Customer Reviews (100)

Doug McKenzie • 2025-03-23T11:54:04.801Z

very intuitive to use except when trying to specify a particular time no

Shirish Jadav • 2025-03-22T17:46:19.920Z

one of the best purchased app on play store

Daniel Lalonde • 2025-03-17T21:17:02.185Z

Very cool app. I like the live satellite 🛰️ tracking

Summary of Key Insights

Stellarium Plus - Star Map is highly regarded by its users, particularly amateur astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts. The app is praised for its accuracy, comprehensive database, ease of use, and ability to identify celestial objects in real-time. The majority of users find it well worth the price. However, some users have reported issues with calibration, compass accuracy, and specific feature requests, such as more customization options and an expanded database. Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution with 85% 5-star ratings)
  • Key Strengths: Accuracy, comprehensive database, ease of use, real-time object identification, telescope control, and educational value.
  • Key Weaknesses: Occasional calibration issues, compass inaccuracy for some users, limited customization options, and some missing celestial objects.
  • Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive.

Score Distribution:

  • 5 Stars: 85%
  • 4 Stars: 6%
  • 3 Stars: 4%
  • 2 Stars: 2%
  • 1 Star: 3%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly specified, but based on the version number (1.13.3), it appears to be a recent snapshot of reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was inferred from star ratings and review text. Keyword extraction was used to identify recurring themes, pain points, requested features, and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Calibration Issues: Some users report that the app requires frequent calibration or gets stuck during the calibration process (2-star review). This negatively impacts the user experience by making the app unreliable.
  • Compass Inaccuracy: A few users have experienced compass inaccuracies, leading to misalignment of the star map with the actual sky (3-star review). This diminishes the app's primary function of real-time object identification.
  • Limited Customization: Several users mentioned the desire for more customization options, such as setting a default view, adjusting field of view (FOV) easily, and custom landscape options (3- and 4-star reviews).
  • Missing Celestial Objects: Some users have encountered difficulties locating specific celestial objects, suggesting the need for a more comprehensive astronomical database (4-star review).
  • Milky Way Display Issue: One user reported that the Milky Way display is vertical in the paid version, while it is correctly displayed horizontally in the free version (2-star review).
  • Accidental Purchase/Refund Issues: One user reported accidentally purchasing the app twice and not receiving a refund (1-star review).
  • Website Issues: One user complained about the website not working and missing asteroids after buying the app expecting it to be linked to their website account (1-star review).

Frequently Requested Features

  • One-Touch FOV Reset: A button to quickly reset the field of view to a default value (45.0°) (4-star review).
  • Custom Landscape Option: Similar to the desktop version, allowing users to add custom landscapes (5-star review).
  • Remember Last Settings/Set Default View: The ability for the app to remember the user's last settings or to set a new default view (4-star review).
  • Ecliptic Plane Line: An option to display the ecliptic plane line (4-star review).
  • Display Favorites on the Map: A way to display favorited objects all at once on the map (5-star review).
  • Improved Object Filtering/Search: A better way to filter and search for suitable objects for observation, especially those that have been "hearted" or favorited (3-star review).

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accuracy: Many users praise the app's accurate star and planet positions, making it reliable for identification and observation (5-star reviews).
  • Comprehensive Database: The extensive catalog of stars, planets, satellites, and deep sky objects is highly valued (5-star reviews).
  • Ease of Use: The app is considered intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners (5-star reviews).
  • Real-Time Object Identification: The ability to point the phone at the sky and identify objects in real-time is a key feature (5-star reviews).
  • Satellite Tracking: Users appreciate the ability to track artificial satellites, including the ISS (5-star reviews).
  • Telescope Control: The ability to control telescopes via Bluetooth or WIFI is a significant advantage for advanced users (5-star reviews).
  • Educational Value: The app is used as a learning tool for understanding the night sky (5-star reviews).
  • Astrophotography Aid: The field of view simulation helps users plan astrophotography sessions (5-star reviews).

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Calibration and Compass Issues: Investigate and fix the reported calibration problems and compass inaccuracies. This directly impacts the core functionality of the app.
  • Fix Milky Way Display Issue: Resolve the issue with the Milky Way being displayed vertically in the paid version.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement "Remember Last Settings/Set Default View" Feature: This addresses a common usability concern and improves the user experience.
  • Add One-Touch FOV Reset Button: This would simplify navigation and customization for users.
  • Expand Database: Continuously update and expand the astronomical database to include more celestial objects.

Low Priority:

  • Add Custom Landscape Option: While desirable, this is a more advanced feature that can be considered after addressing higher priority issues.
  • Implement Ecliptic Plane Line: This feature would enhance the app's educational value but is not critical for core functionality.
  • Improve Object Filtering/Search: Enhance the search and filtering capabilities to make it easier for users to find specific objects, especially favorited ones.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized Observing Lists: A feature that automatically generates observing lists based on the user's location, equipment, and observing goals.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: Enhance the AR experience by overlaying additional information and visualizations onto the real-world view.
  • Community Features: Integrate social features, such as the ability to share observing logs, images, and locations with other users.
  • Educational Content: Expand the app's educational content with tutorials, articles, and interactive simulations.
  • Integration with Weather Services: Incorporate weather data to provide users with real-time observing conditions and forecasts.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The vast majority of users are highly satisfied with the app.
  • Enthusiast Focus: The app caters primarily to amateur astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts.
  • Feature Requests Indicate Advanced Usage: Many feature requests suggest that users are actively engaged and seeking to improve their observing experience.
  • Price Justification: Users are willing to pay for the "Plus" version due to its enhanced features and comprehensive database.

Conclusion

Stellarium Plus - Star Map is a well-regarded astronomy app with a strong user base. By addressing the identified pain points and implementing requested features, the developers can further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a leading astronomy tool. Focusing on improving core functionality, usability, and database completeness should be prioritized.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium_plus