Looks like there is overlap between these apps but I think Seek maybe for identification only - doesn’t look like supports any Observations ? This being the case, is there value in having both apps ?
I currently have both but seems like the same identification ai engines used in both apps ?
See helpfile.
Normally the Seek AI was offline and build in and outdated and iNat is online and uptodate and Brand New.
The helpfile does not decribe AI in detail.
https://help.inaturalist.org/nl/support/solutions/articles/151000169914-wat-is-het-verschil-tussen-de-app-inaturalist-en-seek-door-inaturalist-
I am not sure if this is the actual situation, cause I thought Seek could be updated recently, but I cannot find the update.
My understanding is that Seek was meant initially for users too young to have an iNat account. Also, Seek has gamification aspects which iNat does not, beause of the different focus. I wouldn’t bother having both unless you like the gamification of Seek.
I use both. Sometimes just to have a quick check on id.
I also like to use the Seek camera with my clip-on lens, the effects and clarity can be better than the phone.
I do not upload from seek as I’d rather the chance to check and crop if necessary.
The model in Seek is recently updated:
Seek CV model with 2.13
Both cameras, in iNaturalist and Seek, use the same offline computer vision model.
edit: iNaturalist=new iNaturalist app (currently available only for iPhones)
So CV versions and apps is more complicated and device/OS dependend.
Just to be clear, the both Seek and the new iNaturalist app (currently available only for iPhones) have an onboard model, and that model is currently 2.13. It’s what’s used for the live in-camera suggestions, and suggestions when you don’t have an internet connection.
Seek is designed for privacy – everything you photograph (observe) and record will be stored only on your phone; it will not be shared or made publicly visible to anyone unless you share it to your iNaturalist account.
iNaturalist serves as a database of records uploaded by people everywhere in the world; these records can be used for scientific research. Because they are publicly accessible, you can also get help with identification from other users. The AI suggestions are not always correct, so it can be useful to see what human reviewers suggest as an ID.
If you want your data to be available for scientific research, use iNaturalist.
If you like the badges and challenges, use Seek.
As noted, you can share your Seek finds to iNaturalist, but Seek does not include as much information in its records, so if you plan to share with iNaturalist anyway it probably makes more sense to use it from the start (you will have more control over how your records appear on iNat, you can add multiple photos to a single observation, and you can more easily check for issues like missing information) unless there are aspects of Seek you really prefer.
I use Seek to ID things that I’m curious about, which fall into the category of casual observations, e.g. potted plants, online photos of birds, etc. That way, there is no danger of the observation accidentally getting added to a global database for biodiversity.
But even what I do requires an understanding of the purpose of iNat vs Seek, which most new users do not have.
Ok so I am using iphone so I think iNaturist is the way to go, but some clarification on the privacy maybe ? It looks to me as the AI camera is for spot-identification and saves nothing at all ? To save, you have to take a photo or make a recording, but even then you are prompted firstly to save to iphone gallery, and then to create or add to existing identification. If this is correct that seems pretty secure and I will stop using SEEK.
Thank you for all your responses.
One final question, can I set up email notifications for these forums ?
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