Edutool HOV Apps vs Merge Explorer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Edutool HOV Apps
This augmented reality app brings 3D models to life when scanned with special books and cards. It combines physical and digital learning to keep children engaged and enhance understanding across a wide range of educational topics.
- Augmented reality 3D models
- Interactive learning with physical products
- Wide range of educational topics
- Supports preschool to secondary school
- Combines online and offline learning
- Enhances book learning
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Our Hands On Virtual App is an Augmented reality app that makes 3D models come to life when scanning our HOV-enabled books, cards, charts and many other items. Not only do you have a physical product to learn from, you can supplement learning through our HOV app on your mobile phone! With the best of both worlds of physical and digital learning mediums, kids of all ages will stay engaged and learn as well as they can. - Wide range of topics and products We have a wide variety of HOV-enabled products to learn from, ranging from preschool all the way to secondary school. Visit us at www.edutoolapps.com for more information! - Combined learning With our HOV-enabled products you can keep learning both online and offline whether or not you have a device handy. You can minimise screen time and still maximise your learning. Our HOV app seeks to enhance book learning by solidifying understanding. Supported iOS versions: 11.0+
Merge Explorer
Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.
- Over 100 science simulations
- Interactive Merge Cube experiences
- Hands-on learning activities
- Built-in quizzes
- NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum
- Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics
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PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to experience. Find out how to get a Merge Cube and learn more at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home. Merge Explorer includes NGSS-aligned topics for K-8th grade, like Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. If you have any questions or suggestions, we want 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
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Merge Explorer at 46% against Edutool HOV Apps's 0%. Edutool HOV Apps's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). 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
Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Edutool HOV Apps asks for nothing beyond the download.
Edutool HOV Apps ships an update every 6 weeks, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Edutool HOV Apps | Merge Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.1 (279 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 46.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 279 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 170 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Edu Apps (Mal) Sdn. Bhd. | Merge Apps |
Customer experience
Edutool HOV Apps
Merge Explorer
Bugs and requests
Edutool HOV Apps
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Merge Explorer
Reported bugs
13 issues- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken
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- VR doesn't work with iPhone XS Max
- App crashes or loads forever
- Problems with galactic explore
- App has trouble recognizing the cube
- Screen recording only records cube, not overlay
- Words appear sideways in horizontal mode
- Content appears incorrectly
- App crashes
Requested features
9 requests- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices
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- Improve functionality for remote teaching, including screen recording
- Add more content in the future
- Add dark mode option
- Add advanced analytics dashboard
In-app purchases
Edutool HOV Apps
No in-app purchases
Merge Explorer
- Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Explorer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
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- Explorer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Questions
Is Edutool HOV Apps free?
Is Merge Explorer free?
Do Edutool HOV Apps or Merge Explorer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Edutool HOV Apps or Merge Explorer?
Other comparisons
