Bob's Algorithm (Computing) vs 生物记
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bob's Algorithm (Computing)
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Digital Mysteries: Bob’s Algorithm is a problem-solving app for 8-11 year olds that is unique in allowing pairs to work together on one iPad with a task mapped to computing curriculum topic ‘Use logical reasoning to explain how simple algorithms work’. Users are given illustrated slips of information within the app which they read, organise into groups and lay out across the screen. These are all about a family who keep forgetting their passwords to things. They create/discuss a simple password generation algorithm to help them create their own unique passwords for each website. Through explaining how the algorithm works, students learn what an algorithm is by the app's story - basic use of variables and some simple logic. To help users answer ‘Can you write Bob's algorithm in one line and show what the password will be for a different name and website?’ they have access to exciting tools once they've read all the bits of information. This includes notes (to type their thoughts or calculations), normal sticky tapes (to stick slips/notes together with general links) and groups (to help organise slips) and in the final stage, arrow sticky tapes (to show a causal or chronological link). Once students complete the mystery, a PDF is generated detailing what they’ve done, which can be printed or shared. They can also go through a dedicated Reflection Stage to play back their session and discuss it. The task can provide the opportunity to refresh students’ understanding of other areas in the earlier stages of the curriculum such as algorithms and variables while they apply logical reasoning skills to understand the behaviour of an algorithm and predict its output. The mystery also demonstrates to the students how the result of the same algorithm differs based on its initial state and its input variables. Who is this app for? This is most suited to 8-11 year olds. It has two difficulty levels. At the hard level, students are given two extra slips which help challenge them to think further about the topic. Five learning outcomes are suggested including ‘Use logical reasoning to understand how a simple algorithm works’. Sub-questions are provided which can help the teacher get the students to focus on certain elements. What is different about Digital Mysteries? • Truly collaborative: It is unique in that more than one student can interact with it at once • Record of learning: Students interact with exciting technology then can share/print a PDF report of their session • Reflection: Sessions are recorded so students can playback and discuss them, emphasising the importance of the process as well as the outcome • Speaking and listening: Due to its collaborative nature, each session aligns to this learning goal plus 'group discussion and interaction' • Engagement: Working in pairs adds to the fun experience of problem-solving • Research: We've done years of academic research on how to make the most of touch screens for learning in general, and collaboration specifically What does a mystery consist of? • Illustrated slips of information: Short snippets to help students with reading • Questions: One main question plus optional sub questions to maximise collaboration, discussion and expression of ideas • Extras: Most tasks come with hints for those who need them, e.g. suggestions for organising ideas or simpler stage introductions to ease them in • Description: This gives teachers the information they need to plan; including the curriculum point each task links to, the advised age range and possible learning outcomes How can I try other mysteries? At the bottom of the app details tab, tap 'Developer Apps' to view our current range.
生物记
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生物记是由中国科学院动物研究所生物多样性信息学研究组开发的APP与网络平台,旨在推动公民科学,让公众更便捷的获取生物百科知识,能够随时随地参与野生生物观测与调查,为科学研究提供数据支持,保护生物多样性,践行生态文明。 本项目由中国科学院战略先导专项(A类)“地球大数据科学工程”及中国科学院十三五信息化专项“科学大数据工程”支持。 功能介绍: 1. 拍照识别:只需拍摄或选取手机中的生物图片,即可快速自动识别生物,不能识别的可选择求高手鉴别。 2. 发现:基于生物记大数据,推荐附近观测到的生物,查看周边用户拍摄生物图片。 3. 记录:记录观测生物信息,自动保存识别记录,快速搜索历史记录。 4. 鉴别:随时参与鉴别上传的生物,消除更多生物识别疑问。 生物记非常适合生物爱好者,大中小学生及学生家长、教师、生物工作者等。 APP中植物识别部分由合作伙伴“花伴侣”提供;百科部分由物种多样性数据平台提供,目前鸟类、部分植物和菌物有详细百科数据,覆盖约3万多个物种,后续将不断补充各类群的百科数据。数据量庞大,时间有限,难免有遗漏和错误,如遇到错误欢迎批评指正。 对于生物记的任何建议,欢迎随时联系我们电话:010-64807129邮箱:colin@especies.cn官方主页:http://nol.especies.cn/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: 生物记 at Free against Bob's Algorithm (Computing)'s $1.99. Bob's Algorithm (Computing)'s advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). On update cadence, 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
生物记 is free to download; Bob's Algorithm (Computing) costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Bob's Algorithm (Computing) ships an update every 5 months, 生物记 every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on May 17, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Bob's Algorithm (Computing) | 生物记 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 30 MB | 94 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Modular Software Ltd | 北京微普科创科技有限公司 |
In-app purchases
Bob's Algorithm (Computing)
No in-app purchases
生物记
No in-app purchases









