Mobile Ministry Magazine

Here's one of those times where I wish that I was invited to take part inside of an event that would have been able to have a significant impact into the way that we use biblical software.

Specifically, I'm talking about the Bible Software Shootout that took place this weekend at the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Conference. The website This Lamp has provided the only> report of the event that I have seen - this despite the many tweets on the event which were very incoherent and disjointed. Here's a snippet about a surprising entry into the field:

...Although Olive Tree could not perform every aspect of the last two challenges, what they could do was very impressive, indeed. The representatives from Olive Tree showed that their "pocket" software can be used for very serious work if someone is so inclined to do so...

Now, without getting into the details too much, each participant was to use their software to complete 5 tasks, and then document the steps they went through. It seems (from This Lamp's reporting) that only Accordance was able to do this successfully, the others (Logos Systems, Stuttgart Electronic Study Bible, Bible Works, and Olive Tree) missed on one or several points.

It would also seem that not just the tasks, but also process documentation was a difficult piece to address. We've talked about it some here in terms of designing a Bible UI around the user, not so much around the features. And it would seem that some of the applications got caught up into the latter.

Another few things I noticed from this report were in those that were not present: Laridian, Word Search, Sword, and a few others. I would have thought that this would have been more about getting as many platforms here as possible for evaluation, not just those with certain name or reputation recognition. Nevertheless, there now seems to be some metric for some of these software platforms to be measured against in respect to academic (I refuse to use the word serious) biblical study on computing devices.

Check out the rest of the post at This Lamp, and be sure to give some feedback to your Bible software platform of choice if you would see these features better developed for what you've paid for. This will only make the field better for all, and hopefully, better students of the Word.

Other Posts on the Software Bible Shootout:

• OliveTree's Presentation at SBL
• #SBL (via Twitter Search)
• Report via Resources for Biblical Studies

Post Edit Note: If you've got a report from the Software Bible Shootout, post a link to it in this comment and I'll link it to this main post.

Labels: accordance, Bible, Logos, Olivetree, review, software

There has a been a number of happenings in the area of mobile bible applications. Here are the highlights of what's come in the past week+:

OliveTree Releases Symbian S60v5 Beta and updated BlackBerry and Android applications

The folks over at OliveTree have been kicking it into high gear with mobile application updates. They've released an early beta of their OliveTree Reader for Symbian S60v5 devices (Nokia 5800XM and N97, Samsung i8910, and Sony Ericsson Saito). Testing is happening in this very public beta to get feedback before making this official. So jump in by downloading the reader and giving your feedback in the OliveTree forums.

There has also been an update to the BlackBerry and Android versions of the OliveTree application. Those too can be downloaded from the mobile-enabled download page.

Maemo 5 Bible App (Katana) Development Moving Forward

The topic of a new Bible application for Nokia's Mameo5 platform has continued with some really solid success. Already, there has been some movement by a number of developers to port the existing Rapier application to Maemo5 (testing on a live device only remains there). And then for the newer application - tentitvely named Katana - there's some work being done in a basic UI, and discussions about a plug-in approach that would enable the use of paid Bibles from folks such as OliveTree, in addition to the already planned for support for Sword and Palm Bible+ bibles.

If you'd like to learn more or join the development efforts, throw your eyes and prayers into the discussion.

Logos' Bible Software App for the iPhone

Logos has also jumped into the mobile application world with its Bible software application for the iPhone. This is a free application which allows its users to read, search, cross reference, compare versions, and even set up reading plans, all from an iPhone or iPod Touch device. As with many mobile Bible applications, this one requires a wireless connection as it connects to the Bibles featured at bible.logos.com. There's tap-and-hold functionality for viewing Hebrew/Greek, verse/text comparison, and linked cross references.

If you are looking at a Bible app to compliement your Logos library, this would probably be your best bet. For more information, visit Logos' iPhone software webpage or iTunes.

Got News?

Got news about a Bible application - new application, text, or public beta programs, shoot us a note about it so that we can help you spread the word.

Labels: Bible, iPhone, iPod Touch, Katana, Logos, Maemo, Nokia, Olivetree, Rapier, Samsung, software, sony ericsson

Here's part two of one user's experience with mobile devices and its intersection with their life. Check out Part One of this story and then submit yours.

Then I heard about the upcoming [Nokia] N95. And I wanted it. That wasn't ideal as I found that Orange had sneakily locked me in for an extra 6 months (actually, they've gone and done that again this time, now I think about it, by a different method). I bought out of the contract and got me a new Nokia N95 on the day of release. Some people had all sorts of problems with the device, but mine has been going strong with regular daily use for over two and a half years. There's no silver left on some of the buttons (and hasn't been for a long time). But it's still up and running.

The N95 uses the Symbian operating system, which brought me back into the realm of available software: Olive Tree Bible means I can always turn up a reference when requested. E-Reader saves me taking a case full of books when I travel (or it did – these days everything I want seems to require a US credit card). A card full of MP3 files means I am never without a range of music (and I have a cable to connect it to the car radio). I don't carry files - data protection is a hot topic within my circles.

Then last autumn, I invested in a netbook. In conjunction with a phone dongle, I now have the full internet anywhere there's a signal. I chose the netbook with windows on because of the dongle plug and play, and it has given me access to anything I can possibly need: Open Office, Firefox browser, email, and I can run the Methodist liturgy programme and such things. I even use it as a music player for dance practice. On holiday, I carry a camera cable, and turn my blog into a travelogue. The netbook nicely fits into my handbag.

And these days my primary phone is a c905. (The N95 has my work sim-card). I have to say I am not impressed. It has all the limitations of the k750i but has none of the advantages: the build quality extremely poor, and the camera, while boasting a wealth of megapixels lacks either the excellent software of the k750i or the optical lens of the N95.

Which brings me to where I am now... looking for something to replace the c905 as my primary phone (because the case it broken, the earpiece doesn't work and it's now having problems charging). I've looked at the Sony Ericsson Satio (but I'm wary of SE after the c905), I've looked at the HTC HD2 (But I actively dislike the capacitive screen, and the camera is weak). So I've almost settled on a Nokia N900. If I could just get the nerve up to click that 'buy now' button.

As for using devices for 'my ministry', I suppose I'm not sure how that works for two reasons. Firstly because I'm nervous of pretending that my history of gadgets is anything other than a closet materialism that just enjoys toys. It can be easy to make 'holy' noises to cover up the bits of our humanity we're less proud of, and I wouldn't want to do that. And secondly, I'm not sure I make a distinction between my 'ministry' and other aspects of my life. If I support someone who's having a tough time over Twitter or Skype, is that 'ministry'?

If my teddy bear chats to children struggling with understanding a death in the family, or offers his stories free for worship leaders and teachers on his website, is that ministry? Is my presence in various communities 'ministry'? To me, it's all just me, being the person I am called to be wherever I am, online or off. Loving people and God to the best of my (limited) ability in whatever environment. And enjoying playing with the tools God has blessed me with. ;-)

Labels: communication, community, HTC, minister, N95, Olivetree, sony ericsson

Just a headsup that there may be two bugs that you would encounter if you are using Olive Tree's BibleReader software with the iPhone and the new 3.0 OS that is now available. Details of the issues are posted at the Olive Tree blog.

Labels: iPhone, iPod Touch, Olivetree

As a Sunday school teacher I had tried for years to make sure I have all the recourses available to teach my students and also answer the questions they have at the moment they have them. The trouble is, it was getting harder to carry all those books. Each Sunday I was bringing 2 bibles, a concordance, dictionary and a few Christian books that helped me teach my class. These books all toted around in a bag got to be real heavy. I had to find a new way to do all this but with smaller books.

Talking to the pastor and a few members of my church I came across this company that offered me all I was asking for and the ability to carry all the books I was bringing each week, but this time they only weighed a few ounces. That right, I said ounces. The website was Olive Tree Bible Software (www.MyPDABible.com).

There are many advantages to this software verses the others out there. For one thing, it was a program that worked on my Palm OS smart phone. Olive Tree has the ability to work on palm, windows mobile, I phones, and even java enabled cell phones. The selection of books is amazing as well. You can find standard bibles, study bibles, even bibles in different languages there. In addition, they have concordances, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and even a large selection of Christian eBooks? This software was what I was looking for.

Don't get me wrong, this is not the only software out there, but it is the only software for me. I find while I'm teaching a class I can look something up in my concordance, and then with a click of the stylus the program will open up my default bible right to the book, and verse I was looking for. In addition, when I'm in my personal bible study time, I can open up a bible and a commentary and view them both at the same time. As I scroll through the bible, the commentary will scroll along with me. That way I'm always on the correct section and I can help to find answers faster.

The ability to open up multiple things inside one program and look at them side by side is important, and the Olive Tree Bible program does it for you. Whether you are a laity in your church, a minister, or a bible student, you will get the most out of this program. If you are in the market for an electronic bible, I hope that you would check out Olive Tree Bible Software before you purchase any program. I'm sure you will be just as happy as I am.

This has been a contributed post by Fred J Claus. Direct any comments about this piece to this post. If you would like to contribute a note or two about how you are using mobile technology within ministry efforts, drop us a line via the contact page.

Labels: Olivetree, Palm OS, user contribution

Olive Tree has released an electronic version of Dr. Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology for iPhone and BlackBerry devices. As with other Olive Tree releases, you would need to also have the Olive Tree Bible Reader to read this.

Systematic Theology for iPhone and BlackBerry also comes with the complete Bible in ESV format with cross-references and bibliographies.

For more information and to download, visit the Olive Tree website.

Labels: Bible, commentary, ESV, Olivetree, software

Olive Tree brings name recognition and a reputation for reliability to the game. One of the things I first looked for when I initially considered the jump from Palm to BlackBerry was the presence of Bible programs.

The fact that Olive Tree had a BlackBerry port helped make the decision easy.

Olive Tree BibleReader for BlackBerry Version 4.0 is an impressive Bible study program that provides access to an entire suite of inspirational resources.

What makes this software compelling is the ability to store bible translations and related material on the user's expansion card. This removes the natural fear BB users have when it comes to device memory. Now, with this software, the only restriction on how much resources one can carry is based on device OS and memory card size.

Genius.

I am finicky. OTBR accommodated- me. Option-wise, I had numerous options: the ability to adjust font size, font color, background colors and more. The search function was snappy; I found it to be very responsive, even to multiple words.

Of particular interest to potential users will be the Bookmarking feature. It does just that: it keeps the selected verse in memory. This is great for when you are at service or such and have a list of scriptural references, you can save them in the program before-hand. I found it very useful.

Olive Tree has a library of dozens of bible translations and related reference resources that can be stored on card. Of these, a few are free (like ASV and BBE); the rest are for sale at the Olive Tree site. The reader itself is free.

My biggest issue with OTBR is admittedly somewhat unfair; it is based on the fact that I was such a huge fan of the features on the Palm port. To be specific, I was dismayed with the inability to add notes directly into the program while studying the bible. As said early, I loved this feature on my Palm. At the risk of sounding overly whimsical, I missed the ability to "split" screens with different versions. Again, that feature enhanced bible study a great deal

Simply put, this is an excellent program. It is well-made, feature-rich and has the potential to be a valuable tool in the lives of the familiars and the curious. If anything, try out the free translations. Support is quick, updates are frequently put out, and the developer clearly aims to please.

This software is rated for devices running OS 4.2 and up.

It is also available for Palm, iPhone, Symbian, and Windows Mobile.

This software was tested (and its review written) on an 8320 running OS 4.5 on T-Mobile.

Labels: BibleTech, BlackBerry, Olivetree, review

In the rise of mobile devices as capable Bible reading and studying devices, the ability to support multiple languages and character sets nearly rivals the need to support multiple Bible versions.

The website owner over at This Lamp has been playing with a beta version of Olive Tree's Bible Reader on the iPhone, and in a recent post/screenshot shows a Hebrew search as something that's coming.

This is pretty cool, and reminds me of when Palm Bible+ got a similar feature. Makes it fun to study the text in terms of seeing the direct Hebrew (if you speak it), or to learn it (side by side with the English).

Labels: ancient languages, beta, Bible, Hebrew, Olivetree, software

When I got started with the Bible side of PDA life, it was really hard to find or create a digital version of modern translations. Due to publishing rights, this was frankly an impossible task unless you had the tools and knew the rights-laws for your region.

Since then, mobile Bible reading has been seen in a more favorable light and its been folks like Crossway (ESV) that have done a lot of this pushing into mobile media.

In a recent announcement, "Crossway has partnered with the leading digital software providers, including Accordance, Biblesoft, Laridian, Olive Tree, and WORDsearch, to make the ESV Study Bible available with all of its notes, articles, and features."

What does that mean? Well, no matter if the ESV is your cup of tea or not, there's no excuse, no matter what mobile device that you have, towards having a solid Biblical reference on your person.

The ESV Study Bible contains more than just the Biblical text, it also has the translator notes and references that makes for a better understanding as to why certain words/phrases were used. Basically, this makes it so that you don't have to understand Greek to know why something was used, but can use some textual analysis of your own to decide whether the translation is speaking correctly.

The ESV Study Bible will be available from electronic distributors such as Laridian, Olive Tree, and more. I'm not sure if Palm Bible+ will get it, but that would be pretty cool. There's also an offer going on where if you purchase the print edition of the ESV Study Bible that you'd get the online edition free. This is a nice way to bundle and shows some forward thinking for those who still need to touch the leaves when feeding the Spirit :)

Labels: Bible, Bible+, ESV, Laridian, mobile, Olivetree, software

Here is a (small) list of some of the places to get free (and low-cost) electronic Bibles (mobile, smartphone, laptop, and desktop):

• Laridian
• Olive Tree
• YouVersion
• Logos for iPhone
• eBible
• eSword
• Bible Explorer
• Palm Bible+
• Symbian Bible Reader (previous called S60 Bible Reader
• Mantis Bible Reader
• Rapier
• Berean Bible Study
• BibleTouch
• GoBible
• mbible.com (Online Mobile Bible)
• Touch Bible LE
• Several iPhone Bibles and Bible Widgets
• AcroBible for Android
• CadreBible
• Arabic Bible
• Best eBible (Symbian S60)

Are we missing one that you use? Add it in the comments.

Image via Palm Bible+

Labels: Android, Berean Bible Study, Bible, Bible Explorer, Bible+, iPhone, Laridian, Mantis Bible, Olivetree, Rapier, S60 Bible Reader, software, WordSearch, YouVersion

A good friend shot me an email about some coming updates for Olive Tree's iPhone/iPod Touch Bible Reader detailed in a post at Painfully Hopeful. Here's a snippet of what's coming:

...Well, I can happily say that personal libraries are now present beta release, and I was privileged to be shown a screen shot of what Hebrew support is going to look like on the iPhone/iTouch. Folks, you will be pleased, I am literally drooling over how Hebrew looks in the screenshot. The new version's UI differs some from the current release in the App Store, apparently from some work the gang at Olive Tree did with Apple's "UI Evangelist." The browser-like bar is gone from the top of the screen, which has been replaced by two buttons - one for selecting a book out of your library and the other to open the verse chooser (which has remained unchanged from earlier releases)...

Check out the rest of the post at Painfully Hopeful and then download Olive Tree's iPhone/iPod Touch Bible Reader and see the updates for yourself.

Image via Olive Tree

Labels: Bible, iPhone, iPod Touch, Olivetree, review, software

Rocking through RSS feeds, Bible Softwrae Review linked to a Olive Tree BibleReader Beta Review at Touch Rundown. Pretty neat to see what Olive Tree has done. Check out this snippet of the review:

...One more feature that makes this a well-rounded app is the powerful search capability. You can perform a standard search, specifying where to search in the Bible, how to match your query, and how to display results. There is also an advanced search syntax that allows you to get very, very specific. You can match partial words and specify “ANDs”, “ORs”, or even get as detailed as to tell it how close to each other you want your search terms to be. You can also nest searches (create searches within searches). And that only scratches the surface. The bottom line is that the search capabilities of BibleReader for iPhone rival that of even desktop software...

Read the rest of the Olive Tree BibleReader Beta Review at Touch Rundown, then take a trip to Olive Tree to download it and try for yourself.

Labels: Bible, BSReview, iPhone, iPod Touch, Olivetree, review, software

One of the difficulties that people have with mobile devices is that idea of managing the resources. Speaking just of books right now, its pretty easy to manage a print library. You see colors and text and then organize how you feel. On an electronic device, its a bit harder because they all are in the same place and the organization is usually the department of the developer towards what ways would work best.

But I'm mobile and like to give books away, so that presents yet another issue. Some ways I am thinking about better managing my print and digital assets actually include using bar codes (or QR codes) and a bit of fun with the digital camera.

First I would take a picture of all of my books as they sit on their shelf. Ideally, taking a picture of the binding in this way would also give me a view of the bar code or QR code that is on the book. My camera would then read that information and ask if I want to save it into my digital library (think bookmarks in the browser). Depending on the license, that digital library would indicate if there is an electronic version of that book for download (free or reduced purchase).

For those books that are completely digital, these also appear in that digital library, incdicated with an icon that it is digital only. Like the print books, there would be a link to the physical version, purchasable at a reduced price as well.

After that I would manage thing via that digital picture that I took. Physical assets would sit on that bookshelf, and the digital ones would be shown overlayed on an additional "shelf." By moving the device up/down/in/out I would be able to view books zoomed in on a level that makes it easy to see what I want to read next, or what was lent out. Finally, I would be given a prompt every time a new book is added digitally to update my bookcase picture.

Given the breadth of books that many have, and most will not go completely digital for a while, this would seem an idea means to not only keep track of books, but also integrate our mobile devices for a more organic book experience. For all of you who are teachers and pastors, with shelves and shelves of books (some of which not seeing an eye in years), how does a solution for managing your collections in a manner like this work for you? And to others, how could you see solutions like Logos, Laridian, Olive Tree, etc. working in something like this to make it easier to read more and share what you've read?

Labels: Bible, camera, Laridian, Logos, mobiles, Olivetree, print, reading, tech

While its great to talk about recently announced products, its always better to get some impressions of actual use. And since I don't have an iPhone, hearing about how others are using Olive Tree's Bible Reader for iPhone will definitely have to do. Here is a snippet from a review at This Lamp

...Regardless of these early snags, Olive Tree’s venture into the iPhone platform looks very promising. I am hopeful I can eventually reproduce the same functionality with Bible texts on my iPhone that I had previously experienced on my Treo. Since useful iPhone Bible functionality is something I am genuinely seeking, expect to see more on This Lamp about the subject as new developments arise.

Read the rest of this very through review at This Lamp.

Thanks for the headsup on this one DB, The Foolish Galatian.

Labels: Apple, Bible, community, iPhone, iPod Touch, Olivetree, reading, resources, software

A day late with the news because of our posting schedule, but nonetheless wanting to highlight another solid Bible reader application that has made it to the iPhone/iPod Touch world. Olive Tree has released its Bible Reader application for the iPhone.

As reported on the Olive Tree blog, "This version has a three tap verse chooser, continuous scrolling, and the books are store locally on your iPhone so that you don't need an internet connection to read them."

There are two versions of Olive Tree's new reader, both available from Apple's App Store: BibleReader (free) and the ESV Study Bundle for BibleReader ($24.99)

Here are some very important notes about this version of Bible Reader:

• Downlad and installation of BibleReader for iPhone and purchase of iPhone-compatible Olive Tree resources can only take place through the Apple iTunes store at this time. iPhone BibleReader and iPhone resources are not presently available through Olive Tree's online store. Go to Apple iTunes to find resources for your iPhone or iPod Touch.
• iTunes sells resources in bundles. To use different books together (looking up a verse in two different Bible translations without exiting the program, for example), books must be purchased in the same bundle. Individual titles cannot be added to or subtracted from a bundle. Olive Tree will offer periodic updates to the bundles sold on iTunes. If we update a bundle you have purchased, you can download the update for free at iTunes.
• BibleReader for iPhone is a completely new program. Items in your Personal Library purchased for other platforms (like BlackBerry or Palm) will not transfer to iPhone. Olive Tree resources for iPhone are only available through Apple iTunes.

That all being said, there are some neat things to look forward to with Olive Tree's new Bible Reader. This is from the list featured on Olive Tree's iPhone page:

• Greek and Hebrew Bible translations, lexicons, reference works, and fonts
• More commentaries, study tools, and Christian eBooks—Olive Tree plans to release over 500 titles for iPhone
• Phrase Search
• Bookmarks
• Auto-Scrolling
• Hyperlinked Table of Contents for eBooks
• Personal Notes
• Support for Images
• Highlighting
• Split-Screen, to view multiple documents at once
• Notes and Cross-References

For more information, visit Olive Tree's iPhone page; to download/purchase, visit the App Store via iTunes or on the iPhone/iPod Touch devices.

Labels: Bible, commentary, eBook, iPhone, iPod Touch, mobiles, mobility, Olivetree, reading, smartphone, software, tech

Olive Tree's BibleReader for the BlackBerry has been updated recently. This beta version adds some features present in other editions of Olive Tree's product, and brings a few software and usability enhancements.

Some of the new features in BibleReader 4.0 for BlackBerry include:

• A redesigned verse-chooser screen
• A redesigned and optimized library screen
• A history feature which enables the viewing of past read content
• And, the ability to store Bibles on a memory card

BibleReader for the BlackBerry is currently available via the Olive Tree's beta software page.

A non-beta version of BibleReader is available from Olive Tree's website for other PDAs and smartphones in addition to BlackBerry models.

Labels: Bible, BlackBerry, Olivetree, software

My bro had pointed me to the Logos blog and a post where they are speaking on an upcoming version of Logos for the Mac. From a usability and user experience aspect, it looks just great and really looks that it will make studying on the desktop a bit easier for those that prefer to do studies electronically.

This got me thinking (again) about using electronic devices for study, and what really is effective about it. For example, one can have a lot of resources at their disposal, but unless used correctly, you will not get much good out of it.

In looking at the Internet Tablet and how I want to use it for reading and study, I've settled on only wanting two Bible versions: one for casual reading (the ESV) and another for more indepth studies and discussions (the NET Bible). Because of the connected nature of the IT, anything else that I'd need would be accessible though websites such as CARM, eBible, YouVersion, etc.

I'd like to be in the position of studying effectively more often than not. Using a few materials as a gateway that have solid user interfaces and resources makes that possible. After that its just a matter of using it. I'd like to get to the point of linking within my notes to verses, bookmarking/tagging sections of the Bible for easy retrieval, and then effective search capabilities that go beyond just looking for a verse - but all the tags, bookmarks, and verses that correspond to the search term. Its my hope that such will enhance and make reading more like there being a slew of offline documents right in front of me.

Lately also, I've been looking into the resources at the Sword Project website. Besides being open and mostly free; the development there is just on the content, not on an application in particular. This means that instead of worrying about whether I will be able to use the content again, I can just concentrate on reading (on most devices) and go from there. Notes, tags, and bookmarks are another story, but that'll come.

If I can get Rapier installed on my tablet, I'm pretty sure that I can get there. But with products like OliveTree, Laridian, Logos, Wordsearch, and others, its pretty cool to know that there's some means to use electronic resources effectively. Its just a matter of studying on the tools and methods that would work best.

Labels: Apple, Bible, Bible+, internet tablet, Laridian, Logos, Olivetree, software, Sword Project, WordSearch

This week Olive Tree Bible Software announces the release of 11 new software collections, specifically designed to meet a variety of Bible reading and study needs. These new bundles group together different types of related products into packages that are easy to download, install, and use on many different handheld mobile devices. The collections include groupings of eBooks, Bible commentaries, devotionals, study tools, biographies, and sermons. For a full list of new collections, visit the Collections section on Olive Tree's website, at http://www.olivetree.com/resources/collections/. Olive Tree offers a total of 33 different collections available for download, as well as 14 collections that are available on CD. Collection prices range from free to several hundred dollars, depending on the amount and type of material.

Olive Tree's customizable BibleReader(TM) application makes it easy to use these resources. With an intuitive feature called the "verse chooser" all versified material such as Bibles and commentaries can be easily navigated by selecting the book/chapter/verse of the specific reference location. Many resources also support searching and bookmarks; and on Palm and Pocket PC, personal notes can be written on each verse of the Bible. The text is easy to navigate, with 5-way support, scrollbars, and a toolbar and shortcut keys that can be customized. The BibleReader is a full-featured eBook reader that is designed to make Bible reading and study an excellent experience on the mobile handheld platform.

About Olive Tree Bible Software
Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, iPods, and BlackBerry devices. Web and online Bible search engines are also available. The BibleReader(TM) application enables users to read Bibles and other resources, quickly navigate to new references, search documents, bookmark passages, create personalized notes, and much more. The company publishes over 450 electronic resources, including commentaries, dictionaries, devotionals, Christian eBooks, and over 100 translations of the Bible. The Bible is offered in many languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, and Spanish. Original Hebrew and Greek texts with parsing tools are also available. Visit www.OliveTree.com.

Labels: Bible, mobile, mobile accessories, Olivetree

Was reading at the Olive Tree blog this weekend (via RSS) and they made a mention about BibleTech 2008. Its a "two-day conference is designed for publishers, programmers, webmasters, educators, bloggers and anyone interested in using technology to improve Bible study."

Olive Tree posted that they will have two speakers at BibleTech. The titles of their presentations will be Electronic Publishing and Bible Software in a Fast-Moving Mobile Landscape" and "The Challenges and Future of Bible Software in a Mobile World."

Logos has set up a page with all of the pertenant inforation including whom to contact for setting up a hotel room at a reduced rate. All in all, this looks like a great event to get out to.

Labels: BibleTech, mission, mobile, Olivetree, tech

Just sent in from M. Hudson:

I thought it might be worth posting that OliveTree.com has surpassed the 100 mark in both number of Bible translations available for your mobile device and in the number FREE resources available for download. If you've never used OliveTree's BibleReader, it is an amazing app that is a must have. In my opinion even those of a non-faith position would enjoy the use of the BibleReader to access historic documents and writings.

This is a pretty cool milestone and definitely cool to recognize.

Congrats Olive Tree.

Labels: Bible, Carnival of the Mobilists, Olivetree, tech

From Olive Tree:

Olive Tree Bible Software announces the release of dozens of new products for Windows Mobile Smartphone devices. Currently, several of the popular phone models that use the Windows Mobile Smartphone operating system are the Motorola Q9m, Motorola Q, T-Mobile Dash, and Cingular 3125.

Over 80 Bible translations, more than twenty Bible study tools, and dozens of Christian eBooks and daily devotionals are now available for Olive Tree's rapidly growing Windows Mobile Smartphone platform. Recent changes to the BibleReader application included more features and an increased number of available resources. Among the items offered are the following: NIV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV and ASV Bibles; IVP's Bible Knowledge Commentary, NIV Study Notes, Robertson's Word Pictures, Matthew Henry's Commentary, and other study tools; Daily Light, Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening, and other devotionals; and eBooks by numerous authors such as Andrew Murray, Hannah Whitall Smtih, John Bunyan, and Charles Finney. Now you can carry the Bible, several study tools, a devotional, and your favorite eBooks with you on your smartphone.

Visit OliveTree's website to download their Bible reader and accompanying resources.

Labels: mobile, Olivetree

Normally speaking, when a company sets out an email talking about their entire software suite, its usually because there is a sale or something major is happening. Well, in Olive Tree's case, I am not sure that there is a sale, but there is a lot happening with the Bible Reader application across several devices that are worth taking note of.

For Palm and Pocket PC BibleReaders:
- Customizable toolbar
- Table of Contents Navigation
- Personal notes display on the main screen
- Autoscrolling
- Updated verse chooser
- Updated Search range options
- Bookmarks improved on Pocket PC
- 5-way navigation support has been enhanced on Palm
- Cascading Library list on Palm

For Windows Mobile Smartphone and Symbian Cell Phone BibleReaders:
- Updated Verse chooser
- Table of Contents Navigation enabled
- Topical bookmark support on Windows Mobile Smartphone
- Personalized Shortcuts
- More available resources

Olive Tree can also be downloaded on Blackberry smartphones, the Apple iPod (not iPhone), and any normal cell phone that has a Java client (meaning just about all of them). So, visit Olive Tree and get ta readin da Word ma'.

Labels: Bible, community, mobile, mobiles, Olivetree, phone

Here's something that I caught over at All About Symbian:

Olive Tree have updated their free Bible reading software for S60 3rd Edition to v3.67. New features include extra search options, two smaller font sizes, a new menu structure, a 5-way verse chooser and combined storage card and main memory locations into one library.

Visit Olive Tree's website to download their Bible reader and plenty of free and pay Bibles for your Palm OS, Symbian, Windows Mobile/PocketPC, or BlackBerry device.

Labels: Bible, mobile, Olivetree

Olive Tree Bible Software announces the publication of five new eBook biographies for your PDA or Smartphone written by F.B. Meyer, an outstanding author and dear man of God. Meyer has penned biographies of many of the most famous Biblical figures, including those below. Writing with his mighty prose, he quickly and easily brings these figures to life while presenting meaningful lessons to the reader's own heart. Now you can download and install these classic biographies to take with you on your Palm OS, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, or Symbian device.

This seems like something perfectly suited for mobile devices -- short literature about something simply taken from the Word that can edify and be a point of conversation to Christians and non-Christians alike.

You need Olive Tree's Bible Reader to read these biographies. Download and purchase from the Olive Tree website.

Labels: Bible, mobile, Olivetree

Israel Anderson wrote in on the previous article about the Bible on the iPhone to let us know that he has created the website/web applicaiton God's iPhone (the Bible for iPhone).

According to the website/web app:

This is a minimalist site for iPhone users, like me, who are looking for a Bible application for the iPhone. I will be developing this site LIVE so that you can use it right away and send me feedback. That also means things may break or not work right. Let me know if something isn't working for you or if you think there's a better way. This site will look plain weird on anything but an iPhone. I am a missionary with YWAM. If you would like to support my efforts through your prayer or financial support, I will be very blessed.

I'll be trying this really soon on the N800, but it looks pretty solid and a neat resource for using the Word online.

Ok, enough from me, go to http://www.godsiphone.com and get in the Word via whatever browser you have :)

Perosnally, I would love to see a company like Laridian, Olive Tree, eBible, Logo, or another get behind Israel and help with the support, content, and development of this web app. It's really got potential to bless folks on more than just iPhones.

Labels: Bible, eBible, GMPSoft, iPhone, Laridian, Logos, mobile, N800, Olivetree, usability

From the Olive Tree blog:
C.A. Coates Commentary and Articles
Available for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, and Symbian phones!
This collection of C.A. Coates’ ministry contains 37 volumes of his commentary and articles. We made this excellent resource smiple and easy to use by adding in the Table of Contents Chooser, which makes navigation to a particular location in these 37 volumes easy and quick.

NET Bible® First Edition, free version
Available with limited notes for Palm OS and Pocket PC.
Available with no notes for Windows Mobile Smartphone and Symbian phones.

How Biblical Languages Work
Available for Palm OS and Pocket PC.
This eBook is an excellent resource for study of Greek and Hebrew. It serves as an engaging introduction to these languages, and makes learning Greek and Hebrew much easier.

MMM Approaches the 1000th Post
Also, the next post on MMM will be the 1000th post (according to Blogger). I can honestly say that I am shocked that MMM has made it this far. I've really wanted to be much more focused on the magazine aspect of MMM. But in some ways, the fact that the blog is here and you can read it by RSS, online, or print (sorta) does make it a bit of a different run of things.

I know that I've wanted to do something for you readers as a thanks for sticking with MMM for 1000 posts. And really, I have no idea what would be good to do, or what would make for something that would be a blessing for you who have stuck around this long with MMM. I don't know even the effect this site has had on many of you, but I do hope that the mobile and faith ramblings have at least challenged you to think a bit differently about the place of tech in your lives.

But enough of the reminiscing kind of post. 1000 marks quite a number of things for myself personally, and not just MMM. Here's hoping that 1000 can be the restart of something good, and the continuance of those things that seek to edify at the intersection of faith and tech.

Labels: 1000th post, Olivetree

...I like to keep my bible software on my palm, because for me it’s the best way to have God’s Word with me at all times without the bulk. I had a bible on a PDA even back when I had a 512MB Sharp Wizard. I need daily scripture spiritually about as much as my body needs food physically. It keeps me going in the right direction as I make daily decisions and respond to day to day pressures. It helps me see things from God’s perspective. I like to get a full understanding of scripture by using a variety of translations. With a palm, I can have as many bible versions and other references as I want with me and still not add an ounce of extra weight to my purse. I have both a Treo 700p and a TX, and I use the bible on both. I mainly use the TX with its larger screen for in-depth reading, and the Treo when I’m running about and want to look up a quick verse...

Read the rest of this informative piece at Palm Addict and make sure to check out the Bible programs featured at the end of the piece.

Labels: Bible, Bible+, DailyReader, Devotions, GMPSoft, Laridian, Memorize, mobile, Olivetree, Palm Addict, Personal Prayer Assistant, SMS Advance