Customer Reviews (100)

Asha Hasan • 2025-03-28T22:00:46.532Z

good

Htet Htet • 2025-03-28T18:33:30.935Z

thankyou

david bawell • 2025-03-28T16:41:00.196Z

good

Summary of Key Insights

The app "My Earthquake Alerts - Map" generally receives positive feedback, with a strong skew towards 5-star ratings. Users appreciate its ability to provide real-time earthquake information and notifications. However, some significant issues emerge regarding notification delays, accuracy in specific regions, and intrusive ads. The app is praised for its ease of use and informative map. Overall sentiment is positive, but addressing the identified pain points would significantly improve user satisfaction. The overall rating is approximately 4.3 stars, calculated from the provided score distribution.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (5.12.5).
  • Analysis Methods: Manual sentiment analysis and keyword extraction were used to identify recurring themes, user pain points, feature requests, and positive aspects. The reviews were read and categorized based on the sentiment expressed and the topics discussed.

Key User Pain Points

  • Notification Delays: Several users report receiving notifications significantly after the earthquake occurred (30-60 minutes, even hours). This diminishes the app's value as a real-time alert system.
  • Inaccurate/Missing Alerts: Some users claim the app fails to report earthquakes in their region, even when the magnitude should trigger an alert based on their settings. This includes specific regions and even earthquakes relatively close to the user.
  • Intrusive Ads: The ad-supported model leads to complaints about ads appearing frequently, especially after clicking on earthquake details. One user specifically mentioned being forced to watch an ad before receiving critical aftershock information.
  • Location Inaccuracies: A user pointed out a geographical inaccuracy regarding the location of certain Greek islands.
  • Sound Issues: One user reported not receiving any sound or advisory with the notifications.
  • App Pausing Issues: An earthquake went unreported because the app was paused due to it being unused.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Notification Sound Options: A user requested a distinct notification sound, similar to emergency alert systems.
  • Increased Historical Data: A user requested the ability to view earthquake history extending beyond the current timeframe. Specifically, the ability to see 1 year of data.
  • More Location Options: A user requested a specific location option for the Pacific Northwest.
  • Status of Tectonic Plates: A user expressed a desire for more information on the status of tectonic plates.
  • Faster Notifications: Some users want the app to have faster notifications so they can be alerted before a shake.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Real-Time Information: Many users appreciate the app for providing real-time earthquake news and updates.
  • Ease of Use: The app is frequently described as easy to use and navigate.
  • Informative Map: Users find the earthquake map helpful for visualizing earthquake locations.
  • Worldwide Coverage: The app's ability to track earthquakes globally is valued.
  • Detailed Information: Users appreciate the information provided, including location, depth, and distance.
  • Reliability (for some): Some users specifically mention the app being quicker than their local notification systems.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Notification Speed: Investigate and optimize the notification system to minimize delays. This is the most critical issue affecting user experience and the app's core functionality.
  • Address Alert Accuracy: Investigate and resolve issues related to missing or inaccurate alerts in specific regions. Ensure the app utilizes all available data sources and that user settings are correctly applied.
  • Reduce Ad Intrusiveness: Re-evaluate the ad implementation strategy. Consider less frequent or less disruptive ad formats, or offer a paid ad-free version.

Medium Priority:

  • Fix Geographical Inaccuracies: Correct the reported geographical inaccuracy regarding the location of Greek islands.
  • Implement Custom Notification Sounds: Allow users to select or customize notification sounds.
  • Address App Pausing Issues: Provide an in-app notification/explanation to users about the potential for their phone to pause the app and suggest disabling the feature.

Low Priority:

  • Increase Historical Data Range: Extend the historical data range to at least one year, as requested.
  • Add More Location Options: Consider adding specific location options as requested by users, if feasible.
  • Provide Tectonic Plate Information: Explore the possibility of adding information about tectonic plate activity.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Premium Earthquake Alert Service: Offer a subscription-based service with enhanced features, such as ad-free experience, faster notifications, priority support, and advanced customization options.
  • Personalized Earthquake Preparedness Guide: Integrate a personalized earthquake preparedness guide based on the user's location, building type, and other relevant factors.
  • Crowdsourced Earthquake Reporting Platform: Develop a platform where users can report their experiences during an earthquake, providing valuable real-time information and validation.
  • Earthquake Early Warning System Integration: Partner with or develop technology to integrate with earthquake early warning systems (where available) to provide even faster alerts.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preference: The majority of reviews are in English, with a few in other languages (e.g., Arabic, Spanish).
  • Positive Sentiment Bias: There is a clear bias towards positive sentiment, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews. This suggests that many users are satisfied with the app's basic functionality.
  • Importance of Real-Time Data: The recurring theme of notification delays highlights the critical importance of real-time data in an earthquake alert app.

Conclusion

"My Earthquake Alerts - Map" is a well-received app with a strong foundation. However, addressing the identified pain points, particularly notification delays and accuracy, is crucial for enhancing user satisfaction and retaining users. Prioritizing these improvements will solidify the app's position as a reliable and essential tool for earthquake awareness. A freemium model may be beneficial to help reduce the impact of advertisements while still providing a free option.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrustonapps.myearthquakealerts