Customer Reviews (500)

Samuraic4t • 2024-11-03T12:20:10-07:00

This is(was) almost too good to believe. I love browsing through available books. So much good reading in a "nutshell." Note: I can’t seem to download books anymore. No update offered. (11/2024)

vet9er • 2022-03-14T06:37:13-07:00

I had this app years ago and although slow to download, I loved it. Downloaded App March 2022, paid for it…and it is basically USELESS. cannot get any books to read. I am glad I only WASTED $1.00 to pay for it. Disappointed. I recommend staying away from this app. Would give it ZERO STARS IF I COULD.

Chester R. Lambert • 2022-01-15T08:33:38-07:00

This used to such great app! For years I loved having so many books available, but now nothing. Argh!!! I have several novels and enjoyed. Now it won’t download anything. I feel like a chump trying to do so. Digital Press is not responding to obvious demand by the public for an update. There are a great many of us who would like to continue if they would let us.

Summary of Key Insights

  • The "Free Books" app is positioned as a low-cost provider of classic literature, offering a large library for a small one-time fee.
  • While historically well-received, recent reviews reveal significant issues with the app's functionality, specifically the inability to download or "render" books. This is a major pain point overshadowing the app's previously appreciated features.
  • Overall sentiment is mixed. The app has a large base of positive reviews from the past, but recent negative reviews are very critical and express frustration. The high number of 5-star reviews (64.8%) is counterbalanced by a significant number of 1-star reviews (12.6%), indicating a polarized user experience, with a recent shift towards negative sentiment.
  • The app's strengths lie in its extensive library of classic books and the promise of offline reading. However, its current technical issues severely undermine these strengths.
  • User requests focus on expanding the library (including more recent titles and audiobooks), improving navigation, and fixing persistent bugs.
  • The lack of recent updates is a major concern, leading users to believe the developers are unresponsive.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with a noticeable concentration of negative reviews in more recent months/years (e.g., late 2023, 2024).
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved sentiment assessment through review content, frequency analysis of mentioned issues (e.g., "rendering," "crashing"), keyword extraction to identify common themes, and trend analysis to observe changes in user sentiment over time.

Key User Pain Points

  • "Rendering" Issue: This is the most critical and frequently reported problem. Users are unable to download or open books because the app gets stuck in a perpetual "rendering" state. This renders the app completely unusable for many.
  • App Crashing/Freezing: Several users report that the app crashes frequently or freezes, making it difficult to use.
  • Lack of Updates/Developer Responsiveness: Users express frustration over the lack of recent updates and the perceived unresponsiveness of the developers to address the reported issues.
  • Ads After Payment: Some users who paid for the app are still experiencing advertisements, which is against the app's promise.
  • App Won't Open: Some users are finding the app will not open at all.
  • Dictionary Support Not Working: A specific bug related to dictionary support was reported.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Recent Books: Many users request the addition of more modern books (post-1923) to the library.
  • Expanded Audiobook Selection: Users want more audiobooks to complement the ebook collection.
  • Improved Navigation: Users desire better navigation within books (e.g., table of contents, chapter selection, word search).
  • Illustrations: Some users want the inclusion of original illustrations from the books.
  • Cloud Sync: Some users want cloud sync to be able to keep their place across multiple devices.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Library of Classics: The app offers a vast collection of classic literature, which is a major draw for users interested in this genre.
  • Low Cost: The one-time purchase price is considered a bargain for the number of books offered.
  • Offline Reading: Users appreciate the ability to download books and read them offline.
  • Customization Options: Features like night mode and adjustable font sizes are well-received.
  • Ease of Use (Historically): Older reviews often praise the app's simplicity and user-friendly interface (though this is now overshadowed by functionality issues).
  • Original Covers: The custom-designed book covers are a unique and appreciated feature.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix the "Rendering" Issue: This is the most critical problem and needs immediate attention. Investigate the cause of the rendering issue and release a patch as soon as possible.
  • Address Crashing/Freezing Problems: Identify and fix the bugs causing the app to crash or freeze.
  • Improve Stability: Focus on overall app stability to prevent future issues.

Medium Priority:

  • Release an Update: Communicate with users about the ongoing issues and provide a timeline for a fix. Regular updates will help maintain user trust.
  • Expand Testing: Implement more rigorous testing procedures before releasing updates to prevent future bugs.
  • Address Advertisement Issue: Remove ads for users who have paid for the app.
  • Implement Cloud Sync: Enable users to sync their progress and libraries across multiple devices.
  • Fix Dictionary Support: Resolve the dictionary support bug.

Low Priority:

  • Expand Book Selection: Gradually add more recent books (while respecting copyright laws) and expand the audiobook collection.
  • Improve Navigation: Implement features like a table of contents, chapter selection, and word search.
  • Add Illustrations: Include original illustrations where available.
  • Improve Customer Support: Respond to user inquiries and provide helpful support.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Curated Classic Literature Subscription Service: A subscription service offering a curated selection of classic literature with enhanced features like professional narration, interactive annotations, and discussion forums.
  • Public Domain Content Enhancement Platform: A platform that focuses on improving the quality and accessibility of public domain content by adding features like accurate OCR, professional editing, and multimedia enhancements.
  • AI-Powered Classic Literature Companion: An app that uses AI to provide insights, context, and analysis of classic literature, helping readers better understand and appreciate these works.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment: A clear shift in sentiment from positive to negative over time, driven by the app's recent functionality issues.
  • Importance of Maintenance: The app's decline highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and updates, even for apps with a one-time purchase model.
  • Value of Communication: Users highly value communication from developers, especially when issues arise.
  • Demand for Classics: There's still a strong demand for classic literature, but users expect a reliable and user-friendly reading experience.

Conclusion

The "Free Books" app has the potential to be a valuable resource for readers of classic literature. However, its current technical issues are severely damaging its reputation and user experience. Addressing these issues with a high-priority update and improving communication with users are crucial steps to restoring the app's value. Without these fixes, the app is unlikely to retain its user base or attract new customers.

Overall Recommendation: Immediate action is required to fix the app's functionality and regain user trust. Focus on stability and communication before adding new features.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/free-books-23-469-classics-for-less-than-a-cup/id317776727?uo=2