SkyORB 2.4.6
SkyORB is not one of those things, unfortunately. As much as some of us love spacey apps, this one really can’t impress anyone. Not as long as there are alternatives like Star Walk or Star Chart out there.
Poor design, cluttered information
SkyORB really doesn’t make very good use of the iPhone’s display. It crams together all its buttons and icons in a row at the top, displays annoying tips that you could do without, and overlaps elements at the bottom in a manner that makes one think this app was created by children.
Again, we’re compelled to compare it to simpler, more efficient tools that deliver a lot more for a lot less. That’s right, despite offering an inferior experience, it also costs money to get the full version. Adding insult to injury, only the full version ($3.99) offers what should have been offered for free in the first place.
Augmented reality
The augmented reality bit is okay, but again it’s nothing that you can compare to what Vito Technology’s Star Walk has to offer. The visuals are cloudy and half the time the UI doesn’t even respond to touch. What’s the point of encouraging the user to tap a planet and gain info on it if it doesn’t actually work.
Solar system looks like a 4 year-old’s drawing
It has to be said. Not only is the entire app designed by amateurs, but the representation of the solar system - the heart and soul of the app, if you will - looks like it’s been made using MS Paint. We can’t in good faith recommend this one to people looking to understand the Universe. It doesn’t even offer the sense of scale necessary to comprehend the vastness of our solar system, let alone the Cosmos itself.
Oh, and let’s not even go into the visual glitches that force you to shut down the app and start all over again.
iOS users of SkyORB are pretty lucky fellas since the app has received some pretty special features following a recent update. For instance, the app comes with barometer support and 60fps camera capture for augmented reality, ES 3.0 support and new graphics with 4K textures. There’s also an extension for the Today app, which means you’ll get easier and faster access to instant information from the app without even having to access it.
Premium users can even add the app extension “astronomy events” for the day events, which will tell you the rise and set times of the sun and moon, the moon phase name, and a prediction for which planets will be visible that particular night.
Add to watchlist:
Astronomy
In a hurry? Add it to your Download Basket!
0/5
Hits & Misses
hits
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misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI4
Badly designed and chock full of visual glitches. For an app that heavily relies on visuals and animations, SkyORB doesn’t do a very good job. |
Function4
Everything is cluttered, the app is non responsive, and nothing seems to work as expected. The augmented reality bit is the only thing holding it together. |
Security9
No problems here, but it does need location services to work. |
Battery7
Drains a fair amount of juice. |
Price7
It’s free, but the full version is too expensive for the little things it offers. |
Compatibility9
Has a low firmware requirement and is available in native iPad form. |
It’s a free download, so it won’t kill you to try it out. But do consider the alternatives if you’re planning to spend money.
Specifications
- price:
- Free with IAP
- current version:
- 2.4.6
- reviewed version:
- 2.4.6
- developer:
- Realtech VR
- category:
- SCIENCE & EDUCATION
- os version req.:
- 6.0
- age rating:
- 4+
- in-app purchases:
- Yes. Premium Version $2.99
- hits:
- 435