Comparison

OpenBlue DataSource vs Playful Embers

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

Head to head
About

OpenBlue DataSource

Access and manage your JCI-monitored security systems. Gain instant insight into alarm activity, system performance, and conduct system tests. Streamline daily management and enhance your security environment.

Highlights
  • Monitor alarm activity
  • Track system performance
  • Conduct system tests
  • Control security information
  • Enhance daily management
  • Gain security insights
Read full description

Johnson Controls OpenBlue DataSource is a frontline management tool that offers a window into your JCI-monitored security systems. It provides instant access into your alarm activity and system performance and system testing. Its benefits include control over security system information that is essential to your business operations, efficiency for daily system management, and insight into your security environment.

About

Playful Embers

This business toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for holistic business owners to build a strong foundation, create content, and brand effectively. It provides toolkits, tutorials, and prompts to spark clarity, ignite marketing, and fuel growth.

Highlights
  • Step-by-step business guidance
  • Content creation tools
  • Branding confidence
  • Custom reflection prompts
  • Marketing momentum ignition
  • Progress tracking
  • Offline sync
Features
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Playful Embers gives holistic business owners step-by-step guidance to build a strong foundation, create content with ease, and brand with confidence. With toolkits, tutorials, custom reflection prompts, and lessons, you’ll spark clarity, ignite marketing momentum, and fuel your business growth — all in one place. Stop guessing and start growing. INFORMATION ABOUT THE APP AND PURCHASE OPTIONS By signing up, you will get access to subscription(s) that include features such as progress tracking, and offline sync. The download of Playful Embers is free of charge. Should you use Playful Embers to access in-app content via available subscription(s), a payment will be charged to your credit card after the trial period ends and when a subscription renews. A subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the subscription period. There is no increase in price when renewing. Subscription(s) can be managed and auto-renewal turned off in Account Settings in the App Store after purchase. Read our full Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy: https://passion.io/terms-of-service https://passion.io/privacy-policy

Screenshots

OpenBlue DataSource4 screens
Playful Embers4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Playful Embers at 5.0 against OpenBlue DataSource's 2.6. OpenBlue DataSource's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence 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. Playful Embers sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. OpenBlue DataSource asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Playful Embers holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenBlue DataSource has 13 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenBlue DataSource ships an update every 4 months, Playful Embers every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
OpenBlue DataSource versus Playful Embers: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenBlue DataSourcePlayful Embers
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (13 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB89 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJohnson Controls, Inc.Momentum Concepts Inc

Customer experience

OpenBlue DataSource

All ratings11 ratings
Positive45.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative54.5%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Playful Embers

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

OpenBlue DataSource

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Playful Embers

Subscriptions3
  • Ignite3 Days trial$29.991 Month
  • Soulfire3 Days trial$150.006 Months
  • IGNITE Yearly3 Days trial$250.001 Year

Questions

Is OpenBlue DataSource free?
OpenBlue DataSource is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Playful Embers free?
Playful Embers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers?
Playful Embers is rated higher. OpenBlue DataSource averages 2.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Playful Embers averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers have ads?
Playful Embers shows ads; OpenBlue DataSource does not.
Which is updated more often, OpenBlue DataSource or Playful Embers?
OpenBlue DataSource ships an update every 4 months, and Playful Embers every 2 months. Most recently, OpenBlue DataSource was updated on November 3, 2026 and Playful Embers on October 30, 2026.

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