I recently started using Topup Genie as my primary source of airtime purchase,especially after hearing them brag about how they can get me airtime in six seconds or less. So, when I heard that they had released a mobile app, I sharply downloaded it on my BlackBerry.
Fast Facts:
Developed by: iThena Logic Limited
Version: 1.0
Release date: 18/04/2013
Category: Utility
Available on: BlackBerry and Android (Soon to be released for J2Me, Windows and iOS)
Price: Free
My rating: 3 out of 5
Why I Like It
1. Size: The app is pretty light (about 1.5MB) and if you are wondering why the size is important, installing random apps on a BlackBerry is a luxury one can’t afford.
2. Features: There are nine icons that are easy to navigate and straight forward, no user manual needed. But just in case you get confused, there is a help icon that explains what each feature does.
3. Design: I like the minimalist design (you can almost never go wrong with white) plus the theme stays true to Topup Genie’s colors.
4. Functionality: It works just like it says it would and all the features you’d need to recharge with ease are available (you even get a bonus feature where you can send free text messages to people)
5. Feedback option: There is an in-app ‘contact us’ icon for complaints, feedback, queries and the likes. And the Topup Genie team respond in good time too.
What Bothered Me
I’m guessing because this is the first version and because not many people are as nitpicky as I am, the developers were a bit lax with a few things (I stand corrected) like:
1. Vertical scrolling lag: There is a noticeable lag in the vertical scrolling and for places like the home page, I wonder why I can scroll to a bottom that does not exist.
2. Updates: There is no way of knowing when an upgrade of the app is available.
3. Transaction history: My transaction history is not imported from my web account to my mobile account.
4. Alert Text: The alert text wraps before it gets to the end of the word and in some cases, I’m not able to read the full message
5. Free SMS sender field: I get that this feature is a bonus, but there should be a ‘from’ field to indicate who the message is from. Alternatively, the sender’s number could automatically appear in the SMS.
6. Number field: In places where you are to input figures, I wonder why I see alphabets. Dear Topup Genie app developer, is it possible to have only figures allowed in the phone number field?
7. Highlighted font color: The highlight color for choosing airtime amount selected is too close in shade to the other unselected amounts.
8. Account balance format: This is a tad minor, but I’m not sure what currency my account balance is in. I’m hoping dollars 😐
Bottom Line
Would I Download Again? Yes. Hell, I’m not deleting it from my phone.
Learning Curve: Navigation is neat and user friendly
Who Is It For? Anyone who has ever needed airtime top up at odd hours
What I Like: The convenience
What I Don’t Like: I can only fund my account via the web
But that’s just me, I’d like to know what you think and I’ll also keep you informed on any updates. Download the app on your Blackberry and Android devices here.
