If you search the Google Play Store for a Bible app, there will be hundreds of options to choose from. Some are for deep study with all of the bells and whistles you could ever imagine, and others are for the person who simply wants to read their Bible.
With so many options already available, if a new app wants to have a chance, there must be something special to make it stand out above the rest or it will certainly be lost in the mix.
The developers of Scriptura have realized that their app needs to be different and have made a great app for those who want a simple reading experience.
Scriptura
Cons:
- For now, there is no interaction between this app and anything else. The developers have said that copy and paste will be available soon, but for now, what’s in the app stays in the app.
- There are a lack of translations available. Currently there are three (WEB, KJV, ASV). The developers are currently working to have more added, but most versions have their own stipulations for being included in an app.
- The search feature is lacking. There is an option to search, but it can only be used to find a book and chapter. In some cases that is fine, but when you need to read Psalm 119:176 it takes a while to scroll. A word search would also be helpful.
- Book navigation is bulky. If you don’t want to use the search line to get where you want to be (I have found myself using it a lot more than I thought), you can use the read menu. This gives the books laid out with tabs for either Old or New Testament. They are in large boxes with a large circle containing the first letter of the book, the name of the book is below that and the number of chapters below that. Personal preference would be a simple list of the books to go through quickly. (The developers have said the future may see an option to choose between the grid and a list.)
- The menu and search buttons disappear on full screen mode. I like to use the search button to navigate between books, but when I have the app in full screen mode, I lose that feature. You can swipe from the left side to open the menu, but you also move between chapters by swiping.
- Occasionally, I find myself switching chapters instead of opening the menu.
Pros:
- It is simple. This sounds crazy since many of the things considered cons are things I would like to see added, but using this app is very nice. It is a great app for those looking for a simple way to read their Bible.
- Swiping between chapters. To move between chapters you simply swipe the screen. This isn’t something you will only find in this app, but surprisingly many of the more well known apps haven’t added this feature. It makes reading flow very well.
- Night mode. This is a simple feature that may go unnoticed by some, but I find it to be a great addition. It reverses the blacks and whites which greatly reduces the brightness and likely will reduce strain on the battery.
- Fonts and sizes. There are three built in fonts and you can choose a size between one and thirty. I have mine at 25 and use the Sans Serif font which makes for a very easy read.
- The overall look. From the first time I opened this app, I knew I liked it. It just looks good.The design is great and I am confident you will find it to be very user friendly as well.
If you are looking for a new Bible app, or are willing to give a new one a chance, this is a great one to try. It’s simplicity and design will win you over. It seems to only be available on the Google Play Store at this time and has a $1.49 price tag.
Design: 4 stars
Features: 3.5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Value for Money: 3 Stars (As more versions are added, this would certainly change)
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