RealBridge is a new platform used for online bridge, and it utilises both your computer or tablet’s camera and microphone to create an online experience as close to face to face bridge as we can get.
As RealBridge utilises more of your equipment’s capabilities, you might experience the need to learn how to enable and enjoy this more complex use of your equipment. You might have to master features on your device of which you so far have been unaware. This page is an attempt to help you through this learning curve.
Limitations on Equipment.
You do need to have a device with a camera and microphone. They do not have to be built in. The camera is not a 100% must, but it will increase the enjoyment of the platform.
| Can Use |
Can’t use |
- Windows laptop
- Windows tablet
- Windows desktop
- MacBook or other Apple laptop
- iPad (from 2015 or newer)
- iMac or other Apple desktop
- Chromebook
- Android tablet
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- Smartphone
- Old iPads, older than 2015.
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Regardless of what kind of equipment you use, you should always shut down and close as many programs/windows as possible when playing RealBridge.
You should, prior to play, test your camera and microphone. Do the test here: Camera Test
Limitation of Browsers
Most of you probably don’t have a close relationship or care about what piece of software you use to access the world wide web - the software we call a browser (some of you care a lot!). Some combination of browsers and operating system on computers do not work well with RealBridge.
| Can Use |
Can’t use |
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Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave
The logo must look like one of these – exactly as below. If it looks different, you are using an out of date version.
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Internet Explorer (notice the gold band)
The old EDGE (see shape of the e)
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Of the browsers you CAN use, Safari does not work is you are using Big Sur which is the latest version of the Mac Operating system. To find out if your Mac has Big Sur, click on the Apple in the top Left Corner and select 'About This Mac'.
If you have upgraded to Big Sur then try downloading and installing Brave, Chrome or Firefox.
MCBA are not in the position to recommend one over another, but we do have good experiences with Brave, Chrome & Edge.
You do not have to replace your browser for any other online activity unless you find it to be better than the one you now are using (as I have done). You only need to download and install it and then access the site where you get your RealBridge link from using it.
Remember to close all unused tabs in your browser. If you have a tab open with an old RealBridge link open (left table, but still in lobby) you will create a lot off echo and running the audio experience.
When you end a RealBridge session, remember to close the RealBridge window/tab to remove your link to RealBridge.
Enjoy and good luck!
Espen Gisvold
MCBA Online Committee
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