Cell Phone Bridge Applications

Digital Devices and the Internet in the Pocket

With the advancement of the technical and digital age many digital devices are available to perform many and multiple functions both in audio and visual format, which only a decade ago were considered impossible. Cell phones, smart phones, and mobile phones have changed forever the shape of the global landscape. Other digital devices with displays and Internet connection include the iPad, the HP Slate, the Dell Streak, the Asus Eee Tablet, the Compal Tablet, the Notion Ink, the MSI, the Quanta, the ICD Vega Tablet, and the Google Tablet.

The game of bridge has also been included in this digital and cyberspace world with applications, which can be employed on such devices to review instant information about many aspects of the game of bridge. Several of the applications written for these devices are only for personal use and other applications allow the user to connect to other similarly-constructed devices for the purpose of interconnectivity.

The more applicable programs are written in a text format conveying information about certain conventional methods, which the user can select. Such digital apps are perhaps more favored by the user than perhaps an interactive digital app owing to the fact that Internet-based connections can be dropped or lost en route. This is, however, a preference of the user.

The attempt has been made to list such applications for these digital devices. Some of the applications on the market for the game of bridge are experimental and the user / buyer must be cautious and read the fine print. A certain rating system is also available to those interested. The following list is alphabetical and no reference is either made or intentionally indicated as to preference or popularity.

Rules, Regulations, Costs, and Compatibility

The development of such bridge applications and also any digital applications in general do not seem to be gaining momentum as first imagined for this medium. The exorbitant expense charged by the developer prohibits many from the realization of such applications related to the game of bridge. Presently the cost for such an application for digital devices can range from US$ 4,000 to US$ 15,000 depending on the amount of text, audio, and visual content.

This expense factor is the major issue for many interested parties, who wish to present to the bridge community such applications, whereby the user can effortlessly punch in certain keys and icons on the digital device to learn instantly the nature of a certain conventional method and/or bidding system.

There is also the problem of an application being designated as a multiple platform application, which can offer the end user many functionalities and features. However, such multiple platform applications suffer from incompatibility and usability problems. In essence, incompatibility or inter-operability issues are a consequence multiple mobile platforms, operating systems, a vast degree of platform fragmentation, and browsers. Usability problems arise due to the small form factor of a mobile device, resolution, sound quality, difficulty in operation and so on. Such cross-formatting issues for the developers also suffer from the emergence of more and more multiple digital devices with Internet connection, but with different operating systems and proprietary codes.

It is unfortunate that only certain qualified and certified developers are permitted to actually develop such applications, present them to the carrier for analysis and for virus checking, and who are able presently to demand such a fee for this service. This is a requirement of all carriers, who offer applications on the mobile devices owing to the fact that many developers attempt to include hidden viruses and other destructive software. One can only hope that this financial burden can be somewhat alleviated in the future devices and that a certain standard emerges.

Note: Wherever possible the specifications for the device is presented.

Note: If any visitor or reader knows of any other digital application not listed on this web page, please let us know. The information would be greatly appreciated.

Note: Many software programs have been written for digital devices. This web page lists only those applications designed specifically for multiple cell phone formats and smaller digital displays, which are not technically designated as a desk computer but rather designed for being portable. In seeking such programs the user must distinguish from the description of the bridge software program on the web page as to whether it is specifically designed for such hand-held and portable digital devices or whether the software specifics are presented ambiguously. Presently it is a buyer’s beware online marketplace.

Note: The Apple Store and also the accompanying iTunes Store are quite easily navigable, even for the uninitiated user. A search data is entered and the visitor is presented with applicable applications. If the name of the app is known, then only entered the name of the app is sufficient. The download procedure is self-explanatory.

Note: The attempt will be made to keep this web page updated. However, any and all assistance for the accuracy of the presented information will be greatly appreciated.

Note: The list is alphabetical.

ACBL Mobile – This app makes it easy for the bridge player to find an ACBL sanctioned bridge club. The application is free and installs within seconds. The application allows the user to select either Canada or the United States to find a bridge club. The user can also enter a zip code to find a bridge club in the United States. The user can also find information about the day and time of play for a particular bridge club, and other pertinent information.

Released: Jun 24, 2011, Version: 1.0, Size: 3.9 MB, Language: English.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

ACBL Mobile Android – The ACBL has also released the ACBL Mobile applicatio nfor the Android smart phone. The Club Finder feature of this app will locate bridge clubs near you. It will help locate ACBL sanctioned bridge games at bridge clubs as one travels across the United States and Canada.

Current Version: 1.1

Requirements: Android 2.1 and up

BetterBridge1 – Designed for iPhone and iPad. BetterBridge1 is the first in a series of a training programs for the bridge player who has mastered the basics of the game and wants to improve his playing skills both as a declarer and defender. The programs are based on the face to face teaching sessions of David Bakhshi, one of Britain’s leading international bridge players and teachers. By: moo-edutainment.

Updated: Jun 15, 2011, Current Version: 5.12, Size: 1.4 MB, Language: English, Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional Companions
BetterBridge2 – BetterBridge2 is a companion to BetterBridge1 the first in a series of a training programs for the bridge player who has mastered the basics of the game and wants to improve his playing skills both as a declarer and defender.

BetterBridgeG – BetterBridgeG is the second in a series of a training programs for the bridge player who has mastered the basics of the game and wants to improve his playing skills both as a declarer and defender.

BetterBridgeM – BetterBridgeM is the third in a series of a training programs for the bridge player who has mastered the basics of the game and wants to improve his playing skills both as a declarer and defender.

BetterBridgeD – BetterBridgeD is the fourth in a series of a training programs for the bridge player who has mastered the basics of the game and wants to improve his playing skills both as a declarer and defender.

Bridge 1.38 – Operating System: Palm OS. Publisher: Stand Alone, Inc. Compatible Devices: click on link for additional information. Bridge for Palm OS™ uses a modified version of the Standard American System for bidding.

Note: stand alone, inc. is also represented on and available at the Mac Store.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Bridge Odyssey for iPhone – Version 1.1.8. February 16, 2010. Developer: gameloft

Bridge for Palm OS – Version 1.38. Released February 25, 2002. Developer: stand alone, inc.

Requirements: Palm OS 3.x. File Size: 141.63K. File Name: Bridge.prc.txt.

Bridge Island – Updated: April 03, 2011. Current Version: 1.5, (iOS 4.0 Tested). Size: 3.1 MB. Language: English. Seller: SOFTIC Ltd.. © SOFTIC Ltd.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

BridgePhone – BridgePhone leverages modern mobile phone technology to enter the score of a bridge game during a tournament or club evening. Using Bluetooth for communication, you use the ergonomics of mobile phones, without paying transmission costs.

Note: Not technically a cell phone application.

Bridge Score Calculator – Be ready for a game of bridge anywhere anytime with the Bridge Score Calculator. The Bridge Score Calculator displays any duplicate score possible. Simply swipe and tap your way to the contract and result desired. The Bridge Score Calculator is easy to understand as design effort is made to make it look familiar to Bridge players all over the World. It can be used for educational purposes as well as an analytical quick reference for professionals.

Note: Bridge Score Calculator – Free.
Note: Vulnerable scores are disabled in this free version. The user must upgrade to the full version for a complete app.

Updated: September 8, 2011.
Requirements: Adobe® AIR®, Android 2.2 and later. Both Tablets and mobile phones are supported
Current Version: 1.0.0.
Requires Android 2.2 and up.
Website of Developer: Blue Starships

Quick Bridge – Created by Mr. Wesley Steiner as a Bridge Scoring App. Latest version as of June 17, 2012. Requirements: Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000. Size: 1.09 Mb. The software employs Standard American bidding system with the ability to replay the last hand or redeal the current hand. It includes a pop-up score sheet that keeps score.

Bridge Training for iPhone – iTunes. Version 1.0. Released January 13, 2010. Size: 8.0 MB. Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Seller: Anuman. © Anuman Interactive.

FunBridge – Funbridge allows the player to play an unlimited number of bridge deals and to compare results on these same deals with thousand other players. Compare biddings and the play of the hand with the bridgers’ community. Updated: Jul 13, 2011. Current Version: 1.1.2. Size: 17.2 MB.Requires iOS 3.0 or later. Languages: English, French. Seller: GOTO GAMES. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and IPod Touch – iTunes link. Not compatible with Adnroid, Nokia, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile .Funbridge is developed with Mr. Jérôme Rombaut, European bridge champion. FunBridge Blog. FunBridge Forum.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

iBridgeFun – Description: iBridgeFun collected more than 1000 classic samplers played by bridge masters, including safety play, removing play, block and unblock, killing defense, extra chance, Italy Blue team’s up and downs etc, which covers all declarer and defense basic playing skills.

Requirements: Designed for both iPhone and iPad. Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.

Specifics: Updated: June 12, 2011. Current Version: 4.3. Size: 8.1 MB. Language: English. Seller: jianan lei. © yutianjian

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Omar Sharif Bridge – Updated: Jul 03, 2009. Current Version: 1.22. Size: 1.1 MB. Language: English. Seller: Chillingo Ltd. © ZingMagic Limited

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 2.0 or later.

Cell Phone Bridge Applications

Digital Devices and the Internet in the Pocket

Rules, Regulations, Costs, and Compatibility

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