Comparison

Merge Object Viewer vs HMH Science Dimensions

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

Head to head
About

Merge Object Viewer

Explore hundreds of 3D digital teaching aids with this app. Students can interact with models of rocks, mammals, cells, and more. The app also allows users to upload and view their own 3D objects on a compatible device.

Highlights
  • Hundreds of 3D teaching aids
  • Interactive 3D models
  • Learn about science and biology
  • Upload and view custom 3D objects
  • Hands-on digital learning
Features
Read full description

PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to play. To find out how to get a Merge Cube and to learn more, visit our website at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Object Viewer puts hundreds of digital teaching aids in the palm of your hand! Students can learn about rocks and minerals, mammals, reptiles, lifecycles, cells, and so much more using different collections of hands-on 3D models. Students can also upload, view, and share their own 3D objects on the Merge Cube. If you have any questions or suggestions, we would love 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

About

HMH Science Dimensions

This augmented reality app transforms book covers into interactive science experiments. Students can scan their textbooks to launch 3D models and explore concepts like weather, solar energy, and the solar system. It's designed to make learning engaging and fun for young students.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality science experiments
  • Scan book covers to activate content
  • Interactive 3D models
  • Explores various science topics
  • Engaging learning experience
  • Group or pair work friendly
Features
Read full description

HMH Science Dimensions AR! (In order to access this app’s content, you will need any Student Edition book cover from HMH’s California Science Dimensions AR program). HMH Science Dimensions AR is an augmented reality tool that turns your students’ book cover into a fun, unique learning experience. To play, open the app and scan the Student Activity Book cover from any grade using a smartphone or tablet. Then watch an augmented reality experiment pop right out of it! HMH Science Dimensions AR gets students out of their seats and thinking about the science they’ll be learning in the coming year. It can also serve as a short, fun homework activity. For target images please go to: https://prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-private.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/CA_SD_AR_Covers.pdf Experiments and investigations include… Weather Materials Solar Energy Food Chains Biological Systems Photosynthesis The Solar System Sound Waves How Crystals Form Tips Move your device around the cover and even move the cover itself to get the full experience. The experiments lend themselves well to students working in small groups or pairs. App Info This app does not collect any personally identifiable information. This app contains no social media sharing or links to websites. This app does not track the user’s location. For users age 6 or younger, we recommend child-safe device covers. Avoid pressing buttons or controls outside the main screen area when holding the device as doing so may minimize or close the game.

Screenshots

Merge Object Viewer4 screens
HMH Science Dimensions4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Merge Object Viewer at 4.5 against HMH Science Dimensions's 2.3. Merge Object Viewer also leads on review sentiment (48% vs 25%) and ratings volume (389 vs 17). HMH Science Dimensions's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. Merge Object Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. HMH Science Dimensions asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Merge Object Viewer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Object Viewer has 389 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of Merge Object Viewer's written reviews are positive against 25% of HMH Science Dimensions's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Merge Object Viewer ships an update monthly, HMH Science Dimensions every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Merge Object Viewer versus HMH Science Dimensions: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMerge Object ViewerHMH Science Dimensions
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (389 ratings) — better2.3 (17 ratings)
Positive reviews47.6% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings389 — better17
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.09.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size414 MB227 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMerge AppsHoughton Mifflin Harcourt

Customer experience

Merge Object Viewer

All ratings389 ratings
Positive86.9%
Neutral2.1%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews105 reviews
Positive47.6%
Neutral7.6%
Negative44.8%

HMH Science Dimensions

All ratings16 ratings
Positive31.3%
Neutral6.3%
Negative62.5%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and requests

Merge Object Viewer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Objects not loading or displaying incorrectly
  • App freezing or closing unexpectedly
  • Labeling/annotation issues with 3D objects
  • Compatibility problems on iPads and older iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Adjustable lighting for 3D objects
  • Ability to snap objects together
  • Camera button for capturing scenes
  • Restore VR support
  • More free 3D content options

HMH Science Dimensions

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Merge Object Viewer

Subscriptions4
  • Object Viewer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Object Viewer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
None

HMH Science Dimensions

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Merge Object Viewer free?
Merge Object Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HMH Science Dimensions free?
HMH Science Dimensions is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Merge Object Viewer or HMH Science Dimensions?
Merge Object Viewer is rated higher. Merge Object Viewer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 389 ratings, while HMH Science Dimensions averages 2.3 from 17 ratings.
Do Merge Object Viewer or HMH Science Dimensions have ads?
Neither Merge Object Viewer nor HMH Science Dimensions shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Merge Object Viewer or HMH Science Dimensions?
Merge Object Viewer ships an update monthly, and HMH Science Dimensions every 2 months. Most recently, Merge Object Viewer was updated on October 13, 2026 and HMH Science Dimensions on October 21, 2026.

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