Customer Reviews (100)

Selvamuthukumar K • 2025-03-31T03:57:50.934Z

Nice

David “Dave” Pendleton • 2025-03-30T03:13:57.243Z

another one of those 10 minute and repeat everything every 10 minutes

Charles Ward • 2025-03-29T23:28:05.495Z

all the news all the time ..

Summary of Key Insights

Haystack News generally receives very positive feedback, with a strong emphasis on its wide range of news sources, customization options, and free access. Users appreciate the ability to access local, national, and international news in one place. However, some users report technical issues like sound cutting off, videos skipping, and problems with ad removal for premium subscribers. There are also requests for more up-to-date news and larger font sizes. Overall, the sentiment is positive, but addressing the technical glitches and usability concerns would further enhance the user experience. The app boasts a very high percentage of 5-star reviews (84%).

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but reviews mention dates in 2025 suggesting recent activity.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was inferred from the star ratings and review text. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned issues, features, and sentiments.

Key User Pain Points

  • Technical Issues:
    • Sound cutting off (mentioned by one user).
    • Videos skipping or stopping (mentioned by multiple users).
    • Buffering (occasional, mentioned by one user).
    • Pages taking a long time to load (mentioned by one user).
  • Premium Subscription Issues:
    • Ads not being removed for premium subscribers (mentioned by one user).
    • Difficulty canceling premium subscription (mentioned by one user).
  • Outdated News:
    • News being from the day before (mentioned by one user).
    • Local news being one day late (mentioned by one user).
  • Usability:
    • Small font sizes (mentioned by one user).
  • Local Weather Issues:
    • Lack of local weather reports (mentioned by one user).

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Nigerian and African channels: (Mentioned by one user).
  • More up-to-date news: Several users imply this need.
  • Larger font sizes: (Mentioned by one user).

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Wide Range of News Sources: Users appreciate having access to local, national, and international news from various outlets.
  • Customization Options: The ability to choose categories, sources, and topics is highly valued.
  • Free Access: Many users appreciate that the app is free.
  • Ease of Use: The app is described as easy to use and navigate.
  • Portability: Users like being able to access the same news in different locations.
  • Good Design: The app has a "beautiful design" (mentioned by one user).
  • Concise Content: Appreciated for quick recaps and detailed videos.
  • Works well on Android TV: Specific mention of working well on Android TV 12 and other Android TV boxes.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Fix Technical Issues: Address the reported problems with sound cutting off, videos skipping, and buffering. These issues directly impact the user experience and can lead to frustration.
    • Resolve Premium Subscription Issues: Ensure that ads are removed for premium subscribers and that users can easily cancel their subscriptions.
    • Ensure Up-to-Date News: Implement measures to provide more current news, especially for local reports.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Usability: Provide options for larger font sizes to improve accessibility.
    • Enhance Local Weather Reporting: Ensure that local weather reports are consistently available and accurate.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add More Channels: Consider adding more Nigerian and African channels based on user demand.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized News Summaries: Implement AI-powered summaries of news articles based on user preferences.
  • Offline Viewing: Allow users to download news content for offline viewing.
  • Interactive News Experience: Integrate interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and live Q&A sessions with journalists.
  • Hyperlocal News Focus: Create a more granular local news experience with neighborhood-specific updates and events.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews.
  • Focus on Functionality: Users are primarily concerned with the app's functionality and reliability.
  • Value for Money: Users appreciate the free access and the value of the premium subscription (when it works as expected).
  • Recent Issues: Some recent reviews suggest that certain technical issues might have been introduced in recent updates.

Conclusion

Haystack News is a well-regarded app with a strong user base. Its strengths lie in its wide range of news sources, customization options, and free access. However, addressing the reported technical issues and usability concerns is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and attracting new users. By prioritizing the recommended actions, Haystack News can further solidify its position as a leading news app.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haystack.android