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Laridian’s PocketBible Approved

For awhile I was not optimistic that Laridian would be releasing any iPhone or iPod Touch Bible application. Having used their software for years on my old Palm devices, losing a full-featured Bible application was my biggest regret in moving to iPhone.

I tried Laridian’s web-based iPocketBible service. Even though the web application was feature rich, it wasn’t available when I had no Internet connection and it was a bit slow to use. For the last several months I have been using Olive Tree’s BibleReader [iTunes link]. It is a great piece of software. Simple, fast, and easy to navigate (I can get to any verse in only four taps). The downside, of course, is that with Laridian I had purchased a significant library of translations and study notes. Replicating the same material with Olive Tree’s line up would have cost me several hundred dollars.

Now Laridian’s PocketBible for iPhone and iPod Touch is set to be available tomorrow (September 16). The free application will include the KJV and allow users to log in to their Laridian account to retrieve purchased titles (both newly purchased and previously purchased ones). Material is available off-line, so an Internet connection is not required.

I have not been following Laridian’s blog to the extent of knowing what their software will feature; however, if it is anything like their previous offerings it should be pretty good. I am looking forward to being able to have my entire library of reference material with me again.

My only complaint (yes, I can have a complaint without having used the software) is that Laridian is late to the game. If you search the iTunes Store you’ll find a plethora of Bible applications. Some are garbage, but some have tremendous offerings. I think Laridian’s only saving grace is their pre-existing customer base.

I will update this post with a link to their software when it becomes available.

Update: The application is now available [iTunes link].