Block Buddy Pro 17+

Buggy, poor integration of downloadable content

The content is excellent, no complaints there. The downside is that its nearly impossible to quickly access (wasn’t a problem with the first app). Both my Google Chrome browser at home and my google play app exhibit buggy interfaces. I routinely get kicked to the log in screen instead when I click on the “lessons.” I use this app as a means to quickly review a block (anatomy, dosing, etc.) and often am looking to access the material very quickly. So far this “new” app has been a major disappointment. If you have a subscription you ought to be able to select an “Download all” option and have the material immediately accessible without an internet connection. In my opinion this app was released way too early (before all the interface kinks could be worked out). A for content, C- for implementation; needs a lot of IT work

Developer Response ,

Thank you for your feedback as we are always looking to improve the app. For security reasons, the app was designed to periodically require users to re-enter their log in information. If you are being requested more frequently, this is an easy fix that we will address. With regards to offline access, we wanted to give users the option of deciding what content they wanted to download. Due to the size of the app with all of the content, images and videos, it would take up significant space on mobile devices. It could also impact the functionality of the app. Feel free to contact us directly with any concerns, comments or questions: info@myblockbuddy.com. Thank you

Best content, bad App

PLEASE fix the functionality of this app! The content is the best in the industry. Better than NYSORA, block jocks or god-forbid PNB School app. But the functionality of the app is incredibly bad. Nothing works offline and it tries to sync excessively. I’ve had to repeatedly delete and reinstall the app, which only works sometimes. Now it’s just crashing my iPad. I’ve been using the app for over 4 years because the content is so good, but every time I hold my breath to see if it will launch.

Also, after fixing, a little marketing would go a long way. Those other apps are garbage, but have better marketing and social media presence. This one could rule them all after tweaking with some advertising. Godspeed

Refund?

So apparently I can’t access the original app any longer. Where’s my refund? I don’t recall purchasing the app for a limited time period.

As others have said, this is a money grab. The original app was great and fairly priced. The content is the equivalent of a 50-page book. Way over-priced at $100/yr for what you get. For $10/mo., the app should turn my phone into portable ultrasound.

(Response to developer)

We all have and continue to use other apps that don’t cost even a fraction of this one. Vargo provides significantly more information and they’ve managed to get by with charging a one time fee. It was steep, but nothing compared to what one would be paying for this app if one were to keep it long term. And from what I understand, Vargo was much cheaper initially as well... and they didn’t come back and try to shake down previous purchasers for more money. They adjusted the price for future customers.

This idea that it’s ok to back out of our agreed upon price after the fact because you provided notice that you were going to do it in advance is absurd. I’m sorry that you discovered that your business model wasn’t as profitable as you had hoped, but this doesn’t justify shady business practices.

Developer Response ,

The rapid emergence of smartphone technology, security threats, and operating system changes have led to issues surrounding the Block Buddy application. Some of these key issues have caused us to wean off the antiquated platform and develop a newer platform for Block Buddy Pro that allows us to continually update the platform and application content.  We have significantly updated the app to include 50% more blocks as well as new sections on POCUS, nerve plexus, and joint innervation. We have also expanded our video content, medical illustrations, ultrasound images, and lessons on local anesthetics and LAST. The functionality of the app has also been upgraded to allow users to view content offline and to access the app using your phone, tablet, or computer. Content on Block Buddy Pro is constantly updated to give users the best experience.

To help deal with the challenges of the Block Buddy end of life (EOL), we suspended sales in July 2019 and communicated we would continue to support the application until January 2021.  In addition, we have been offering special discounts to offset the costs of Block Buddy and encourage users to upgrade to Block Buddy Pro before the EOL.  This included a 25% discount for users to upgrade to the pro version.  This presented a $25 savings and returned the $9.99 or $14.99 spent on the original version of Block Buddy. We also had 3 sales throughout last year that offered a 50% savings.

Ultimately, the platform used to build Block Buddy was extremely limited and did not meet our needs or the needs of many of our users. In addition, the low, one-time cost of Block Buddy was not sustainable given the recurring monthly expenses of maintaining, upgrading, and selling the app.  Changing to a subscription plan allows us to continue the Block Buddy app and make it the best product available for users.