Customer Reviews (500)

Schielbfierce • 2025-03-27T20:11:12-07:00

Love this app, seems much more accurate then others I have tried and is very informational about each stone. Use it almost daily

marcee60 • 2025-03-27T19:17:50-07:00

I love this site. I pick up rocs when I see what I think are unusual and now I can tell what they are. Never disappointed. 💕

jpfromdc • 2025-03-27T16:50:06-07:00

This app appears to be doing a lot but in reality its just send your photo to some “AI” site like chatGPT or whatever and waiting for the response. And the GUI….what platform was the really designed for? Given the accuracy and cost for “premium” I’d say it’s probably hooked in (via API) to either Google’s or Microsoft’s “AI” model. It comically identifies both the random rock from my driveway and the water stain on my table as Sandstone/Quartz/pirate. Waste of time and money.

Summary of Key Insights

The Rock Identifier: Stone ID app receives mixed reviews, with a generally positive sentiment reflected in the high number of 5-star ratings. However, significant concerns exist around accuracy, the limitations of the free version (specifically the two scans per day limit), and issues with the subscription model and cancellation process. Users appreciate the app's ability to identify rocks and provide information, but many find the paywall restrictive and the identification accuracy inconsistent, particularly with similar-looking stones or those in jewelry settings. The app is seen as useful for beginners but may not satisfy experienced collectors.

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and informative content.
  • Ability to identify a wide range of rocks and minerals.
  • Collection feature for cataloging finds.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent accuracy in identification.
  • Limited functionality in the free version (two scans per day).
  • Subscription cost and cancellation issues.
  • Intrusive advertisements and constant upselling.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed, leaning positive. Many users like the app's concept and features, but are frustrated by limitations and accuracy problems.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Based on the provided score distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.0 stars.
  • Score Distribution: {"1":70,"2":36,"3":39,"4":61,"5":294}
    • 5-star: 58.8%
    • 4-star: 12.2%
    • 3-star: 7.8%
    • 2-star: 7.2%
    • 1-star: 14%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent given the version number (2.11.1) and the nature of app reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews, focusing on sentiment, feature requests, pain points, and positive aspects. Keyword extraction was used implicitly to identify recurring themes.

Key User Pain Points

  • Limited Free Scans: The most frequent complaint is the restriction of only two free scans per day. Users find this too limiting for identifying multiple rocks, hindering the app's usefulness.
  • Accuracy Issues: Many users report inaccurate identifications, especially with similar-looking stones, stones in jewelry settings, or man-made materials. This undermines trust in the app.
  • Subscription Cost and Value: Users feel the subscription is expensive, especially considering the accuracy issues. They also dislike being unable to assess value or use other features without paying.
  • Cancellation Problems: Some users report difficulty cancelling their subscriptions and being charged despite cancelling during the free trial.
  • Intrusive Advertising: Users complain about frequent and intrusive ads, especially those promoting premium features.
  • Inability to assess value without subscription: Users feel this feature should be part of the free offering, or at least more accessible.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Free Scans: Users consistently request an increase in the number of free daily scans.
  • Improved Accuracy: Users want more reliable identification, especially for similar stones and jewelry.
  • Offline Functionality: While the description states it works offline, some reviews mention needing wifi. Clearer offline functionality and features would be beneficial.
  • Easier Cancellation Process: A straightforward and transparent subscription cancellation process is needed.
  • Ability to Search Collections: Users want to be able to search their rock collections by keywords, notes, or location.
  • More Detailed Information: Users want more comprehensive information on rocks, including variations, locations, and distinguishing features.
  • Ability to identify rocks in gallery: many users have rocks already photographed and want to identify them without having to rescan.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered easy to use and navigate.
  • Informative Content: Users appreciate the detailed information provided about identified rocks, including properties, uses, and origins.
  • Collection Feature: The ability to save identified rocks to a personal collection is a popular feature.
  • Metal Detector: Some users find the metal detector feature useful.
  • Educational Value: The app is valued as a learning tool for both beginners and experienced rock enthusiasts.
  • Good starting point: Many users state that the app is a good place to start, even if the identification is not 100% accurate.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Identification Accuracy: Invest in improving the AI and image recognition algorithms to reduce inaccurate identifications. Focus on distinguishing between similar-looking stones and accurately identifying stones in jewelry settings. Implement user feedback mechanisms to correct misidentifications and improve the database.
  • Address Subscription and Cancellation Issues: Simplify the subscription cancellation process and ensure transparency about charges. Provide clear instructions on how to cancel and offer refunds to users who were wrongly charged.
  • Increase Free Scans: Increase the number of free daily scans to at least 5 to provide more value to free users and encourage engagement.

Medium Priority:

  • Reduce Advertising Intrusiveness: Reduce the frequency and intrusiveness of advertisements, especially those promoting premium features. Consider offering a less intrusive ad experience for a small fee.
  • Enhance Collection Feature: Add search functionality to the collection feature, allowing users to search by keywords, notes, or location.
  • Add rock value to free tier: allow users to check the value of their rocks without a subscription.
  • Improve Gallery Functionality: Allow identification of rocks already in the user's gallery.

Low Priority:

  • Expand Rock Database: Continue to expand the rock database to include more obscure and newly discovered stones.
  • Refine UI/UX: Address minor UI/UX issues, such as the difficulty of deleting multiple photos and the contrast adjustments that can overexpose images.
  • Spiritual Meaning Accuracy: Ensure that spiritual meanings are accurate and appropriate.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Gemstone Authentication Service: Develop a standalone service that uses AI and image analysis to authenticate gemstones and detect fakes, offering a higher level of accuracy than existing apps.
  • Subscription-Free Educational Rock Identification App: Create a rock identification app that relies on alternative monetization strategies (e.g., in-app purchases for additional content, partnerships with geological organizations) to provide unlimited scans and comprehensive information without a subscription.
  • Rock Hounding Community Platform: Build a social platform for rock hounding enthusiasts to share finds, exchange information, and connect with experts. Integrate AI-powered identification tools and educational resources.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preference: Most reviews are in English, but there are also reviews in other languages, such as Spanish and Arabic, indicating a global user base.
  • Accuracy vs. Information: Users are willing to tolerate some inaccuracy if the app provides valuable information and is easy to use.
  • Free vs. Paid: A significant portion of users are unwilling to pay for a subscription, highlighting the importance of a compelling free version.
  • Spiritual aspects: There is a divide between users who appreciate the spiritual aspects of the app and those who do not. An option to hide this information may be useful.
  • Camera issues with newer phones: Some users with newer iPhones are experiencing camera issues with the app.

Conclusion

The Rock Identifier: Stone ID app has the potential to be a valuable tool for rock enthusiasts, but it needs to address key pain points related to accuracy, limitations of the free version, and subscription issues. By improving the AI, increasing free scans, simplifying the cancellation process, and reducing advertising intrusiveness, the app can significantly enhance user satisfaction and attract a wider audience. Focusing on accuracy and information, the app can solidify its position as a go-to resource for rock identification.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize improvements to identification accuracy and the free user experience. Address subscription concerns and consider alternative monetization strategies.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rock-identifier-stone-id/id1546796934?uo=2