--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector" developer_entity: "Shining Muffin LLC" bundle_id: "com.wisefox.stud.finder" app_store_id: "1530653768" category: "Utilities" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Free" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2025-04-03" report_date: "2026-10-21" last_verified: "2026-10-21T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "3.1.1" total_reviews: 1164 overall_rating: 4.2 confidence: "low" confidence_score: 0.05 data_age_days: 4 momentum_velocity: "zombie" intelligence_version: 2 tags: ["utilities", "free", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "enthusiasts", "homeowners", "looking"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/stud-finder-ai-metal-detector" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Utilities · Free - **Signal**: Rating 4.15 > **TL;DR:** Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector is a utilities app by Shining Muffin LLC, rated 4.15/5 by 1.2K users, available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector is a utilities app by Shining Muffin LLC. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.15/5 (1.2K reviews) | | **Category** | Utilities | | **Developer** | Shining Muffin LLC | | **Pricing** | Free | | **Platforms** | iOS | | **Confidence** | Low (0.05/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 4d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Shining Muffin LLC - **Category:** Utilities - **Target Audience:** DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to locate metal studs or hidden hardware behind walls. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Reviewed:** 3.1.1 - **Report Date:** 2026-10-21 - **Signal Count:** 0 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** Low (0.05/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 1530653768 - **Bundle ID:** com.wisefox.stud.finder - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-10-21 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector is a utility app for iOS that uses the device's magnetometer to identify metal objects behind walls. **Why users hire it:** The app removes the need for expensive hardware by repurposing existing device sensors to assist homeowners with basic DIY tasks. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Standard] Magnetic Field Detection:** Measures magnetic field variations in microteslas using the device magnetometer to identify ferrous metals. - **[Standard] Sensitivity Adjustment:** Slider control to modify detection thresholds for identifying specific materials like nails or pipes. * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. - **[Standard] Hold Function:** Freezes the current microtesla reading on screen to allow for easier observation during scanning. - **[Standard] Calibration:** Sets a baseline magnetic field value to account for environmental interference. ## Market Position {#market-position} Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector maintains a 4.15-star rating across 1,164 reviews, reflecting a stable user base for a niche utility. The lack of updates for over 560 days suggests a static market position that relies on organic search rather than active chart competition. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Free - **Tiers:** Free - **Analysis:** The app is currently distributed as a free utility with no visible subscription or in-app purchase gates. ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Offline-first design removes connectivity dependencies **Growth Levers:** - Visual heat map overlay could improve usability ## What's New - **Latest (v3.1.1, 1 years ago):** Refined detection capabilities. ## App Momentum (Zombie) {#momentum} - No feature updates for 18 months. - Maintenance-mode status confirmed. > **Cadence:** 1 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 566 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector is an utilities app that is completely free. It holds a 4.15/5 rating from 1.2K reviews. > **Bottom Line:** Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector provides a functional, no-cost utility that serves its core purpose, but the lack of recent development limits its ability to compete with more active rivals in the DIY space. **Best for:** DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to locate metal studs or hidden hardware behind walls. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [MAINTAIN] Audit current sensor stability because the app has been in maintenance mode for 18 months → ensure continued functionality ### Outlook: Stable The utility market is increasingly favoring apps that offer visual feedback beyond raw numeric data. Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector remains a stable, reliable tool for its current base, but its lack of investment in modern UI features will likely result in a slow decline in new user acquisition as rivals iterate faster. - ⚪ The 18-month development gap indicates a stable, maintenance-only posture that avoids the churn risks of frequent, potentially buggy, feature updates. - 🔴 Lack of new features leaves the app vulnerable to competitors who are actively adding visual scanning overlays and improved calibration tools. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.15/5 | | Total Reviews | 1.2K | | Confidence | Low | | Pricing Model | Free | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 4 analyzed | | Outlook | Stable | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector** (this app) | 4.15/5 | N/A | Shining Muffin LLC | | [Sota Connect: Secure Network](https://marlvel.ai/apps/fi-catconnect-sota) | 4.8/5 | N/A | Cat Connect | | [V2Box - V2ray Client](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) | 4.6/5 | n/a | techlaim | | [App For Siri Commands Tips](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app-for-siri-commands-tips) | N/A/5 | N/A | Anh La Phan Son | | [avoVPN Desktop](https://marlvel.ai/apps/avovpn-desktop) | N/A/5 | N/A | Avocado VPN Technologies | | [Bin Days - Bin Reminder](https://marlvel.ai/apps/bin-days-bin-reminder) | N/A/5 | N/A | Vicki Partridge | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Shining Muffin LLC ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store ID:** 1530653768 - **Sources:** App store metadata. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Sota Connect: Secure Network*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/fi-catconnect-sota) (Cat Connect) · 4.8/5 Rating - [*V2Box - V2ray Client*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) (techlaim) · 4.6/5 Rating - [*App For Siri Commands Tips*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app-for-siri-commands-tips) (Anh La Phan Son) · N/A Rating - [*avoVPN Desktop*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/avovpn-desktop) (Avocado VPN Technologies) · N/A Rating - [*Bin Days - Bin Reminder*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/bin-days-bin-reminder) (Vicki Partridge) · N/A Rating - [*Controller Tester FGC*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/controller-tester-fgc) (Aaron Lowe) · 5.0/5 Rating - [*Fusvob VPN : Super VPN 2026*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-toplinkc-foxexcellent) (Fuxin Technology) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*Gear Ratio Calculator & RPM*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/cog-gear-ratio-calculator) (Linh Phan Nhat Khanh) · N/A Rating - [*MDflow Web Clipper*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/mdflow-web-clipper) (DataOps, s.r.o.) · N/A Rating - [*NordVPN: VPN Fast & Secure*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-nordvpn-nordvpn) (Nordvpn S.A.) · 4.7/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector accurate for finding studs? The app detects ferrous metals by measuring magnetic field variations. Accuracy depends on the device's magnetometer and environmental interference, so it works best for finding nails or screws in metal studs rather than the studs themselves. ### Does Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector work without internet? Yes, the app functions entirely offline as it relies on the device's built-in magnetometer sensor to measure magnetic fields. ### Is Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector free to use? Yes, the app is currently distributed as a free utility with no visible subscription or in-app purchase gates. ### What is the best way to use Stud Finder: AI Metal Detector? For best results, remove your phone case, stay away from electronic devices during calibration, and use the back of your phone near the top where the sensor is located. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.05/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 0 - **Data Sources:** App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 4 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/stud-finder-ai-metal-detector) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.