Sunday, November 06, 2005
Bible app question - input needed
I’m seriously considering writing the new interface to the bible app using the ESV text. I’ve had over 4,000 downloads of the NKJV which was free to folks. That shows me that the interest level is there. What I need to gauge is the interest level in paying a small amount for a better interface and search functionality.
Writing this application will take considerable time and effort . It is difficult to dedicate that time to something that folks might expect or want for free (think e-sword).
I’ve already got a feature list and interface in mind. Would you be willing to spend $20 for a true inkable stand alone bible application that is based on the ESV? One that you can store study notes, create links to other parts of the bible, and also write on the bible text? Do a look up by verse? Quickly navigate to the verse you need? Flag notes? See a search summary by flag notes? My goal here is not to reinvent the wheel, but to provide something simple that one could use in church or during a study.
I’m working through the ROI issues and now I need to hear from you – the potential customer.
You could have on your hands a "killer application," that is, of course, if it's done right -- a big if. The Fujitsu slate I'm using (as well as the P1510, though it's not a real Tablet PC -- yet) weighs about as much as a hefty Study Bible, and I don't think the days are that far off when multitudes of believers will carry Tablet PC-like devices with them to Church on Sunday mornings. Even B. Gates predicted that within five years all notebooks will have inking capabilities, and by then the devices will undoubtedly be lighter with much longer battery life. The problem is that we'll need better Bible software (than we have now) to run on these potentially ubiquitous devices, and since the "Tablet PC Bible" is the only show in town, well, you get the picture.
Habakkuk 2:2 And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. (ESV)
: 11:59 PM 
If you need help with the UI let me know. I can direct you to some inexpensive controls that are well worth the functionality they add.
: 8:26 AM Also, it would have to have a compelling advantage to what I do today: Pull up a chapter on BibleGateway.com, print it to OneNote via Send to OneNote 2003, then write notes in OneNote. The advantage may be in having the complete Bible already available for searching and use. However, I think I would use this more for active study rather than off-line searching.
Maybe it could incorporate some other features like Scripture memory flash-cards, or outlining as some other features.
: 10:11 PM I will tell you that licensing the NIV will be very difficult financially. I would likely only look at the NIV if the ESV took off.
You guys have give me some good info - especially with not limiting it to bible text.
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