Sun Index - Vitamin D & UV Reviews

by Rbp1119

I’m a social nerd that loves tech, but IMHO, SunIndex is confusing AF! I always read the intro/setup for new apps, and this one provided almost none of that. After playing around with the settings, most of the feature of SunIndex require a “login” or creating a new account (which include the options logging in with: Facebook, Google, or a new email account). *SPOILER* after this, you have to grant access to monthly subscriptions after the 7 day trial.

Summary:
- Needs MUCH better/more helpful user instructions.
- Should allow an “account” to be used for users who only need the free features without paying the subscription fee.

by Steamfire

SunIndex is filled with useless clutter. It requires you to tap a TINY button to connect with the Qsun device every time you switch out of SunIndex . There's no way to track how much exposure you've gotten already.

It also fails to detect when there is incident UV reflection from buildings, ground cover and and sky. Standing in the shade holding the Qsun device facing a sunlit white painted building in San Francisco at noon on a sunny June day produces a reading of ZERO UVI, while my skin continuous to burn.

Also only measures data every 30 seconds at most frequent setting- useless for someone with fair skin who walks in a city and is in and out of shade every few seconds.

by Henpen42

Revised Review - SunIndex is still nice, but company has not provided the device that I ordered. Company provides updates if asked that it should be “two more weeks”. Lowered to 2 stars for multiple 2 week delays.

App review - SunIndex lets me know exactly how long I can be outside and plan my day according to the UV index at different hours. Also has weather for the day and the forecast for next day. I know other apps do this but nice to have the two combined. Was able to set my skin type and app tells me how much coverage I need. Nice addition with the sunscreen reminder and selector. Easy to use. Works well without added UV sensor, but I’ve ordered that to have real time UV tracking. Nice that it integrates with my health app.d

by Jay Cagey

1) Every time I open SunIndex , I have to set location information, even after I set up a profile.
2) I can tap on different times and it will show me what the UV level will be at that time. But in the area where it should show how much time I have before I burn, it will just say “Tap to reset“. Tapping that just resets the info to the current time. At least when it’s set for the current time it will show the time to burn, but it’s useless for planning ahead.
3) They introduced a $4 per month subscription and crippled certain features unless you sign up for it.

by Gdawg97543

Received a Q Sun device after a two-month delay. Supposed to arrive in July, arrived 9/22.

Has taken up until the present date (10/12) and still no use of the device. Company can’t figure out how to get me logged in or activate my Pro status for the year.

Advice: use the free parts of SunIndex (which earn it at least 4 stars), skip the device until supply stabilizes, and hope if you do have an issue that customer service can resolve within a one or two month timeline. No quick solutions here!

by Egmitche

The setup screen appears every time I open SunIndex , asking for location and notifications over and over again, even when the permissions are enabled. I tried creating an account, but can’t ever log in! SunIndex might have potential, but it’s not usable as it is now.

by Gatchipatchi

Pros:
Really cool circle view of the sun. Being able to, at a glance, see when the sun will rise and set, how long it will be up, when it will be most intense, is fantastic. Circles really seem to be in right now in SunIndex store but this is the first time i found it not just helpful, but the only way i want my info now (for sun stuff). Beautiful as well. The vit D stuff looked really cool, but didnt get to really try it.

Cons:
・App doesnt feel trustworthy, and doesnt reveal its info sources. The UV values (without UV detector) do not seem to be accurate and dont match any other service ive used.
・The free trial requires authorizing subscription, which means its less of a free trial and more of a "subscribe to us and we'll credit a few days".
・SunIndex claims to have a bunch of exclusive features that arent exclusive. I do not like false advertising, even for free apps.
・SunIndex asks you to rate it five stars, which isnt just skeevy, but it means the ratings are even more inflated than normal on SunIndex. Not a nice thing to see.
・It's not clear from SunIndex store description what is part of the subscription and what isn't, and apparently they regularly change this silently. Be prepared for a lot of lock outs and subscription popups.

Ultimately i will be deleting SunIndex because despite how amazing the UI is, its no good if the most important data isnt usable.

by RJ AZ

SunIndex is decent.. but doesn’t feel accurate without the device.

The pro sub is basically useless.. and they are constantly trying to upsell the device.

. I tried to cancel the pro sub or even not auto renew after the 7 day trial and there is no such option (in the account settings) on SunIndex .. even though the description here says so.
Emailed support.. hopefully they will cancel.

Sneaky guys. Dishonest experience. Sad business practice.

Update - SunIndex takes forever to start. Basically useless

by Oceanhugger

The free ability to see how bad the day is gonna look for your skin type for a particular time of day is gold. But vitamin D tracking and sun exposure tracking are for those that have the premium subscription or purchase the $150 wearable device.

by Sgmiller

Using with tracker:

The icons are way too small and what I really don't understand is that it is completely impossible to read in the sun where, duh, its going to be used. If you go into the shade to read then it loses the sun and the readings are no longer accurate. Either the UI needs to be redone with testing under real work conditions or there should, at least, audio alerts you can check configure to hear the safe time remaining. This was very frustrating.

Also the warning signal and vibration needs to be intensified as it is easy to miss. One tiny chirp from the device and what I believe is a single vibration from the phone is way too little and this is very dangerous!
A Watch app could fix both of the above these issues and would be a big help.

Another Huge drawback is that SunIndex does not write Vitamin D to Apple Health. That seems like a no brainer but it is, I have to input the daily V D to another app, to get a record in Apple Health.

Fix the above and I will give 5 stars

by N.est

It’s a good app, seems to be working relatively well, although sometimes its doesn’t fully reflect the sunlight in my specific area. Because it’s slowly becoming a fully paid service it’s less and less usable as a free app, I tried checking the skin health feature today and found that as with many other things that seemed small, it’s is now restricted and part of the paid subscription. You guys should really consider adding ads or a low lifetime payment to purchase the full app. Otherwise I’ll just stop updating or even using SunIndex.

by MashaT22

I don’t have the optional hardware. SunIndex itself is very useful and has a nice UI, but it seems like some more guidance and features would be nice. I’d love to be able to link my social media account even though I created an account with email. I’d love to save all the face scans in SunIndex to compare with analysis info attached. I’d love Apple Health integration.

I’d also love to use SunIndex for my service dog who goes everywhere with me. I’d love to protect him from UV rays too. Dogs are just as susceptible as humans!

by Mknopke

As opposed to another weather app that simply shows a predicted UV Index at any given time of day, SunIndex cuts straight to it - By focusing on UV intensity as it shifts throughout a day, the necessary protective measures one may take for sufficient safety under the sun, the related effects of such exposure on various skin types, and many more topics revolving around healthy sunshine and all-important vitamin D.

by Cryolaaa

Only complaint is that the skin analyzer may not be that accurate. It changes constantly so don’t be too hurt if it says your skin is age 40 while you’re 30

by Lokiala6

I use it everyday to check when the sun’s rays are most dangerous during the day. No complaints! It’s so cool how I can personalize the features according to ME.

by AsaphSendrey

SunIndex makes it super easy to estimate how much sunscreen I should be using and how long i should be in the sun for.

by Fire Invest

I have had skin cancer several times. This device allows you to accurately assess your sun exposure. Only downside is that there is currently no way to attach the QSun to a watch band.

by Herby423

Love SunIndex, though for $150 for the device that I could easily loose should comes with a lifetime access to the full app not just a year. it’s pricey and so is the device but the free version helps a lot with sun exposure especially out in Colorado where the sun is intense.

by Ariesgal65

As a person with very fair skin and blue eyes, I can’t even express how valuable QSun is to me. Plus the pro features like the Vitamin D tracker and Sun-Safe are worth the extra $. I also have the QSun device which syncs to my iPhone. I take it with me when I go hiking or on vacation. I recommend QSun, a bit of moisturizer, and some polarizing sunglasses to take care of your skin and eyes.

by Charlw709345

As someone with Solar Urticaria (literally allergic to sunlight) this is my go-to app for making sure I don’t have a reaction when I go outside. Super informative, tracks your specific skin type, and sends you sunscreen and clothing recommendations based on the index. Even gives you a timer for how long your exposure can last before you start to burn. I absolutely love it and its become an essential app for me. I highly recommend it.

by Aimzwudz

As opposed to another weather app that simply shows a predicted UV Index at any given time of day, SunIndex cuts straight to it - By focusing on UV intensity as it shifts throughout a day, the necessary protective measures one may take for sufficient safety under the sun, the related effects of such exposure on various skin types, and many more topics revolving around healthy sunshine and all-important vitamin D.

by PacificRy

Great app, full of handy features. For me one of the most important features is the “time to burn.” Although it’s not working for me. The time is just dashes. I entered the skin type, but not the skin analyzer — I’m not sure if that matters. Otherwise, great app.