I downloaded several apps a couple of years ago with the intention of making them all compete head-to-head with each other.
It never happened. Once I tried "Seek" (from iNaturalist), I never tried the others.
For one thing, you need Internet for most of those apps to work. Where I roam, there is no cell service. Therefore no Internet, and the app doesn't work.
Not sure how they accomplish this, but Seek doesn't need an Internet connection. I presume, but do not know for sure, that they use some kind of AI.
Oooh thank you! I use iNaturalist all the time but hadn't heard of Seek.
You're right about the no internet thing, I tend to take pics/take recordings as I go and then scan/search when I'm home. Means I'm not glued to my phone when I'm out and about too!
I don't have a smartphone, but these types of app are the one reason that might eventually persuade me. I had identified the call of a green woodpecker in a favourite area of Edinburgh and then later when I was leading a guided walk, I heard the same call, I think people were sceptical about it being a green woodpecker but the app proved i was right!
I discovered totally by accident that my phone (OK, Zabby's old phone which she kindly passed on to her ancient mother) could identify things, or at least suggest possible matches. I simply kept my finger too long on the focus function and - ta da! - I got loads of clues as to what I was looking at. Being totally honest I don't entirely trust it (and the same goes for Merlin, which I love using to ID bird-song), but it's definitely a fantastically useful tool.
I downloaded several apps a couple of years ago with the intention of making them all compete head-to-head with each other.
It never happened. Once I tried "Seek" (from iNaturalist), I never tried the others.
For one thing, you need Internet for most of those apps to work. Where I roam, there is no cell service. Therefore no Internet, and the app doesn't work.
Not sure how they accomplish this, but Seek doesn't need an Internet connection. I presume, but do not know for sure, that they use some kind of AI.
Try it, you'll like it.
Oooh thank you! I use iNaturalist all the time but hadn't heard of Seek.
You're right about the no internet thing, I tend to take pics/take recordings as I go and then scan/search when I'm home. Means I'm not glued to my phone when I'm out and about too!
I think it works without cell service because there’s a data-base for your given location.
“Seek” is affiliated with “iNaturalist” and I find it amazing accurate in southern Arizona.
Thanks Patisu! Someone else recommended this too, I've just downloaded it to try it out here in the UK.
I don't have a smartphone, but these types of app are the one reason that might eventually persuade me. I had identified the call of a green woodpecker in a favourite area of Edinburgh and then later when I was leading a guided walk, I heard the same call, I think people were sceptical about it being a green woodpecker but the app proved i was right!
Sounds like you don't need the apps anyway Juliet, if you IDd the woodpecker correctly!
I find the apps very helpful but they aren't always 100% accurate. Good for feeling vindicated though, for sure!
Ah now I understand what those icons are next to my photos on my iPhone! Thank you. Just tried a few, they work a treat 😃
I discovered totally by accident that my phone (OK, Zabby's old phone which she kindly passed on to her ancient mother) could identify things, or at least suggest possible matches. I simply kept my finger too long on the focus function and - ta da! - I got loads of clues as to what I was looking at. Being totally honest I don't entirely trust it (and the same goes for Merlin, which I love using to ID bird-song), but it's definitely a fantastically useful tool.
Less of the ancient, mother!
Yes, you definitely have to take it with a pinch of salt/do your own research/check a few sources, but they are such useful tools!
Thanks for the positive reinforcement of using devices in the natural world 💚
Time & place for everything …… everything in moderation!
I use Merlin & would recommend it.
Also use PictureThis for plant id.
But like the sound of iNaturalist as it covers more than plants ……. will give that a go, thanks Zabby.
Absolutely! Ooh yes, people always mention PictureThis to me, thank you for that.
Let me know how you get on with iNaturalist. I think it can be a bit confusing at first, but when you get used to how it works it's really useful.