What does 'Other' mean in Sessions by device type?

[PoojaHiwade]

can anyone let me know what is the "Other" in Sessions by device type?

[Maz]

Hi, @PoojaHiwade!

Great question!

In regard to "sessions by device", the term "other" typically refers to any device that is not specifically categorized as desktop, mobile, or tablet. These devices might include gaming consoles, TVs, kindles or other devices that are connected to the web but are not typically used for internet browsing.

I will admit that this is quite a large number to have in the last 7 days, what kind of store do you have?

Looking forward to your response!

[gercek]

Hi @Maz !

We have a similar situation in our store (oystersandcaviar.ca) and I came across this thread while looking for the answer. We had quite a few "other" device type sessions this year (between Jan 1, 2023, and Nov 3, 2023), also with a big increase when compared to the previous period.


The add-to-cart and conversion rates are pretty low with "other", less than 3% compared to mobile and desktop. What could be the reason? It seems unlikely that customers are checking caviar on their TVs (or maybe they are😀). Thanks!

[Maz]

Hey, @gercek!

Some great questions here!

While it may sound fishy to imagine customers browsing for caviar on their TVs, let's dive into a few possibilities that might explain this unexpected phenomenon.

• The "other" device category can be a bit tricky because it could include devices that don't fit neatly into the mobile or desktop categories. Sometimes, sessions from mobile or desktop devices get mistakenly labelled as "other." This mix-up can mess with the data and make it seem like there's a big surge in "other" device sessions. I can't be 100% sure on this as I just found this info with some sleuthing but if you would like it looked into further, reach out to our live support here.
  
• There might be a few adventurous customers out there who are checking out your store from some devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles. It may seem unlikely, but hey, you never know!

The lower add-to-cart conversion rates in the "other" device category could be attributed to several factors, including the difficulty of purchasing a product on certain devices like TVs or Kindles.

Devices in the "other" category, such as TVs or gaming consoles, may have limitations in terms of user interface, navigation, or input methods. These devices are typically not optimized for e-commerce transactions, making it more challenging for users to browse products, add them to the cart, and complete the checkout process. They are simply not convenient for shopping online.

By the way, I don't know if you have anything planned for BFCM this year, but now is the time to make some preparations. BFCM is one of the biggest sales weekends of the year and sees the start of the holiday season as well. Every year my go-to is this BFCM Checklist. It allows me to make sure that I am making the best use of my time and resources, and it really helps take the pressure off by starting early. It is well worth the read should you be interested!