Customer Reviews (500)

skysky3 • 2025-02-16T14:18:05-07:00

I have had this app for years and nothing works better for finding out which star I’m looking at whether it’s a planet, star, or an airplane. There are also many other great features, the sun tracking I use to plan my garden. There’s also a setting labeled “Pluto is a planet” 1000/10

laylatgh • 2025-01-28T14:24:25-07:00

For an app that you have to pay for, it sure is buggy. I’ve never gotten this app to be accurate or smooth. It’s user friendly and pretty but that’s about it

Tn2036 • 2025-01-25T06:42:46-07:00

Discovered this years ago and it’s still our favorite for stargazing and identifying celestial bodies. Clean, tidy, easy to use interface. Love it.

GoSkyWatch Planetarium App Review Analysis

1. Summary of Key Insights

GoSkyWatch Planetarium enjoys overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with users praising its ease of use, accuracy, and educational value. The app is frequently recommended for both novice and experienced stargazers. However, some users report issues with compass calibration, gyroscope functionality, and a lack of updates to address these problems or add requested features. Despite these shortcomings, the app remains a popular choice for identifying celestial objects and planning stargazing sessions.

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and intuitive interface.
  • Accurate identification of stars, planets, and constellations.
  • Educational value for users of all ages.
  • Offline functionality.
  • Realistic display of star brightness.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Compass calibration and gyroscope issues.
  • Lack of updates and bug fixes.
  • Limited deep sky object catalog.
  • Inconsistent location accuracy.
  • Poor UI design and non-intuitive navigation for some users.

Overall Sentiment: Very Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (based on review distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 84.4% (422/500)
    • 4-star: 6.0% (30/500)
    • 3-star: 3.2% (16/500)
    • 2-star: 1.4% (7/500)
    • 1-star: 5.0% (25/500)

2. Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with a mix of recent and older feedback.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral.
    • Keyword extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned features, issues, and requests.
    • Manual review: In-depth analysis of individual reviews to understand context and nuances.

3. Key User Pain Points

  • Compass Calibration Issues: Many users report inaccurate compass readings, leading to incorrect identification of celestial objects. This is a recurring and significant problem.
  • Gyroscope Malfunctions: Some users experience issues with the gyroscope, causing the app to spin uncontrollably or fail to orient correctly.
  • Lack of Updates: A significant number of reviews mention the app's lack of recent updates, both for bug fixes and new features. The developer's response to these concerns has been perceived as dismissive.
  • Location Accuracy: Inconsistent location accuracy, particularly when GPS data is available through external devices.
  • UI/UX Issues: Some users find the interface non-intuitive or difficult to navigate, particularly the time and location settings.

4. Frequently Requested Features

  • Expanded Deep Sky Object Catalog: Users want a more comprehensive catalog of deep sky objects, including NGC objects.
  • Camera AR Mode: Augmented reality overlay using the device's camera to precisely locate objects in the sky.
  • International Space Station (ISS) Tracking: Native integration for tracking the ISS without needing a separate app.
  • Improved Time and Location Interface: A more user-friendly and less "clunky" interface for setting time and location.
  • Geo-Specific Horizon: Ability to account for local horizon obstructions and atmospheric conditions.
  • Telrad Overlay: A scaling telrad overlay, useful for telescope users.
  • Voice Identification for More Objects: Voice identification beyond just planets for other celestial objects.
  • Cloud Removal Button (Humorous): A humorous request, but indicates the user's strong desire for clear viewing conditions.
  • Android Version: Some iOS users mention that they wish the app was available on Android so their friends can use it.

5. Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is consistently praised for its intuitive interface and ease of use, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced stargazers.
  • Accuracy: Many users find the app to be highly accurate in identifying celestial objects.
  • Educational Value: The app is considered a valuable educational tool for learning about astronomy.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app without an internet connection is a significant advantage.
  • Realistic Star Brightness: The app accurately represents the relative brightness of stars and planets.
  • Touch-Free Identification: The touch-free identification feature is appreciated, especially in cold weather.
  • Full 180-Degree Display: The wide field of view allows users to see a large portion of the sky at once.
  • No In-App Purchases: Users appreciate that the app is a one-time purchase with no additional costs.

6. Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighCompass Calibration & Gyro IssuesInvestigate and fix the reported compass calibration and gyroscope malfunctions. This is a critical issue affecting the app's core functionality.
HighLack of UpdatesRelease an update to address existing bugs, incorporate requested features, and update the privacy policy. Communicate with users about the update roadmap.
MediumLimited Deep Sky Object CatalogExpand the deep sky object catalog to include more NGC objects and other popular catalogs.
MediumLocation AccuracyImprove location accuracy, especially when using external GPS devices.
MediumUI/UX ImprovementsRedesign the time and location interface to be more user-friendly. Consider conducting user testing to identify areas for improvement.
LowCamera AR ModeExplore the feasibility of adding a camera AR mode to enhance object identification.
LowInternational Space Station (ISS) TrackingConsider adding native ISS tracking.
LowAndroid VersionExplore porting the app to Android to reach a wider audience.

7. Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyper-Local Stargazing App: An app that combines real-time weather data, light pollution maps, and user-submitted horizon obstructions to provide a highly accurate and personalized stargazing experience.
  • Educational Astronomy Game: A game that uses augmented reality to teach users about constellations and celestial objects in an engaging and interactive way.
  • Smart Telescope Integration: An app that seamlessly integrates with smart telescopes, allowing users to control their telescope and view celestial objects directly from their mobile device.
  • Astronomy Social Network: A platform for amateur astronomers to share their observations, photos, and tips.

8. Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Base: Many users have been using the app for several years, indicating strong loyalty.
  • Positive Sentiment Despite Issues: Despite the reported issues, the overall sentiment remains positive, suggesting that users are willing to overlook some flaws due to the app's core strengths.
  • Value for Money: Users consistently mention that the app is worth the price.
  • Family-Friendly: The app is frequently used by families with children, highlighting its educational value and accessibility.
  • Language Preference: Predominantly English reviews, with a few reviews in German ("Leider stimmen die Beschreibungen nicht mit den Himmelskörpern überein").

9. Conclusion

GoSkyWatch Planetarium is a highly regarded astronomy app with a strong user base. Its ease of use, accuracy, and educational value are its key strengths. However, the app suffers from issues with compass calibration, gyroscope functionality, and a lack of recent updates. Addressing these issues and incorporating requested features would significantly improve the user experience and solidify the app's position as a leading stargazing tool. It is recommended that the developers prioritize bug fixes and updates to maintain user satisfaction and attract new users.

10. Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goskywatch-planetarium/id284980812?uo=2