Comparison

Birefringence vs METechs SWCtrl

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

Head to head
About

Birefringence

This interactive tool helps identify minerals by calculating birefringence based on observed color and section thickness. It features a comprehensive database and offers two display modes for clarity.

Highlights
  • Interactive Michel-Lévy color chart
  • Database of 562 minerals
  • Automatic birefringence calculation
  • Adjustable chart range (200-2500 nm)
  • Simple display mode
  • Includes optical and physical mineral characteristics
Features
Read full description

An interactive Michel-Lévy interference color chart that features a database of 562 minerals. Click on your observed color and section thickness, and the birefringence of your section will be automatically calculated, and candidate minerals will be suggested. The range of the chart can be be set to between 200 nm and 2500 nm. The chart can be offset by + or - λ, + or - λ/4. The chart can be used as a traditional nomogram, or displayed in a "simple" mode without the clutter of radial lines (which are no longer necessary on an interactive chart). Based on the methods of Sørensen (2013), the colors in the chart are a much truer representation of the colors seen at the microscope eye pieces than existing printed nomograms. The app includes optical and physical characteristics of candidate minerals including birefringence (minimum, maximum and mean), relief, optical character, pleochroism, color and cleavage. The app includes the Raith-Sørensen color chart, which is also interactive. The Raith-Sørensen chart is a direct representation of interference color as a function of birefringence and sample thickness (Sørensen 2013). A useful utility for polarized light microscopy, polariscopy, optical mineralogy, stress optics, or anyone with an interest in birefringent materials.

About

METechs SWCtrl

Control motorized curtains, lights, and other automation devices remotely or with voice commands. Schedule actions for energy efficiency and convenience, and monitor device activity.

Highlights
  • Direct smartphone control, no hub needed
  • Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Local and remote control
  • Timing and scheduling functions
  • Inter-device logic control
  • Operation logs
  • Wi-Fi hotspot sharing
Features
Read full description

With this app and METechs SWCtrl control switch, relay, smart plug, light..., you can control motorized curtain rods, motorized roller shade systems, tubular roller motors, electric locks, lights, appliances, and other automation devices from your device, anywhere Increase energy efficiency and personal security by automatically opening or closing curtains with timer functions or home automation. If you are enthusiastic about automation or lazy lifestyle, control them by a simple touch or voice command. It works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice control; if you prefer, you still can control these devices with physical touch switches. Either way, METechs provides a truly Automation Lifestyle for everyone! [Key Features] •Directly controlled by a smartphone, no hub required •Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or voice control •Work independently with or without Wi-Fi •Can be controlled in local and remote modes •Timing control devices any time in any day, weekday, or weekend •Multiple devices control by each other with IF…THEN… logic •Look up log for who, when, and where the devices were operated •Easily shares with others via the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot Our app may not be perfect yet and still under development. Our teams are working hard and smart to continually improve the app. Email Support@METechs.com with questions and comments. Visit www.METechs.com to find it out more.

Screenshots

Birefringence4 screens
METechs SWCtrl4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Birefringence at 89% against METechs SWCtrl's 0%. Birefringence also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.3) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months). METechs SWCtrl's advantage is price (Free vs $2.99) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). On ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

METechs SWCtrl is free to download; Birefringence costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Birefringence holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of Birefringence's written reviews are positive against 0% of METechs SWCtrl's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Birefringence ships an update every 6 weeks, METechs SWCtrl every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Birefringence versus METechs SWCtrl: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBirefringenceMETechs SWCtrl
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (9 ratings) — better3.3 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings9 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.08.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB112 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew BarlowMETECHS GLOBAL INC.

Customer experience

Birefringence

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive88.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative0.0%

METechs SWCtrl

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

Birefringence

No in-app purchases

None

METechs SWCtrl

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Birefringence free?
Birefringence costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is METechs SWCtrl free?
METechs SWCtrl is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Birefringence or METechs SWCtrl?
Birefringence is rated higher. Birefringence averages 4.8 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while METechs SWCtrl averages 3.3 from 4 ratings.
Do Birefringence or METechs SWCtrl have ads?
Neither Birefringence nor METechs SWCtrl shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Birefringence or METechs SWCtrl?
Birefringence ships an update every 6 weeks, and METechs SWCtrl every 7 months. Most recently, Birefringence was updated on October 29, 2026 and METechs SWCtrl on October 24, 2026.

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