Summary of Key Insights

The Tides app enjoys a very positive overall sentiment, evidenced by a high percentage of 5-star reviews (77%). Users appreciate its ease of use, clear presentation of information (especially the tide graph), offline functionality, and lack of ads/in-app purchases. However, there are recurring issues regarding data accuracy for specific locations and time zones, occasional crashes, and a desire for additional features like widgets, favoriting locations, and improved graph interactivity. The app is generally considered reliable, but these issues impact user trust and overall satisfaction for some.

Key Strengths:

• Ease of use and clear presentation of information (especially the tide graph).
• Offline functionality.
• No ads or in-app purchases.
• Accurate tide predictions for many locations.
• Helpful additional features like wave and storm surge forecasts.
• Responsive developer.

Key Weaknesses:

• Data accuracy issues for specific locations and time zones.
• Occasional crashes and bugs.
• Lack of certain features (widgets, favorites, graph interactivity).
• Map loading issues reported by some users.

Overall Sentiment: Very Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

• Overall Rating: High (estimated to be around 4.5 based on the score distribution)
• 5-Star Reviews: 77%
• 4-Star Reviews: 6%
• 3-Star Reviews: 4%
• 2-Star Reviews: 4%
• 1-Star Reviews: 9%

Data & Methodology Overview

• Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
• Time Frame: Reviews span from 2020 to 2024.
• Analysis Methods:
  • Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback).
  • Keyword extraction (identification of frequently mentioned terms and phrases).
  • Thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes, such as accuracy, features, and usability).

Key User Pain Points

• Data Accuracy: Several users reported inaccurate tide times for specific locations, particularly Portsmouth, UK and discrepancies of up to 30 minutes. This erodes trust in the app's core functionality.
• Time Zone Issues: Some users experienced time zone discrepancies, with the app showing incorrect times or graphs from the wrong day. This causes confusion and potentially dangerous miscalculations.
• App Crashes: A few users reported app crashes, particularly on launch, making the app unusable.
• Map Loading Issues: Some users reported the map not loading, hindering the ability to find locations.
• Missing Locations: Some users have mentioned that certain locations are missing from the app's database.
• Screen tap response: One user using a Huawei mediapad lit 8 with Android 9, reported very poor screen tap response.
• Tide prediction vs Actual tides: One user reported that the app does not show actual tides, only predictions, so when there is a higher tide due to weather it doesnt show up.

Frequently Requested Features

• Widgets: A home screen widget for quick access to tide information was the most frequently requested feature.
• Favorites/Saved Locations: Users want the ability to save frequently accessed locations for easy retrieval.
• Improved Graph Interactivity: Users want to be able to tap on the tide graph to see the exact tide height at a specific time. A movable cursor was suggested.
• Monthly/Yearly View: A way to see the entire month or year's tides graphically for easier planning.
• Delete from Recent Selection: Ability to remove locations from the "recent" selection.
• Landscape Mode: Ability to use the app in landscape mode.
• Interpolation between stations: Interpolation between stations that are nearby to provide more accurate readings.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

• Ease of Use: Users consistently praise the app's simple, clear, and intuitive interface.
• Tide Graph: The visual representation of tide data is highly valued and considered superior to other apps that only show numbers.
• Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app offline is a major advantage, especially for users in areas with limited connectivity.
• No Ads/In-App Purchases: Users appreciate the ad-free experience and the one-time purchase model.
• Wave and Storm Surge Forecasts: These additional features are seen as valuable additions for planning purposes.
• Long-Term Predictions: The ability to view tide predictions far into the future (up to 2050) is a significant benefit.
• Responsive Developer: Several users mentioned the developer's quick and helpful responses to inquiries.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

• Address Data Accuracy Issues: Thoroughly investigate and correct data inaccuracies for reported locations (e.g., Portsmouth, UK). Implement a system for users to report and verify tide data discrepancies.
• Fix Time Zone Bugs: Resolve the reported time zone issues to ensure accurate tide predictions for all users.
• Resolve App Crashes: Identify and fix the causes of app crashes to improve stability and usability.
• Fix Map Loading Issues: Investigate and resolve map loading issues.

Medium Priority:

• Implement a Widget: Develop a home screen widget to provide quick access to tide information.
• Add Favorites/Saved Locations: Allow users to save their frequently used locations.
• Improve Graph Interactivity: Enable users to tap on the tide graph to see the exact tide height at a specific time.
• Add a "Delete from Recent Selection" Feature: Allow users to clear their recent searches.

Low Priority:

• Implement Landscape Mode: Add support for landscape mode.
• Add interpolation between stations: Add interpolation for more accurate readings between stations.
• Show daylight/night hours: Add a feature to see at a glance when is daylight or night.
• Implement Monthly/Yearly View: Provide an option to view an entire month or year's tides graphically.
• Improve screen tap response: Improve screen tap response, especially for Huawei mediapad lit 8 with Android 9.
• Show actual tides: Implement a feature to show actual tides, not just predictions.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

• Hyper-Local Tide Data Verification Platform: A platform that allows users to contribute and verify tide data for specific locations, creating a community-driven accuracy layer.
• Smart Tide Alert System: An app that sends personalized tide alerts based on user-defined criteria (e.g., "Notify me when the tide is below 1 meter at Location X").
• Tide-Based Activity Planner: An app that integrates tide data with other information (weather, sunrise/sunset times, points of interest) to suggest optimal times for activities like fishing, kayaking, or beachcombing.

Trends and Observations

• Replacement of Legacy Apps: Several users mentioned switching to this app after their previous tide apps stopped working or were no longer supported, indicating an opportunity to capture users from outdated apps.
• Importance of Accuracy: Accuracy is paramount for users; even minor discrepancies can lead to dissatisfaction and loss of trust.
• Desire for Convenience: Users value quick and easy access to information, as evidenced by the frequent requests for widgets and saved locations.
• Positive Impact of Developer Responsiveness: Users appreciate a responsive developer who addresses their concerns and fixes bugs promptly.

Conclusion

The Tides app is a well-regarded and useful tool for many users, particularly due to its ease of use, offline functionality, and lack of advertisements. However, addressing the reported data accuracy and time zone issues is crucial to maintaining user trust and preventing potentially dangerous situations. Implementing frequently requested features like widgets and improved graph interactivity would further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a top choice for tide predictions. Overall, the app is a strong contender in its category, and with targeted improvements, it can continue to thrive. A focus on accuracy, stability, and user-requested features is recommended.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=easton.tides