Comparison

CMB Maps vs Universe Size Comparison

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

Head to head
About

CMB Maps

Explore detailed all-sky maps of cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang. Compare different generations of fluctuations in high resolution and view galactic coordinates and microwave sources.

Highlights
  • 4K resolution CMB maps
  • Compare multiple maps
  • Zoom and scroll for details
  • Sky reference map
  • Educational demonstration tool
Features
Read full description

Amazing cosmic microwave background all-sky maps on your iPhone and iPad! This app allows you to see and compare different generations of CMB fluctuations. It includes 4K resolution all-sky COBE/WMAP/Planck CMB maps and allows you to zoom in and scroll around for map details. You can choose to view a single map, or compare multiple maps by tilting your device. A sky reference map is also included to show the galactic coordinates, notable Milky Way components, and microwave point sources. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang. Its temperature is extremely uniform, but with tiny fluctuations as you will see in these maps. 

In 1992, COBE satellite made the first detection of the CMB fluctuations. The following WMAP and Planck mission were able to scan the sky at better and better resolution. The successes of these CMB observations have provided us great understanding of the Universe over the last decades. Check the Wikipedia page for more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_microwave_background This app is designed and made by Qingqing Mao at Vanderbilt University for the purposes of astronomy education and demonstration. The included CMB maps are generated by NASA and ESA. COBE, WMAP and sky reference image credits: 
NASA / WMAP Science Team. 
Planck image credits: 
ESA and the Planck Collaboration. Author's personal website: http://mqq.io Suggestions and feedback are very welcome. Please leave your review, or visit author's website for contact information.

About

Universe Size Comparison

Explore the vastness of space and understand celestial body dimensions through interactive 3D comparisons. Discover the scale of planets and stars, from our Sun to hypergiant stars, with guided tours and free comparison modes.

Highlights
  • 3D astronomical comparisons
  • Tour Mode with guided explanations
  • Free Mode for custom comparisons
  • Scale comparisons of planets and stars
  • Detailed celestial body information
  • Elegant user interface
Features
Read full description

Universe Size Comparison is a unique 3D astronomical app that will make you understand the real dimensions of the universe and how small we are. Have you ever wondered how big the Sun is compared to Earth? Or what is the largest planet between Mars and Earth? Do you want to find out the dimensions of some of the most famous stars in the sky like Rigel and Betelgeuse in comparison to our Sun? Do you want to compare everything with the hypergiant star VY Canis Majoris? Universe Size Comparison is the right app for you. The app offers two modes: Tour Mode and Free Mode. Tour mode will guide you on a spectacular journey where you will see planets and stars compared in full scale. All accompanied by simple and clear explanations regardless of the level of knowledge of the subject. The Free mode will allow you to compare two celestial bodies of your choice in scale. You will also find out more information on the bodies you are comparing thanks to an elegant user interface designed to offer the maximum user experience.

Screenshots

CMB Maps2 screens
Universe Size Comparison4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: CMB Maps at Free against Universe Size Comparison's $1.99. CMB Maps also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.2) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 17.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

CMB Maps is free to download; Universe Size Comparison costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CMB Maps holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 30 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of CMB Maps's written reviews are positive against 70% of Universe Size Comparison's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CMB Maps versus Universe Size Comparison: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCMB MapsUniverse Size Comparison
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating3.9 (21 ratings) — better3.2 (30 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews70.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2130 — better
Update frequency—Every 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple TV
Requires iOS6.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size57 MB411 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperQingqing MaoDaniele Citi

Customer experience

CMB Maps

All ratings14 ratings
Positive78.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative21.4%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Universe Size Comparison

All ratings30 ratings
Positive46.7%
Neutral20.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral30.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

CMB Maps

No in-app purchases

None

Universe Size Comparison

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CMB Maps free?
CMB Maps is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Universe Size Comparison free?
Universe Size Comparison costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, CMB Maps or Universe Size Comparison?
CMB Maps is rated higher. CMB Maps averages 3.9 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Universe Size Comparison averages 3.2 from 30 ratings.
Do CMB Maps or Universe Size Comparison have ads?
Neither CMB Maps nor Universe Size Comparison shows ads.

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