micro vs Payil QR
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
micro
This app is the essential companion for the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized programmable computer. It allows you to wirelessly beam programs to your micro:bit via Bluetooth and includes access to a block-based programming editor. Monitor sensor data and control your micro:bit in real-time.
- Wireless flashing of micro:bit hex files
- Access to Microsoft MakeCode editor
- Bluetooth beaming of programs
- Real-time sensor data monitoring
- Control micro:bit buttons and pins
- Debug running program code
- Store and manage HEX files
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The micro:bit app is the essential companion to the BBC micro:bit, the pocket sized programmable computer. The app allows you to flash any micro:bit hex file to your device, as well as including online access to the Microsoft MakeCode editor for simple block-based programming. When your program is ready, the app beams it to the micro:bit via Bluetooth wirelessly. Easy-to-follow screens lead you through the process of pairing your iPad (or iPhone) to the micro:bit and then transferring your program code. Compared with previous versions, the micro:bit app Version 3.1 contains these additional features: • A simpler pairing and micro:bit discovery flow • The micro:bit V2 can be put into pairing mode by triple-tapping the reset button • Retrieval of the micro:bit data log files from off your micro:bit • Pair with any number of micro:bits • Choose which micro:bit is currently connected • Store HEX files in the app • Choose a HEX file for flashing • Export and delete HEX files • Import stored HEX files directly into JavaScript Blocks editor • Rapid download from JavaScript Blocks editor • Monitor data detected by micro:bit sensors • Use the range of micro:bit Bluetooth services in real time • Display messages on the micro:bit LEDs • Send control commands to the micro:bit buttons and pins • De-bug your program code while it is running in the micro:bit • Use a simulated gamepad to send commands to the micro:bit • View camera images ready for taking photos or video As well as providing more flexible handling of your program scripts and HEX files, a major addition in Version 3 is the Monitor and Control page. This lets you observe real-time data from the micro:bit sensors, send messages directly to the LEDs and control the micro:bit buttons and pins from your iPad or iPhone. Monitor is ideal for exploiting Bluetooth services in real time, and for de-bugging your program code while it is running in the micro:bit. The MakeCode code editor now requires iOS 13 or later.
Payil QR
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Payil QR brings Tamil learning to life by connecting printed textbooks with rich digital content. Simply scan the QR codes found in your Payil textbooks to instantly access learning materials designed by Karky Tamil Academy. Features • Scan QR codes quickly and securely • Open digital lessons instantly • Watch educational videos • Listen to songs and audio lessons • Access interactive learning activities and games • Read digital books and supplementary resources • Smooth and simple learning experience for students and teachers Payil QR is designed to make classroom and home learning more engaging by combining traditional textbooks with modern digital learning experiences. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, Payil QR provides instant access to the educational content associated with your Payil textbooks, helping learners continue their learning anytime and anywhere. Powered by Karky Tamil Academy, Payil QR is part of a comprehensive Tamil learning ecosystem that combines books, interactive activities, games, songs, and digital resources to create an engaging educational experience.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: micro at 12.0 against Payil QR's 15.1. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | micro | Payil QR |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (90 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 90 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 59 MB | 36 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Micro:bit Educational Foundation | Karky Research Foundation |
Bugs and requests
micro
Reported bugs
14 issues- Bluetooth pairing fails or shows false success
- App crashes when flashing code to micro:bit
- Connection lost after code flashing
- White screen display issue
- Login fails with Google accounts
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- Text strings display with extra characters
- Arrow keys non-functional on iPad with Bluetooth
- Pairing pattern entry buggy and unclear
- Safari crashes on iPad 2
- Keyboard blocks code naming on iPhone
- App crashes when sending feedback
- Screen freezes during use
- Recent update broke existing micro:bit connections
- Flashing takes excessive time (1+ minute)
Requested features
11 requests- Offline mode for iOS
- Integrated IDE in app instead of Safari redirect
- Support for multiple languages
- Persistent Bluetooth connection after flashing
- Mute audio functionality
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- Better pairing instructions
- USB cable connection alternative to Bluetooth
- Improved project save/storage duration
- WebKit Safari view controller integration
- Support for actual MicroPython instead of MakeCode Python
- Device statements for camera operations
Payil QR
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
micro
No in-app purchases
Payil QR
No in-app purchases









