Youversion: Bible Solution for BlackBerry Smartphones

Tre Lawrence · #1 11-27-2008 -

I promised to review some Bible software a short while ago. This is one I stumbled on while talking to Twitter pal Chris, and I am happy I stumbled.

Youversion is an offering from Lifechurch.tv that is aimed at making the Bible more accessible to all. The best part is that they truly have a heart for leveraging technology to make it happen.

This application is user friendly, allowing users to add devotions and notes to specific verses that can be used by fellow users.

The whole project makes available a robust online Bible in numerous translations. Well, the developers didn't stop there; they created a BlackBerry port, so that your biblical needs are available on the go.

The BlackBerry application has more than 30 different translations in numerous languages. You can search the entire Bible with keywords. Upon starting the program on your Berry, you are welcomed to a clean mobile interface with an option to check other user contributions, or to use the built-in one-year reading plan, or simply just "read."

I found that application responsive. The default font was perfect, and can be made smaller or larger to fit the users tastes.

If I had to gripe (and I am honestly struggling here), it would be about the inability of a user to make notes/contributions on the BlackBerry.

All in all, this is a beautifully-made free application for BlackBerry and (gasp!) iPhone users. A true blessing. Have fun "inviting" friends and family to use this application Facebook-style via email, or join the growing community at youversion.com.

The generalized mobile site is located at m.youversion.com.

cgaliffi · #2 11-27-2008 -

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out!~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

dzyuba · #3 11-27-2008 -

I know several people who use this on their iPhone. I tried it on my Blackberry and liked everything except the fact that it is for online use only. This means long load times with a slow connection or possibly no content at all in areas with no coverage. I know there is an option for offline Bibles on the iPhone but I did not see it on my Blackberry.

Tre Lawrence · #4 11-27-2008 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzyuba

I know several people who use this on their iPhone. I tried it on my Blackberry and liked everything except the fact that it is for online use only. This means long load times with a slow connection or possibly no content at all in areas with no coverage. I know there is an option for offline Bibles on the iPhone but I did not see it on my Blackberry.

Yeah... I have to agree. Very valid point.

Would be great to have offline capabilities for BB; hopefully they roll it out.

djdeerock · #5 11-28-2008 -

Tre...thanks a lot for this! Much appreciated info. and well-organized, accurate review.

kane · #6 11-28-2008 -

Great review I was looking for something like this~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

WhitePearlPXL · #7 11-28-2008 -

awesome! i needed this!

artiesberry · #8 11-28-2008 -

That is GREAT, thank you.

mcm180 · #9 11-28-2008 -

hmmmmmm sounds very interesting. Thanks for posting and for the nice review too.

bmanley · #10 11-28-2008 -

Will give it a try. Thanks

EricaJ1073 · #11 11-28-2008 -

This is great. I had tried other versions but never really liked what I saw. This will keep me reading on a daily basis.

Tre Lawrence · #12 11-28-2008 -

They also push out updates frequently.

**thbassman** · #13 11-28-2008 -

Seems pretty nice but I think I will have to stick with Noah, as I too need it in places where coverage is not great or even available(such as in church)

Tre Lawrence · #14 11-28-2008 -

Bassman: I agree; I keep Olive Tree and Noahm

Others: thanks for the kind comments and reputation points.

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

sbs8331 · #15 11-28-2008 -

For a great on-line Bible, you might try bible.org. They feature the NET (New English Translation) that has the most extensive set of translation notes ever seen. On your PC you can download the HTML version for free. From smartphones, you can go to http://wap.bible.org. Once you open up a passage, you'll see hyperlinks to the notes. Most are translation notes, e.g. why a particular phrase was rendered as it was. There are also many textual criticism notes (explaining Greek and Hebrew meanings) and some study notes. It's worth checking out. I use it in church as a supplement to my printed Bible (NKJV or NASB).