Comparison

Virtual Labs vs Merge Explorer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Virtual Labs

Features
Read full description

Prepare a slide and adjust magnification on an oil immersion microscope to examine a Gram-stained sample and identify microbes hiding within. The Virtual Labs series of interactive science modules help train high school and college students in basic laboratory techniques. Using a microscope is one of the basic skills of laboratory work. Learn how to choose the correct lens, adjust lighting and magnification, and prepare a slide for viewing. Lab technicians use microscopes for many tasks, including checking what kinds of microbes are present in a sample. Using Gram staining and a microscope, you can differentiate beneficial bacteria from dangerous bacteria in food samples. In this module, enter the virtual lab of a dairy processing plant to analyze yoghurt samples and test for Salmonella and E. coli. Virtual Labs – Using the Microscope familiarizes the user with food science lab equipment and teaches standard techniques for this procedure. The interactive guides the user through theory and practice of using the microscope, so that they will have familiarity with the equipment and procedures when encountered in a real lab. This work was supported by USDA CSREES and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under two Higher Education Challenge Grant projects: 2008-38411-19055 and 2011-38411-30625. © 2008-2016 NMSU Board of Regents. Collaborating universities South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University and New Mexico State University are all equal opportunity/affirmative action employers and educators.

About

Merge Explorer

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

Highlights
  • Over 100 science simulations
  • Interactive Merge Cube experiences
  • Hands-on learning activities
  • Built-in quizzes
  • NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum
  • Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics
Features
Read full description

PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to experience. Find out how to get a Merge Cube and learn more at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home. Merge Explorer includes NGSS-aligned topics for K-8th grade, like Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. If you have any questions or suggestions, we want to hear from you! Contact us at any time at support@mergeedu.com. Privacy Policy: https://MergeEdu.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://MergeEdu.com/terms-of-use

Screenshots

Merge Explorer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Labs at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Virtual Labs also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Virtual Labs asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Virtual Labs versus Merge Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVirtual LabsMerge Explorer
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.1 (279 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—46.2% of reviews
Number of ratings—279 — better
Update frequency—Monthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB1.3 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNew Mexico State University Board of RegentsMerge Apps

Bugs and requests

Virtual Labs

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Merge Explorer

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes on iPad
  • App crashes when pressing play
  • Camera not working in app
  • Black screen when using cube or camera
  • VR function broken
Show 8 more
  • VR doesn't work with iPhone XS Max
  • App crashes or loads forever
  • Problems with galactic explore
  • App has trouble recognizing the cube
  • Screen recording only records cube, not overlay
  • Words appear sideways in horizontal mode
  • Content appears incorrectly
  • App crashes

Requested features

9 requests
  • Make the app free to play
  • Add more fun things, not just learning
  • Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
  • Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
  • Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices
Show 4 more
  • Improve functionality for remote teaching, including screen recording
  • Add more content in the future
  • Add dark mode option
  • Add advanced analytics dashboard

In-app purchases

None

Virtual Labs

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Merge Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Explorer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Explorer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Virtual Labs free?
Virtual Labs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Merge Explorer free?
Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Virtual Labs or Merge Explorer have ads?
Neither Virtual Labs nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

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