Mobile App User Ratings and Reviews
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Jan 22, 2024

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23 Min Read

1. What are the most common factors that influence a user’s decision to rate and review a mobile app?

– The ease of use and functionality of the app: Users are more likely to rate and review an app if they find it easy to use and it provides the features they need.

2. Personal experience with the app: Users are more likely to leave a rating or review if they have had a positive experience with the app, such as finding it useful or efficient.

3. App performance and stability: If an app consistently crashes or has bugs, users are less likely to rate it positively or even use it long enough to consider leaving a review.

4. User satisfaction with the app: Users who are satisfied with an app’s performance and features are more likely to take the time to rate and review it.

5. Incentives or prompts from the app developer: Some developers offer incentives, such as in-app rewards or discounts, for users who leave ratings and reviews. Additionally, some apps may prompt users to rate them after certain actions or interactions within the app.

6. Brand loyalty: Users who have been loyal customers of a particular brand may be more inclined to rate and review their mobile apps than others.

7. Influence from others’ reviews: Positive reviews can influence a user’s decision to try out an app and leave their own rating and review afterwards.

8. Emotional attachment: If an app plays a significant role in a user’s life, they may feel emotionally attached to it and be motivated to leave a rating or review as a way of showing their support for the app.

9. Desire for improvement: Some users may leave ratings and reviews in hopes that their feedback will be taken into consideration by the developers in order to improve the app for everyone.

10. Public platform for expression: Leaving ratings and reviews allows users to publicly express their opinion about an app, which can be satisfying for some individuals.

2. How do developers use user ratings and reviews to improve their mobile apps?


1. Identifying and addressing bugs and technical issues: User ratings and reviews can help developers uncover any bugs or technical issues that may be affecting the user experience. Developers can gather feedback from these reviews to prioritize and fix these issues, improving the overall performance of their app.

2. Understanding user needs and preferences: By analyzing reviews, developers can gain insights into what users like or dislike about their app. This information can be used to make necessary changes or improvements in the app to better meet user needs and preferences.

3. Adding new features: User reviews may suggest new features or improvements that users would like to see in the app. Developers can use this feedback to prioritize which features to add or improve in their future updates.

4. Improving design and user interface: User reviews often provide valuable feedback on the design and user interface of an app. Based on this feedback, developers can make necessary changes to improve the visual appeal and usability of their app.

5. Enhancing overall user experience: By paying attention to ratings and reviews, developers can gain a better understanding of how users are interacting with their app. This information can help them identify areas where the user experience can be improved, leading to increased satisfaction among users.

6. Responding to negative reviews: Negative reviews provide an opportunity for developers to address any concerns or issues that users may have with their app. By responding promptly and actively working towards resolving these issues, developers can not only improve their app but also show that they value their users’ feedback.

7. Encouraging positive word of mouth: Positive reviews not only boost an app’s rating but also act as free marketing as satisfied users are likely to recommend the app to others based on their positive experiences. Developers can leverage positive reviews by featuring them prominently on their website or social media pages.

8. Comparing with competitors: User ratings and reviews not only provide insights into one’s own app but also offer a way to compare with competitors. Developers can analyze the ratings and reviews of similar apps to identify any areas where they may be lagging behind and make necessary improvements to stay competitive in the market.

3. Can mobile app ratings accurately reflect the overall user satisfaction with an app?


Mobile app ratings are one way to gauge user satisfaction with an app, but they may not always accurately reflect the overall user satisfaction. Here are a few reasons why:

1) User bias: People who take the time to rate and review an app are typically those who either love it or hate it. This can create a biased sample and skew overall ratings.

2) Limited feedback: Mobile app ratings often consist of just a simple star or number rating, which may not provide enough information to accurately reflect the complexity of user experience with an app.

3) Lack of context: Ratings do not always come with detailed explanations or critiques, so it can be difficult to determine exactly what aspects of the app users are satisfied or dissatisfied with.

4) Incentivized reviews: Some apps offer rewards or incentives for users who leave positive reviews, leading to inflated ratings that do not necessarily reflect genuine satisfaction.

Overall, while mobile app ratings can provide some insight into user satisfaction, they should be taken with a grain of salt and considered alongside other factors such as reviews, downloads, and user engagement metrics.

4. Are there any industry standards or metrics for measuring the success of a mobile app through user ratings and reviews?


Yes, there are industry standards and metrics for evaluating the success of a mobile app through user ratings and reviews. Some common ones include:

1. App Store Ratings: Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have a rating system based on 5 stars to measure user satisfaction with an app. This is usually one of the first things potential users look at before deciding to download an app.

2. Average Rating: This is the average of all the user ratings an app has received. This gives a general idea of how satisfied users are with the app.

3. Number of Downloads: The number of times an app has been downloaded can be a good indicator of its popularity and success.

4. Retention Rate: This measures how many users continue to use the app after downloading it. Higher retention rates indicate a successful or useful app.

5. User Engagement: This includes metrics such as session duration, number of daily active users, and screens per session. It shows how often and how actively users are using the app.

6. Conversion Rates: This measures how many users who downloaded the app actually convert into paying customers or make in-app purchases.

7. Churn Rate: On the other hand, churn rate measures how many users stop using the app over time, which can indicate dissatisfaction or lack of interest in the app.

8. Sentiment Analysis: This involves analyzing user reviews and feedback for positive or negative sentiment towards the app.

9. Benchmarking Against Competitors: Comparing your ratings and reviews against those of your competitors can give you an idea of where you stand in terms of user satisfaction.

Overall, these metrics can help determine not only the success but also areas for improvement for a mobile app based on user ratings and reviews.

5. How important are positive reviews in attracting new users to download and use a mobile app?


Positive reviews are extremely important in attracting new users to download and use a mobile app. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of consumers read reviews before deciding to download an app, and positive reviews greatly influence their decision.

Positive reviews serve as social proof and help build trust in the app among potential users. They highlight the app’s value and benefits from the perspective of those who have already used it. This can be especially convincing for users who are on the fence about trying a new app or are considering alternatives.

In addition, positive reviews can also improve the visibility of an app in the app store. Many app stores use algorithms that take into account both quantity and quality of ratings when determining which apps to feature in top charts or search results.

Moreover, positive reviews can lead to a higher average rating for the app, which also plays a significant role in attracting new users. Apps with higher ratings tend to rank higher in search results and thus have better visibility to potential users.

Overall, positive reviews can greatly impact an app’s success and play a vital role in attracting new users. They not only provide valuable user feedback but also contribute to the credibility and visibility of the app.

6. How can developers effectively respond to negative reviews from users?


1. Stay calm and professional: It is important for developers to maintain a professional and level-headed approach when responding to negative reviews. This will help prevent the situation from escalating and reflect positively on the developer’s image.

2. Acknowledge the issue: The first step in responding to a negative review is to acknowledge the user’s complaint or concern. This shows that the developer is listening and takes user feedback seriously.

3. Apologize if necessary: If the user has encountered a legitimate issue or bug, it is important for the developer to apologize for any inconvenience caused. This shows empathy towards the user’s experience.

4. Provide an explanation or resolution: In addition to apologizing, developers should provide a clear and concise explanation of why the issue occurred and offer a solution or timeline for resolving it. This shows that the developer is proactive in addressing problems.

5. Ask for more details: If the review does not provide enough information, it is beneficial for developers to ask follow-up questions to better understand the user’s concerns.

6. Offer customer support: Developers can also offer their assistance directly by providing contact information or offering to troubleshoot further through email or phone call.

7. Take action: After addressing the negative review, developers should take action on what was promised, whether it be fixing a bug, improving a feature, or following up with the user.

8. Show appreciation: Regardless of how negative the review may be, developers should always thank users for their feedback. It shows that their opinion matters and helps foster a positive relationship with users.

9. Monitor and learn from reviews: Negative reviews can provide valuable insights on areas of improvement for a product. Developers should keep track of feedback from all reviews and use it as an opportunity to continually improve their app.

10. Encourage users to update their reviews: If an issue has been resolved, encourage users to update their review with their positive experience after receiving assistance from the developer. This can help improve the overall rating of the app and show potential users that their concerns will be addressed.

7. In what ways do fake or purchased reviews affect the reliability of user ratings for a mobile app?


1. Distorts overall rating: Fake or purchased reviews can artificially increase the overall rating of a mobile app, making it seem more popular and trustworthy than it actually is. This can mislead users into downloading a low-quality app.

2. Misleads users: If the user ratings are inflated through fake or purchased reviews, it may lead to users choosing an app that does not meet their expectations. This can result in frustration and disappointment for the user.

3. Bias in ratings: Paid reviews may have a positive bias towards the app as they are usually written by individuals who have been paid to write them.

4. Lack of genuine feedback: When reviews are fake or purchased, they lack genuine feedback from real users. This means that developers may not receive accurate insights about their app’s performance and areas for improvement.

5. Decreases trust in user ratings: Users rely on ratings to decide which apps to download. However, if there is a large number of fake or purchased reviews, users may lose trust and confidence in the reliability of these ratings.

6. Impacts reputation: If an app has numerous fake or purchased reviews, it can damage its reputation and credibility in the long run. This may deter potential users from downloading it.

7. Increases competition unfairly: Apps with higher user ratings tend to rank higher in app store search results, giving them an advantage over other legitimate apps that do not use fake or purchased reviews. This creates an unfair competition for honest developers trying to promote their apps through genuine user feedback.

8. What impact does the overall rating of a mobile app have on its ranking in the app store?


The overall rating of a mobile app can have a significant impact on its ranking in the app store. Higher ratings indicate that more users have had positive experiences with the app, making it more likely to be recommended and downloaded by others. This can increase its popularity and help it rank higher in search results within the app store.

App stores often use user ratings as a factor in their algorithms for determining which apps will appear at the top of search results. A higher rating can also increase an app’s visibility on the front page of the app store, as well as in curated lists and featured sections.

Additionally, positive ratings can lead to higher conversion rates, as users are more likely to trust and download an app with a high rating than one with a low rating.

On the flip side, apps with consistently low ratings may see their rankings decrease over time, as they are perceived as less popular or desirable by potential users.

Overall, maintaining a high overall rating for a mobile app is crucial for its success in the app store and can significantly impact its ranking and visibility.

9. Are there any ethical concerns around incentivizing users to leave positive reviews for a mobile app?


Yes, there can be ethical concerns around incentivizing users to leave positive reviews for a mobile app. Some potential ethical concerns include:

1. Manipulation of reviews: Offering incentives for positive reviews can potentially manipulate the overall rating and content of user reviews, making it difficult for potential users to get an accurate understanding of the app’s quality.

2. Misleading users: Incentivized reviews may not accurately reflect the true experiences of users, which in turn could mislead potential users into downloading an app that does not meet their expectations.

3. Bias towards positive reviews: Users who are incentivized to leave a review may be more likely to leave a positive one, creating an unbalanced and biased representation of the app’s performance.

4. Coercion or bribery: Offering incentives in exchange for positive reviews can be seen as coercing or bribing users into promoting the app, which goes against ethical principles of transparency and authenticity.

5. Unfair advantage over competitors: If only certain apps are offering incentives for reviews, it can create an unfair advantage over competitors who do not participate in such practices.

6. Ethical responsibility to be truthful: App developers have a moral obligation to provide accurate information and not deceive consumers through false or misleading marketing strategies, such as incentivizing positive reviews.

Overall, incentivizing users to leave positive reviews without disclosing the incentive may undermine the integrity of user feedback and create an unfair advantage in the competitive market. It is important for app developers to consider these ethical concerns before implementing any incentivization strategies for user reviews.

10. How do different demographics, such as age or location, affect user ratings and reviews for a mobile app?


Different demographics can have a significant impact on user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. Age, location, gender, and other factors can influence how users perceive and rate an app.

1. Age: Age is one of the most significant factors that can affect user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. Younger users tend to be more tech-savvy and open to trying new apps, while older users may be less familiar with technology and have more difficulty navigating an app’s features. This can lead to younger users being more likely to give higher ratings and positive reviews, while older users may be more critical or give lower ratings.

2. Location: Users from different regions or countries may have varying cultural preferences, language barriers, or technological limitations that can impact their ratings and reviews. For example, an app that is popular in the United States may not be well-received in other countries due to differences in lifestyle or cultural norms.

3. Gender: Gender can also play a role in how users rate and review a mobile app. Men and women may have different interests, preferences, and needs when it comes to mobile apps, which can affect their overall satisfaction with the app.

4. Income level: Users from different income levels may have varying expectations for the performance and features of an app. Those who are willing to pay for premium features may have higher expectations than those who prefer free apps.

5. Education level: Users with higher education levels may have more technical knowledge and understanding of how apps work compared to those with lower education levels. This could lead to more accurate reviews about the functionality of an app.

6. Type of device used: The type of device used by a user (i.e., Android vs iOS) can also affect their ratings and reviews for an app. Different devices may have different capabilities or limitations that could impact user experience.

7. App store/channel: User ratings on different channels such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store can vary depending on the user base and rating system. For example, the Google Play Store has a 5-star rating system while the Apple App Store uses a 4-star rating system.

8. Language preference: A user’s language preference can also play a role in their ratings and reviews for an app. If an app is not available in a user’s preferred language, it can affect their overall satisfaction with the app and lead to lower ratings.

9. Usage frequency: Users who frequently use an app may have a more in-depth understanding of its features and functionality compared to occasional users. This could impact how they rate and review the app.

10. Purpose of using the app: Users who download an app for work or productivity purposes may have different expectations and needs compared to those who download an app for entertainment or social purposes. This could affect how they rate and review the app based on its effectiveness in meeting their specific needs.

11. Can AI or machine learning be used to analyze and predict user ratings and reviews for a mobile app?


Yes, AI and machine learning can be used to analyze and predict user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. This can be achieved through sentiment analysis, which involves using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to identify and extract the sentiment expressed in user reviews. Machine learning algorithms can then be trained on this data to identify patterns and trends in user ratings and reviews that can be used to predict future user sentiments. These predictions can be valuable for app developers in improving their apps based on user feedback, as well as for consumers in making informed decisions about which apps to download.

12. What steps can developers take to encourage more users to leave ratings and reviews for their apps?


1. Make the process easy: The first step to encourage users to leave ratings and reviews is to make the process as easy as possible. Minimize the number of steps required and ensure that the rating and review buttons are easily visible.

2. Time it right: Ask for ratings and reviews at the right time, when users just completed a task or found value in your app. This way, they are more likely to give a positive review.

3. In-app prompts: Use in-app prompts to remind users to leave a rating or review after they have used your app multiple times. This will remind them about their experience with your app and increase the chances of getting a genuine review.

4. Incentivize reviews: Consider offering incentives such as discounts, freebies or exclusive features for users who leave a review for your app.

5. Respond to reviews: Show that you value your user’s feedback by responding to their reviews, whether they are positive or negative. This will make them feel heard and appreciated, which may encourage them to leave more reviews in the future.

6. Showcase positive reviews: Highlighting positive reviews on your app’s page can serve as social proof for potential users, making them more likely to download your app and leave a review themselves.

7. Add a feedback option: Including a feedback option within your app allows users to express any issues or suggestions they may have without having to leave the app store.

8. Integrate with social media: Integrating with social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience and encourage users to share their experience with your app on their social media profiles.

9. Engage with influencers: Collaborating with influencers who have a large following relevant to your app’s target audience can help increase exposure and potentially lead to more ratings and revi

13. Is it possible for an algorithm or system to manipulate or bias user ratings and reviews for a mobile app?


Yes, it is possible for an algorithm or system to manipulate or bias user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. This can happen in several ways:

1. Fake reviews: An algorithm or system can be designed to create fake accounts and submit positive ratings and reviews for a mobile app. These fake reviews can artificially inflate the overall rating of the app, making it appear more popular and trustworthy than it actually is.

2. Review bombing: Similarly, an algorithm or system can also be used to submit a large number of negative reviews for a competing app in order to lower its overall rating and damage its reputation.

3. Incentivized reviews: Some apps may offer incentives (such as free in-app purchases) in exchange for positive ratings and reviews. This can lead to biased ratings and reviews from users who are only motivated by the incentive.

4. Biased algorithms: If a rating system uses an algorithm to determine which reviews are displayed prominently or given more weight, this algorithm can be biased towards certain types of reviews (e.g. only showing positive reviews). This can skew the overall perception of the app’s quality.

In all these cases, the manipulation or bias is usually done with the intention of boosting the popularity or credibility of an app, either by its developers themselves or by competitors trying to negatively influence its ratings. It is important for users to be aware of these potential biases when evaluating mobile apps based on user ratings and reviews.

14. How do privacy concerns impact the ability of users to provide honest feedback through ratings and reviews?


Privacy concerns can greatly impact the ability of users to provide honest feedback through ratings and reviews. Some users may be hesitant to leave honest reviews if they feel their personal information or identity will be exposed to others. This fear is especially common on platforms where real names are displayed with reviews, as it can make individuals feel vulnerable and exposed.

Additionally, privacy concerns may also arise if users are required to create accounts or log in with their social media profiles in order to leave a review. This could lead to users providing false information or not leaving a review at all, rather than risk having personal information linked to their review.

Furthermore, some users may fear retaliation from the company or individual being reviewed if their identity is easily traceable through the rating or review platform. This fear could lead to users providing biased or incomplete reviews instead of providing honest feedback.

Overall, privacy concerns can significantly impact the authenticity and honesty of ratings and reviews, ultimately leading to a lack of trust in the feedback provided on these platforms. In order for ratings and reviews to be effective, it is important for there to be measures in place that protect user privacy and ensure anonymity when leaving feedback.

15. Can competitors sabotage an app’s reputation by leaving fake negative reviews?


Yes, competitors may potentially sabotage an app’s reputation by leaving fake negative reviews. This tactic is known as “review bombing” and it involves leaving a large number of fake negative reviews in order to bring down the overall rating of an app and discourage potential users from downloading it. In some cases, competitors may also pay individuals or use bots to leave these fake reviews. It is important for app developers to monitor their reviews and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the respective app store for review and potential removal.

16. How do updates, bug fixes, and feature additions affect user ratings and reviews for a mobile app?


Updates, bug fixes, and feature additions can have a significant impact on user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. Here are a few ways these updates can affect the ratings and reviews:

1. Improved user experience: If the update brings new features or improves existing ones, it can enhance the overall user experience. This can lead to positive ratings and reviews from satisfied users.

2. Bug fixes: If an app had bugs that were causing issues for users, fixing them through updates can improve the app’s performance. This can result in better ratings and reviews.

3. More features: Adding new features to an app can attract more users and keep existing ones engaged. This could result in positive feedback and higher ratings.

4. Negative impact on performance: In some cases, updates may not meet user expectations or could introduce new bugs that affect the app’s performance negatively. This could lead to negative ratings and reviews from disappointed users.

5. User engagement: Feature additions such as push notifications or in-app messaging can increase user engagement with the app, resulting in more positive ratings and reviews.

Overall, updates, bug fixes, and feature additions are crucial for keeping an app functional and relevant to its users’ needs. They also play a significant role in shaping user perceptions of an app, which directly affects its ratings and reviews.

17. What measures can developers take to prevent biased or unfair ratings and reviews by individual users?


1. Implementing a review moderation system: This involves manually reviewing all reviews before they are published on the app store or website. This can help filter out biased or unfair reviews and prevent them from being published.

2. Encouraging honest and constructive feedback: Developers can create a culture of honest and constructive feedback by explicitly requesting users to provide feedback that is helpful in improving the app, rather than just leaving negative reviews.

3. Limiting the number of reviews per user: Developers can put a cap on the number of reviews one user can leave within a certain time period. This can prevent an individual user from leaving multiple biased or unfair reviews.

4. Verifying users: Requiring users to verify their identity before leaving a review can help ensure that only legitimate users are leaving ratings and reviews.

5. Responding to negative reviews: If developers address negative reviews and offer solutions to any issues raised, it shows that they value feedback and are actively working towards improving their app. This may also dissuade individuals from leaving biased or unfair ratings in the future.

6. Using sentiment analysis tools: Developers can use sentiment analysis tools to identify any potentially biased or unfair language used in reviews, and flag them for further review.

7. Encouraging diversity in reviewers: Developers can try to reach out to a diverse range of users for their opinions on the app, rather than relying on a small group of individuals who might hold biases.

8. Providing clear guidelines for reviewing: Developers can publish clear guidelines for reviewing their app, specifying what is considered acceptable content in a review, and what will be removed.

9. Including a rating validation feature: Some app stores offer developers the option to validate ratings by asking users if they really mean what they rated your app when posting below 4-star ratings.

10. Monitoring fake accounts and bots: It’s important for developers to monitor their app store or website for fake user accounts or bots that may be leaving biased or unfair ratings and reviews. This can be done by tracking user engagement, suspicious patterns, and IP addresses.

11. Collaborating with app stores: Developers can work with app store providers to identify any potential instances of unfair or biased reviews and take appropriate action.

12. Conducting regular audits: It’s important for developers to regularly audit their ratings and reviews to ensure there are no patterns of bias or unfairness.

13. Providing an option for users to edit their review: Sometimes, users may leave a negative review in the heat of the moment but later change their opinion after using the app more thoroughly. Allowing users to edit their reviews can prevent biased or unfair ratings from remaining on the app page.

14. Encouraging peer-based recommendations: Developers can encourage users to share their experiences and recommend the app to friends and family instead of relying solely on reviews from strangers on an app store or website.

15. Offering incentives for helpful reviews: Developers can offer incentives such as discounts or premium features for users who leave helpful and constructive reviews instead of just complaints or criticisms.

16. Tracking feedback metrics: It’s important for developers to track feedback metrics such as average rating, number of positive/negative reviews, and review trends over time. This will help them identify any potential issues with biased or unfair reviews.

17. Educating developers about fairness in feedback: Finally, developers should prioritize educating themselves on diversity and inclusivity practices in order to create a fair feedback environment for all users.

18. Do awards or recognition based on user ratings add credibility to an application in the market?


Yes, awards or recognition based on user ratings can add credibility to an application in the market. These awards or recognition serve as a form of social proof, showing that the app has been well-received by users and acknowledged by industry experts. This can increase trust among potential users and make them more likely to download and use the app. Additionally, receiving awards or recognition can also help with marketing efforts and attract media attention, further increasing the app’s credibility in the market.

19.Do customer service response times have an impact on how users rate and review a mobile app?


Yes, customer service response times can have a significant impact on how users rate and review a mobile app. If a user experiences issues or has questions while using the app and does not receive timely or satisfactory support from the customer service team, they are more likely to leave negative reviews and give lower ratings. On the other hand, if the customer service team is prompt and helpful in resolving issues, it can lead to positive reviews and higher ratings, which can ultimately improve the app’s overall reputation and user satisfaction. Additionally, a slow or unresponsive customer service team may also discourage users from continuing to use the app or recommending it to others. Therefore, maintaining fast and effective customer service response times is crucial for ensuring positive user reviews and ratings for a mobile app.

20. What role do influencers or social media opinion leaders play in shaping user ratings and reviews for a mobile app?

Influencers or social media opinion leaders can play a significant role in shaping user ratings and reviews for a mobile app. They have the ability to reach a large audience and influence their followers’ opinions and decisions about the app.

1. Increase visibility: Influencers can introduce their followers to the app, thus increasing its visibility and potentially bringing in more users.

2. Persuade with credibility: Followers trust their influencers’ opinions and recommendations, so if an influencer gives a positive review of an app, it can persuade their followers to try it out as well.

3. Provide honest reviews: Many influencers are known for giving honest reviews and opinions about products, including mobile apps. This can help users make informed decisions when deciding whether or not to download the app.

4. Create buzz and hype: Influencers are skilled at creating buzz and hype around products they promote, which can lead to increased downloads and positive reviews for the app.

5. Generate user-generated content: Social media opinion leaders often engage with their followers by asking them to share their experiences with certain products, including mobile apps. This can lead to an influx of user-generated content such as ratings, reviews, and testimonials that can influence others’ opinions about the app.

6. Drive conversion rates: With a loyal fan base, influencers have the power to drive high conversion rates for an app by promoting its features and benefits through their platforms.

7. Help target specific audiences: Influencers usually have a specific niche or audience they cater to, which allows them to promote the app among relevant users who are likely interested in it.

Overall, influencers or social media opinion leaders can greatly impact how users perceive an app through their recommendations, reviews, and promotions on social media platforms. As such, developers should consider collaborating with influencers during their marketing efforts for maximum impact on user ratings and reviews for their mobile apps.

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