First blush at the iPhone/Touch BibleXpress
This is it, BibleXpress, my new favorite iPod Touch Application.
So far, this is by far the best portable Bible app I have used. I used to use a version for the Palm, then for the Windows CE device (several), I thought had found the perfect device in the Kindle but it was a huge disappointment in the implementation of the electronic Bible. It wasn't the Kindles fault as much as it was the fact that none of the Bible publishers knew how to implement a good index that allowed you to get to a book and chapter quickly.
Well the iPhone/Touch app of BibleXpress has that part nailed down. Just touch the top bar and up pops a rotating dial that allows you to quickly scroll to whatever book, chapter or version you want to get to. How do you think you get to the next chapter? In version 1.1 it is as simple as swiping your finger just as you might after licking it to turn a page.
Another thing that was disappointing about the other Bible apps I had tried was their dependence on connectivity, it might be great on your iPhone to be able to hop over and read a multitude of translations but what about when there is no connectivity. BibleXpress has an actual copy of the translations on the device, ready to be read anywhere.
In a note from the developer (see below) he mentions his intent to include a number of additional translations. Since the app store doesn't currently offer a method of paying for upgrades you the buyer are having to trust the developer remains true to his word and includes more translations as he rolls out improvements and bugfixes. But so far, even if he didn't get a single additional translation I would still say his app is NOT overpriced. I can't wait to see what all improvements he makes, a simple reading plan would be awesome.
Check out the developers site for a youtube video of how it works and more information. If your like me and have been looking for a Bible that would potentially be with you always, this is a great place to start. I don't know if it will replace my trusty Cambridge, but I will certainly enjoy the ease and speed in which i can pop around and get to verses. Did I mention it also has a powerful search capability...
A note from the developer at BibleXpress
The iPhone /iPod Touch software will be updated with more Bible translations over the coming months until at least 80% of the net price is being paid as royalties. We’re currently negotiating with 3 popular translations. Check back in a few weeks for updated information.
A new Bible reader application for iPhone/Touch
I was really disappointed with the eReader I bought when I first got my iPod Touch. The ability to search around in the scripture was slow and extremely difficlut making it unusable. I just discovered BibleXpress which is an application with multiple versions rather than simply a text of the version in a reader app. I'll be tryig it out tonight on the way home from work. I am especially excited about the possability of numerous translations included in the one price. As an iPhone or iPod Touch app it is a little pricey at $29, but considering it includes currently the NASB and the ESV both of which require some form of royalty plus the NRSV with the promise of more translations until the initial cost for royalties is 80% of the software expense. I think the developer is doing a great thing for mobile readers, plus seems to not be all about a profit. I want him to be rawarded for his efforts, that is completley biblical, and I appreciate his desire to supply me the reader with a honest, accurate application to read my prefered translation of the word of God. I'll post more when I have a couple of days use.
One thing I definitely want to let the developer know the NET is available without a royalty I think and would be another great translation to have included.
Scripture. Searching. Saving. Scribbling. Simple.Homegrown Bible Software designed by a Christian iPhone user, tested during actual sermons.
