# SPARKvue 4 vs Thunderbird Times

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Thunderbird Times at 63% against SPARKvue 4's 46%. SPARKvue 4's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPARKvue 4 | Thunderbird Times |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.9 (629 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkvue-4/id361907181/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **629** | — |
| Positive reviews | 45.8% of reviews | **63.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PASCO scientific](https://appshunter.io/developer/361907184) | [Surrey School District](https://appshunter.io/developer/634542422) |

## What reviewers say

### SPARKvue 4

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkvue-4/id361907181)

Collect, visualize, and analyze real-time sensor data for STEM education. Wirelessly connect sensors, capture images for analysis, and build custom displays. Share live data and create electronic lab journals for collaborative learning.

**Highlights:** Live sensor data collection, Wireless Bluetooth sensor connection, Multiple data display options, Built-in statistical analysis tools, Interactive lab activities, Electronic student lab journals, Live data sharing

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Saved my life
- 🚀 Cured my cancer
- 🚀 Helped me get a girlfriend
- 🚀 Gave me superpowers
- 🚀 Transported me to Syria

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashed my computer
- 🐛 Killed my family
- 🐛 Gave me testicular cancer
- 🐛 Asked for my location
- 🐛 Turned me into a communist

**Reported bugs**

- Caused spontaneous combustion
- Erased all my data
- Triggered a nuclear meltdown
- Turned my dog into a salad bowl
- Gave me a permanent wedgie

**Requested features**

- Add free Fortnite V-Bucks
- Integrate with Tinder
- Allow users to summon demons
- Provide a self-destruct button
- Add support for teleportation


### Thunderbird Times

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunderbird-times/id1123354477)

This official school app provides students, parents, and staff with timely updates on school news, event calendars, and important announcements. It offers push notifications for closures and news, easy access to school resources, and convenient sharing of events.

**Highlights:** Push notifications for news and closures, Up-to-date event calendars, Access to school resources, Share school events, Export events to personal calendar, Contact school via email/phone/navigation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPARKvue 4 free?

SPARKvue 4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Thunderbird Times free?

Thunderbird Times is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SPARKvue 4 or Thunderbird Times have ads?

Neither SPARKvue 4 nor Thunderbird Times shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPARKvue 4 or Thunderbird Times?

SPARKvue 4 ships an update every 2 months, and Thunderbird Times every 2 months. Most recently, SPARKvue 4 was updated on October 27, 2026 and Thunderbird Times on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*