Customer Reviews (138)

Tilak Narayan • 2024-12-05T23:18:00-07:00

My son is unable to download the app from the Apple App Store. The Apple app store insists on charging a fee, even though I’ve already purchased the app. Purchase sharing is enabled, and both my son and I are part of the same family Apple account.

Mariabonita • 2024-11-09T13:18:40-07:00

This is the best paper calculator that you can use that is on a smartphone device. The apple’s calculator has gotten better, but I use this one when I need to be able to see all my numbers that I am typing. And I can even write a note next to the numbers. So now the combination of this app and Apple’s calculator app it’s the perfect balance of using both of them.

jkirk1626 • 2024-07-29T07:19:17-07:00

Not updated in 2 years. Developers are AWOL.

Summary of Key Insights

CalcTape is generally well-received, particularly for its unique "paper tape" functionality, which allows users to review, annotate, and edit calculations. The app is praised for its simplicity, ease of use, and usefulness in everyday calculations, budgeting, and expense tracking. However, the reviews also highlight significant issues, including bugs related to iOS updates, crashing, data loss, and a lack of dark mode support. User sentiment is largely positive, but the negative reviews often express strong frustration due to these issues. There's a clear demand for continued maintenance and updates to address these problems and add requested features. The overall rating skews positive due to a high percentage of 5-star reviews, but the negative reviews point to serious usability concerns.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.3 stars (based on the distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 63.77% (88/138)
    • 4-star: 8.7% (12/138)
    • 3-star: 5.8% (8/138)
    • 2-star: 7.2% (10/138)
    • 1-star: 14.5% (20/138)

Key Strengths:

  • "Paper tape" functionality for reviewing and editing calculations.
  • Ability to add notes and annotations.
  • Ease of use and simplicity.
  • iCloud sync across devices.
  • Customizable keypad layouts.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Bugs and crashes, particularly after iOS updates.
  • Data loss.
  • Lack of dark mode support.
  • Issues with cursor placement and editing.
  • Inconsistent update frequency.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 138 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, from older iOS versions to more recent ones (up to Feb 2024).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback).
    • Keyword extraction (identification of frequently mentioned terms and issues).
    • Categorization of reviews by star rating to quantify sentiment distribution.

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashing and Instability: Many users reported crashes, especially after iOS updates or when using the app in slide-over or split-screen mode.
  • Data Loss: Some users experienced unexplained data loss, which is a major source of frustration.
  • Cursor Issues: Problems with cursor placement and editing within the tape, making it difficult to correct errors.
  • Lack of Dark Mode: A significant number of users requested dark mode support for better usability in low-light conditions.
  • Bugs After iOS Updates: Incompatibility issues and bugs arising after iOS updates are a recurring theme.
  • Keyboard Issues: Some users reported keyboard problems, such as reversed text input or the keyboard covering the screen in split-screen mode.
  • Family Sharing Issues: One user had trouble with family sharing preventing their son from downloading the app.
  • Accidental Deletion: Some users found it too easy to accidentally delete entire calculations due to the placement of the "AC" (clear all) button.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Dark Mode Support: The most frequently requested feature is dark mode.
  • Widget for iOS: Users requested a widget for quick access to the calculator from the home screen.
  • Confirmation for "AC" Button: A confirmation prompt before clearing all data to prevent accidental deletions.
  • Dropbox Sync: Some users requested Dropbox sync in addition to iCloud.
  • Folders for Tape Organization: Users suggested folders to better organize saved calculations.
  • More Symbols: A user wanted more symbols for stats and algebra.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Tape Functionality: The ability to see and edit a "paper tape" of calculations is the app's primary strength and differentiator.
  • Annotation: Users appreciate the ability to add notes and labels to individual entries.
  • Ease of Use: Many reviewers found the app simple, intuitive, and easy to use.
  • iCloud Sync: iCloud synchronization across devices is a valued feature.
  • Customization: The ability to customize the keypad layout and create custom functions is appreciated.
  • Value for Money: Some users consider the app well worth the price.
  • Desktop Version: The availability of a desktop version that syncs with the mobile app is seen as a plus.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Crashing and Instability: Investigate and fix the causes of crashes, especially those related to iOS updates and multitasking modes (slide-over, split-screen).
  • Prevent Data Loss: Implement robust data backup and recovery mechanisms to prevent data loss. Consider adding automatic backups.
  • Fix Cursor Issues: Resolve the cursor placement and editing bugs that make it difficult to correct errors.
  • Implement Dark Mode: Prioritize the implementation of dark mode to improve usability and meet user demand.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Testing on New iOS Versions: Establish a thorough testing process to ensure compatibility with new iOS versions before release.
  • Add Confirmation for "AC" Button: Implement a confirmation prompt before clearing all data to prevent accidental deletions.
  • Address Keyboard Issues: Fix keyboard-related bugs, such as reversed text input and layout problems in split-screen mode.
  • Improve Family Sharing Compatibility: Investigate and resolve issues with family sharing.

Low Priority:

  • Develop iOS Widget: Create a widget for quick access to the calculator.
  • Consider Dropbox Sync: Evaluate the feasibility of adding Dropbox sync as an alternative to iCloud.
  • Implement Folders for Tape Organization: Add folders to allow users to organize their saved calculations.
  • Add More Symbols: Consider adding more symbols for specific use cases like stats and algebra.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Advanced Paper Tape Calculator with AI-Powered Error Detection: Build upon the core paper tape concept with features like AI-powered error detection that identifies potential mistakes in calculations based on patterns or unusual values.
  • Collaborative Calculation Platform: Create a platform that allows multiple users to collaborate on calculations in real-time, with shared tapes and annotations.
  • Calculator App with Integrated Financial Planning Tools: Combine the tape calculator with basic financial planning tools, such as budgeting templates, expense tracking, and goal setting.
  • Customizable Calculator SDK: Offer a customizable calculator SDK that developers can integrate into their own apps, providing a consistent and familiar calculation experience.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring Issues After iOS Updates: A consistent pattern is the emergence of bugs and compatibility issues after new iOS updates. This highlights the need for proactive testing and rapid updates.
  • Strong User Loyalty: Many users have been using the app for years and express strong loyalty, but are also quick to voice their frustration when issues arise.
  • Importance of Core Functionality: The "paper tape" functionality and the ability to annotate are the key features that users value most.
  • Desire for Modern UI/UX: The request for dark mode and other UI improvements suggests a desire for a more modern and visually appealing user experience.
  • Language Preferences: A user reported that the app started in a non-English language, indicating a potential issue with language detection or default settings.

Conclusion

CalcTape is a valuable tool for users who need a calculator with a clear history, annotation capabilities, and editing features. However, the app's long-term success depends on addressing the recurring issues related to stability, data loss, and compatibility with new iOS versions. Prioritizing these fixes and implementing frequently requested features like dark mode will significantly improve the user experience and maintain the app's competitive edge. The core "paper tape" functionality is a strong differentiator, and further innovation in this area could unlock new opportunities for growth.

Based on this analysis, it's recommended that the developers focus on stability and maintenance in the short term, followed by the implementation of highly requested features and exploration of new opportunities for innovation.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calctape-paper-tape-calculator/id525997288?uo=2