Edited from 3 stars to 4
Gum Care Mode timing has been updated to give more brushing time, which is why I’m upgrading the app to 4 stars, and it makes the app more convenient to use. One problem that remains is that there are times when the Bluetooth loses contact and gives me the “Almost Clean” result at the end, meaning it says that I did not brush all sections completely.
It would be great if there was a continuous mode that allowed me to brush for longer than 3:20 and lets me continue brushing an area until it shows I’ve brushed it completely before moving on. For those of us who choose to do the apps preset challenges, it is a bummer when we’ve actually brushed each section but get inaccurate results.
Previous rating:
One surprising flaw...
The app shows you where to brush and keeps track of the sections of teeth you’ve already covered, which I like. It directs you, using an onscreen diagram, where and for how long to brush based on the setting of your diamond clean head and handle setting.
The issue I have is that it doesn’t allot time for the backs of my front teeth in the “gum care” mode and then alerts me that I didn’t get a “complete clean”. It’s a surprising issue considering the technology of the toothbrush. The fact that it’s able to detect exactly where in your mouth you’re brushing but doesn’t cover two sections of teeth in a three minute brush seems like a strange oversight.
It would be great if there was a continuous mode that allowed me to brush for longer than 3:20 and lets me continue brushing an area until it shows I’ve brushed it completely before moving on. For those of us who choose to do the apps preset challenges, it is a bummer when we’ve actually brushed each section but get inaccurate results.
Previous rating:
One surprising flaw...
The app shows you where to brush and keeps track of the sections of teeth you’ve already covered, which I like. It directs you, using an onscreen diagram, where and for how long to brush based on the setting of your diamond clean head and handle setting.
The issue I have is that it doesn’t allot time for the backs of my front teeth in the “gum care” mode and then alerts me that I didn’t get a “complete clean”. It’s a surprising issue considering the technology of the toothbrush. The fact that it’s able to detect exactly where in your mouth you’re brushing but doesn’t cover two sections of teeth in a three minute brush seems like a strange oversight.
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Annoying app targeted for marketing
I had hoped for really cool features when getting the app/toothbrush. Instead got annoying tips that do not change or there is a way to disable it. Right in front of your eyes: “30% of Americans don’t brush for ... blah blah“ how many times do I need to read this before I start to brush?! I be seen it once, so I really need to see it every time I brush?! So annoying :/ Also I have two iDevices and when I used one for few days than another one and back to first one, my progress data would not transfer instead it showed another toothbrush (but I only have one) so the progress is missing some days on one and some on the other toothbrush. What’s the point? Also it has a lot of menu options but seriously, there is nothing useful, mostly it is just links to buy more products or how to care for your teeth. Nothing really that you would need to know ... after all, it is huge disappointment and waste of money. Would not recommend at all ... the only exception: there is nothing better so hopefully those guys will rethink and redesign it so it makes much more sense and would encourage you to use it!
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Response from developer
We appreciate you sharing your honest thoughts on our Sonicare App here with us. We're sorry to hear you're not finding it very useful. Please know our main goal is encourage to set goals with the app and track your oral health. If there's any questions you might have or would like our support, please don't hesitate to get in contact with our product specialists: 1-800-682-7664. They are happy to help.
Privacy concerns
This app requires the user to register with Sonicare before the app can be used. This can be either directly with sonicare via the app or logging in with Facebook etc. There is no justification or explanation for this registration requirement given the app simply connects the toothbrush to the phone via Bluetooth.
If you turn off data the app throws a warning (but will still load), suggesting the app is indeed sharing at least some data with Phillips (and/or Facebook or google) when open.
By using the app the user is accepting the sonicare privacy policy. There is no opt out option.
How this data is used is not clear from the privacy policy. Perhaps Phillips will use the gathered data to email users when each brush head is 3 months old? I’d like to see the ability to use this app without the obligatory sharing of brushing data (now fearing the NSA is going to bug my toothbrush...).
Other than the above privacy concerns the app works well though is incompatible with the deep clean brushing mode as others have pointed out.
If you turn off data the app throws a warning (but will still load), suggesting the app is indeed sharing at least some data with Phillips (and/or Facebook or google) when open.
By using the app the user is accepting the sonicare privacy policy. There is no opt out option.
How this data is used is not clear from the privacy policy. Perhaps Phillips will use the gathered data to email users when each brush head is 3 months old? I’d like to see the ability to use this app without the obligatory sharing of brushing data (now fearing the NSA is going to bug my toothbrush...).
Other than the above privacy concerns the app works well though is incompatible with the deep clean brushing mode as others have pointed out.
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Good and on the way to greatness
The concept of an app helping you brush is awesome. This one needs to work out a few bugs. If you do not hold the Sonicare level (like say if you were looking down at the app on your phone), the brush doesn’t send the proper signal to show you have brushed thoroughly. The intervals for “Clean” are 20 seconds, but that’s 10 seconds per area. Why not set the time for 12 segments of 10 instead of 6 for 20? Also, if you attempt to brush the tops (or bottoms) of your teeth, rather than just the fronts and backs, you miss getting a “complete clean” and have to “touch up” the “missed” areas even if you didn’t miss them. All in all, it’s great feedback for those who are electric toothbrush novices, but for pros who have been using Sonicare for years, it’s like learning to brush again even if you’ve been keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Keep working on it guys-you’re almost there.
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