iSHORT vs xCluster
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
iSHORT
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iSHORT is an iPad application designed to collect habitability observations (including text, photos, video, and audio recordings) from research study participants. Observations can be retrieved using an optional sync server, or directly through iTunes/iPad File sharing. See the "About iSHORT" page (from the gear icon on the New Observation screen) for more information on configuring and using iSHORT. This app was developed by NASA Johnson Space Center's Human Research Program - Human Factors and Behavioral Performance Element.
xCluster
Visualize DX cluster activity on a world map and in a list. Filter spots by call sign or band, and set custom alerts for specific stations or countries. Integrates with popular DX services and provides call parsing for location data.
- Display DX spots on map and list
- Filter by band and call sign
- Set custom alerts
- Integrates with DXSummit and PSK Reporter
- Built-in call parser
- Zoom and pan map
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xCluster is a visual display of dx cluster activity built for the iPad. DX spots are received via telnet or web services and displayed in a tabular form and plotted on a map of the world. You can filter the spots by call sign or band. Spots are created using the latitude and longitude of the dx station and spotter. The program has an internal call parsing component to determine the country for each call but can use QRZ.com for more accurate location data. Lookup priority is QRZ.com with the the call parser as a backup. DX spots can be displayed on a map or in a tabular form. Alerts for specific stations, bands or countries may be set and will be highlighted in the list and on the map. A number of major telnet clusters are built in along with DXSummit and PSK Reporter. PSK Reporter will display other stations that can hear your signal. You must be running WSJT-X or FLDIGI and have it configured correctly to work. You may contact the author with questions, suggestions or issues at support@w6op.com Features: Display dx spots on a map and in a list Predefined cluster servers and websites Filter by band and call sign Set alerts for display in the list and on the map Alerts can be set by country, band and call sign Save alerts in iCloud Built in call parser if QRZ.com is unavailable Freeform cluster command input Zoom and pan the map display
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: iSHORT at 9.0 against xCluster's 26.0. 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 | iSHORT | xCluster |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.0 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NASA | Peter Bourget |
In-app purchases
iSHORT
No in-app purchases
xCluster
No in-app purchases









