Julian Ciampa
I hardly ever leave reviews, and I love SN. But the reading experience in this app is the worst of any magazine or news app I've tried. Basically one picture of the magazine page. Reading on this is a chore, and impossible on a small screen. Some simple text and page flips would be great. It's really hard to find any motivation to open SN in this app since the read experience is the opposite of enjoyable. It is miserable.
4 people found this review helpful
A Google user
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I have had to downgrade my previous review. Previously it was possible to download issues and read them off line, though this functionality had a number of problems/limitations. With their latest updates, it is not possible to read issues off line at all, but worse, you cannot even read issues online if there is any disruption of internet access. This means the page you are currently reading will be replaced with an error page the moment you lose your internet connection, so if you are on the subway, airplanes, in rural areas with poor (or no) cell connection, the app is basically useless. It also means that they are continuously accessing the internet while you are reading for some reason. I love Science News and wish I could use their app, but it has become completely useless to me.
6 people found this review helpful
Dave Wiltzius
I've been a subscriber for 10 years or so. The app was functional but minimal e.g., no means to bookmark where you left off, etc. Around Sept 2023 the app changed (why??) and is now almost useless. I can get the "readable" view ok but when I select an article to read on my Android tablet or phone I can't get back to the table of contents view. The Web site version is still functional. It is now impossible to read this magazine as a relaxing activity. Renewal time for me. I am, sadly, undecided.
3 people found this review helpful