Customer Reviews (132)

theblackcarrera • 2025-03-24T13:49:41-07:00

Lots of charts and graphs. Always updating. My new favorite tide chart cite.

Polina Hapi • 2025-03-23T22:56:40-07:00

Use it to know when I can walk along the low tide reef shelf.

lecnac22 • 2025-03-09T16:27:59-07:00

The information is very nice to have have

Summary of Key Insights

  • Tide Guide is generally well-received, particularly for its design, ease of use, and helpfulness in providing tide information for various activities. It has received an Apple Design Award nomination and App Store App of the Year Finalist recognition, suggesting strong initial quality.
  • The app's strengths lie in its user interface (UI), accurate data (though some users dispute this), widget functionality, and Apple Watch integration.
  • Key weaknesses include stability issues (crashes, freezes), slow loading times, inaccurate data for some locations, issues with the Apple Watch app and complications, and concerns about the subscription model and aggressive prompts to upgrade.
  • Overall sentiment is positive, as evidenced by the high number of 5-star reviews, but the negative reviews highlight critical areas needing improvement.
  • The app has an overall rating that leans positive, but a significant minority of users (approximately 25%) have given 1-star ratings, indicating severe issues for those users.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Leans positive, but not explicitly stated.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 57.6% (76/132)
    • 4-star: 10.6% (14/132)
    • 3-star: 7.6% (10/132)
    • 2-star: 5.3% (7/132)
    • 1-star: 18.9% (25/132)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 132 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span from at least May 2021 to September 2024, indicating a long-term view of user experience.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral).
    • Keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and issues).
    • Frequency analysis (quantifying the occurrence of specific problems).

Key User Pain Points

  • Stability Issues: Frequent crashes, freezes, and slow loading times are major concerns. This impacts usability and frustrates users.
  • Data Accuracy: Some users report inaccurate tide data compared to other sources (NOAA, Surfline). This undermines the app's core function and user trust.
  • Apple Watch Issues: Problems with the Apple Watch app, including complications not updating or displaying incorrect data, are common. This reduces the value of the app for watch users.
  • Subscription Model/Upgrade Prompts: Aggressive prompts to upgrade to the Pro version and concerns about the cost of the subscription are noted. Some users feel features were removed from previously purchased versions.
  • Search Functionality: Difficulties searching for and adding tide stations, including freezing and keyboard issues.
  • Widget Issues: Widgets not displaying data or disappearing.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Data Accuracy: Users want reliable and consistent tide data.
  • More Detailed Information: Specific requests include perigee/apogee data, fish guides, and wave weights for offshore use.
  • Better Watch App Functionality: Reliable complications and data syncing between phone and watch.
  • 30-Day View: Some users need a longer-term view of tide predictions.
  • Current Tide Level: Users want to easily see the present tide level as a numerical value.
  • Option to Disable Feedback Requests: Some users find the frequent requests for feedback annoying.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • User Interface (UI) and Design: The app is praised for its beautiful design, clean interface, and ease of use.
  • Widgets and Lock Screen Functionality: Users appreciate the ability to view tide information on their home and lock screens.
  • Apple Watch Integration: The Apple Watch app and complications are valued when they function correctly.
  • Accurate Data (Generally): Many users find the tide data to be accurate and reliable, especially for their specific locations.
  • Customer Support: Some users report positive experiences with the developer's responsiveness and helpfulness.
  • Solunar Information: The inclusion of solunar data (moon phases, sunrise/sunset) is appreciated.
  • Customization: Users appreciate the ability to customize widgets and other aspects of the app.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Stability Issues: Investigate and fix crashes, freezes, and slow loading times. This is the most critical issue affecting usability.
  • Improve Data Accuracy: Verify data sources and implement measures to ensure accurate tide predictions for all locations. Allow users to report inaccurate data easily.
  • Fix Apple Watch Issues: Resolve problems with Apple Watch complications, data syncing, and overall app reliability on the watch.
  • Optimize Search Functionality: Improve the search function for tide stations, ensuring it is fast, reliable, and user-friendly.

Medium Priority:

  • Re-evaluate Subscription Model: Consider offering more value in the free version or adjusting the pricing of the Pro subscription. Reduce the frequency of upgrade prompts.
  • Enhance Widget Functionality: Ensure widgets consistently display data and address any issues with them disappearing.
  • Add Requested Features: Implement features like perigee/apogee data, current tide level display, and a 30-day view based on user demand.
  • Improve Communication: Respond promptly to user inquiries and provide clear instructions for using the app's features.

Low Priority:

  • Address Minor UI Issues: Fix inconsistencies in icon display and improve the appearance of the app on the Dynamic Island.
  • Add Fish Guide: Consider adding a fish guide feature based on user feedback, but prioritize other more critical issues first.
  • Disable Feedback Requests: Add an option to disable in-app feedback requests.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyper-Local Tide Data Verification Platform: A service that crowdsources real-time tide data verification to improve accuracy beyond theoretical models.
  • Personalized Marine Weather Forecasting: An app that combines tide data with personalized weather forecasts tailored to specific water activities (surfing, fishing, boating).
  • Tide-Based Activity Planner: An app that suggests optimal times and locations for various water activities based on tide predictions and user preferences.
  • Subscription Management Tool: A tool that helps users track and manage subscriptions for apps like Tide Guide, providing reminders and cost comparisons.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring Complaints about Stability: The frequency of crash and freeze reports suggests a persistent issue that needs immediate attention.
  • Inconsistent Data Accuracy: While many users find the data accurate, the reports of inaccuracies raise concerns about the reliability of the app's data sources.
  • Importance of Apple Watch Integration: A significant number of users rely on the Apple Watch app, highlighting the importance of maintaining its functionality.
  • Subscription Model Sensitivity: Users are sensitive to subscription pricing and aggressive upgrade prompts, indicating a need for a more balanced approach.
  • Long-Term User Base: The presence of reviews spanning several years suggests a loyal user base, making it crucial to address their concerns and maintain the app's quality.

Conclusion

Tide Guide is a well-designed app with a strong foundation, but it suffers from stability issues and data accuracy concerns that detract from its overall value. By addressing these issues and prioritizing user feedback, the developer can significantly improve the app's user experience and maintain its position as a leading tide tracking tool. Focusing on reliability and accuracy is key to retaining existing users and attracting new ones.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize stability and data accuracy improvements. Re-evaluate the subscription model and address Apple Watch issues.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tide-guide-charts-tables/id1406371071?uo=2