More Bible Application Thoughts
Hopefully, you all aren't too tired about this subject. There is certainely room for improvement with Bible applications, and this makes for a great forum to discuss how they can be enhanced and improved.
With the introduction of the iPhone, Apple also announced a service called MobileMe. Much like Microsoft Exchange is in the workplace, MobileMe allows users to sync and use information such as email, calendar, and contacts, across several devices. My interest in MobileMe though is what it was made from and how that speaks to another way of thinkning about mobile web applications.
MobileMe uses a JavaScript framework (skeleton) called SproutCore. Now while the framework in and of itself is ok, the fact that it is so powerful makes it possible to explore desktop-like functionality on a web application. This would mean that folks like Laridian (iPhoneBible), eBible, and YouVersion can do more than just make a mobile Bible application, they could also make one that leverages the browser's inbuilt ability to be a Bible reader across several types of devices.
Of course, I've been panned a good bit recently with an article that was publised at Brighthand last week stating that Apple made a mistake in backing off of the idea of just doing web-based applications. A framework like SproutCore, in addition to browsers supporting offline functionality, makes the idea of web-applications that can be used online and offline more of a possiblity and less of an exception.
For example, you already have a group like the SWORD Project that already utilizes some open source development. Adding something like SproutCore to it, along with some offline ability (Google Gears or an advanced browser) would really make getting into the Word easy and a piece of cake.
Considering the range of this particular discussion, I'd like to hear some of what you all think. Because not every mobile device has a browser, let alone a good one. And not every user feels comfortable with applications that constantly talk to a server - though that is what every web page does, go figure. What can the Body look at in this area in terms of a solution towards not just making yet another iPhone or mobile site but something that really does blurr the line between web and offline in a way that makes us all better for it?
Labels: Apple, Bible, browser, JavaScript, MobileMe, offline browser, software, web application
posted by Antoine @ 6/19/2008 10:00:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
It certainly would be a good idea.
Over at the SWORD project, there has been some concerns with native iPhone apps due to Apple's license with regard to FOSS and possible issues using GPL. I'm not sure the specifics, and if those will change as Apple moves out of the beta phase. In any case, a web app gets around all that.
Laridian is quite happy about their choice to do a web app, as it can support other platforms as well. Though that can become challenging, depending on the level of browser support everywhere.
Offline support in Mobile Safari is slated for the 2.0 release. One issue with offline support that would need resolving is that the SQLite database is quite accessible, and Bible publishers may not like that. It's also quite different using a database then an internal XML-based representation, which I believe is how SWORD works.
All and all, it could be a good solution. Though a native iPhone/iPod touch app also has its strengths for reference material.
One thing that's slightly amusing is that I already chose "Sprout" for the name of a potential OS X Bible application.
http://www.checkdomain.com/cgi-bin/checkdomain.pl?domain=sproutapp.com
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