leonardo_simon
Well-known member
I've now done a brief side-by side comparison of the Birdguides app against BirdAlertPro
This was done over 4 days in North Norfolk, Hampshire & Oxfordshire late October 2020 testing just the app and not the SMS service. I was using an iPhone (11 pro) with iOs 13
Summary: Overall very similar -- Both apps have the same information on birds/location but both apps have some drawbacks when off line / out of signal.
On neither app can you change the mapping app that they link to. Birdguides links to google maps whereas BirdalertPro links to Apple maps. I would appreciate the choice of different mapping apps as often one changes from car to footpaths (so link to Ordnance Survey, Openstreetmap would be helpful).
Birdguides I found the interface simple and clear. Locations link to google maps which works well with carplay (on my satnav). Main drawback is when offline then the app displays no information -- that's quite annoying in the field. Just a screen saying "no internet".
BirdalertPro The interface is more complex (feels a bit more dated). Reporting bird location more involved - rather than just pointing on a map. Alerts work well as they are persistent once downloaded & the app still works when there is no internet. Main drawback is that the location service doesn't work with carplay ('turn by turn directions not available') - I think this may be an Apple Maps issue, but really frustrating.
I've not tried the SMS service so can't comment on that. From testing the app I'm finding it difficult to understand why BirdalertPro is so much more expensive for a subscription,
This was done over 4 days in North Norfolk, Hampshire & Oxfordshire late October 2020 testing just the app and not the SMS service. I was using an iPhone (11 pro) with iOs 13
Summary: Overall very similar -- Both apps have the same information on birds/location but both apps have some drawbacks when off line / out of signal.
On neither app can you change the mapping app that they link to. Birdguides links to google maps whereas BirdalertPro links to Apple maps. I would appreciate the choice of different mapping apps as often one changes from car to footpaths (so link to Ordnance Survey, Openstreetmap would be helpful).
Birdguides I found the interface simple and clear. Locations link to google maps which works well with carplay (on my satnav). Main drawback is when offline then the app displays no information -- that's quite annoying in the field. Just a screen saying "no internet".
BirdalertPro The interface is more complex (feels a bit more dated). Reporting bird location more involved - rather than just pointing on a map. Alerts work well as they are persistent once downloaded & the app still works when there is no internet. Main drawback is that the location service doesn't work with carplay ('turn by turn directions not available') - I think this may be an Apple Maps issue, but really frustrating.
I've not tried the SMS service so can't comment on that. From testing the app I'm finding it difficult to understand why BirdalertPro is so much more expensive for a subscription,
