PocketBible for Android 1.0 Ready for Action
Laridian started work on PocketBible for Android a long time ago releasing pre-release versions for use along the way. They finally hit the 1.0 stage and now sit at version 1.01 with the tools PocketBible users expect only now on Android.
Here’s one reviewer’s take on the latest version:
Laridian broke ground in mobile Bible apps a long time ago with versions for the Pocket PC and Palm OS. They also pioneered Bible apps on iOS. Unfortunately, it took them a little longer than the other Bible app makers to jump on the Android train.
PocketBible for Android works much like other versions giving users a simple interface without a lot of glitz. That’s a good thing in this case.
PocketBible uses the screen scrolling mode of navigation in addition to tapping the go to button that lets the user jump to a specific place in the Bible. In fact, if a user wants, they can scroll from Genesis 1 all the way to the end of Revelation. We’re not sure why anyone would want to do this, but you can.
Better than scrolling all the way through the Bible, the app scrolling moves along swiftly and smoothly. Compared to some other apps I’ve used, PocketBible on Android scrolls much faster.
The user doesn’t need an Internet connection to just read the Bible or search for content. PocketBible’s not the only app to do this, but it is a welcome feature for those who can’t connect 24/7.
The app comes free from the Google Play store. Get add-on books from within the app or better yet go to Laridian and sign up for an account and buy add ons directly. Then, log into the account on the app and download all of your books.
At first download the user will get plenty of free content to test the app before investing in the more up to date books available. Laridian’s library of books doesn’t match bigger companies like Logos, WORDsearch or Olive Tree, but they give just the right kinds to make the app useful to 90% of the Bible reading world. If you need more scholarly works, check it out. We think you might find it a little wanting.
Like the other PocketBible apps, the Android version lets users read and search the Bible. Uses can study in more than one book open at a time. It also includes highlights and notes. These all sync to their servers so a user can use their own personal markups on a phone, tablet and on a Window PC via the desktop software.
Laridian head Craig Rairdin joined the inaugural Christian Computing Hall of Fame deservedly so. PocketBible for Laridian shows why he deserves his membership. He proved himself long before he even started Laridian with QuickVerse, but we’re glad he’s still creating new stuff for mobile digital Bible students.
