com/community/q/the-upcoming-mobile-friendly-change-is-for-mobile-users-not-tablet-users

[Alick300]

Hi Andy-Halliday,

Now Google confirms that "Google Mobile-Friendly Algorithm Will Not Impact Tablet Searches".

Proof @ --- https://www.seroundtable.com/google-mobile-friendly-algorithm-smartphone-only-20094.html

Thanks

[RafalJ]

Damn. I have been proven wrong. Apologies!

[Andy-Halliday]

Hi

Gary illyes from Google confirmed today at BrightonSEO that its just mobile that will be affected - tablet rankings WILL not be affected.

He also confirmed this wont in the April 21st update it wont affect Google Business listings.

Thought I would let you all know.

Thanks

Andy