Martin Tobler 26
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Unfortunately this is a subscription based app. The old Roberts 2 app that I had paid a fair amount for has been discontinued, and with it all my lists. No communication or forewarning given. Whatever the reason for this, it leaves a bitter taste and I won't spend my money here again in a hurry. Back to my old Sasol book I go. The Merlin app from Cornell is also good, and free, and supplements my book nicely, with the added benefit of bird packs of other regions should you be travelling.
Monique Shanahan 2
Thursday, January 22, 2026
If you open the app before losing network it works, otherwise you can't get regional lists. If you are in a remote area this app doesn't work if it can't find your subscription information due to network. The call library is horrible, the resources are extremely limited in this department. Some free apps have better resources for calls, photos and updated sightings. The information content and maps are still the best in relation to other apps. Edited
Shelley Birnie 3
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Once I accepted a learning curve and was willing to give up old search habits, this new app hits its mark in every respect. I love the zoomable pics and maps, the named calls and the ability to set search indices. the only thing I miss is the side-by-side similar bird presentation from the old Android app. I also love that the app will evolve with name changes, new data, etc, which for me totally justifies the subscription model (and at a ridiculously low price). I adore the photo ID add-on.
SmartSearch Apps
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Shelley, thanks for the review. We are working on the comparison feature, as well as some other new features.
Hanno Janse van Veuren 0
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Useless. previous version was simple and easy. This version is useless. Money making scheme. Why change something that work. Cannot just open in book form. If you are eventually in book form you cannot just page through the pages.Zoom button over names etc. I rather use the old version.
J Geldenhuys (Josh) 0
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Broke the old app for what? Also for what reason is the subscription that much? The book is already written, the info is already there. It simply doesn't make sense to pay this much for an app that only has birds in Southern Africa.
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