Want to complain about iPad app

The more and more I use it, the more and more I just wish it would act like the web app. I get frustrated all the panels, etc. I find myself swiping back and forth, frustrating trying to highlight to copy and paste (the window moves when trying to move cursor), and a resource I just opened is 5 windows away instead of right where I need to compare with what I am working on. Also, when going back and forth on panels sometimes I cant select a word on the panel till I leave the app and come back. Anyway, if there is a different place to whine, let me know where to send it. I guess I wouldn’t complain if the web version worked well on my iPad but it doesnt.

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Comments

JT (alabama24)

a resource I just opened is 5 windows away instead of right where I need to compare with what I am working on

Press, hold, drag to desired location.

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993260#Comment_993260

Yea, that’s not good GUI design. Their web app is much better in function. And more consistent with desktop app. Plus i cant drag that into the split window and view simultaneously.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993266#Comment_993266

Their web app is much better in function. And more consistent with desktop app.

The mobile app isn't intended to have the same function. It is a reader app. A different tool for a different function.

Scot Wright

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993267#Comment_993267

The mobile app isn't intended to have the same function. It is a reader app. A different tool for a different function.

Your absolutely right JT but I think we sometimes expect the mobile app to mirror the desktop. I travel a lot and there are times when I wish I had some of the same functionality that is on my desktop. When you're in Africa and the internet is often not available, the Logos internet app then is useless. When preparing a message out in the bush to have something like the Sermon Guide or the Sermon builder available would be a game changer for me.

Reuben Helmuth

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993266#Comment_993266

Yea, that’s not good GUI design.

If you're complaining about tabs in mobile, please ask your wife to slap you...really hard!😜BTW, the latest beta (available by joining the Notes Tool Beta test group) includes layouts (saved/named arrangments of tabs), so the UX is improving!

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993295#Comment_993295

When preparing a message out in the bush to have something like the Sermon Guide or the Sermon builder available would be a game changer for me

I certainly understand! [Y] Unfortunately, that isn't realistic anytime soon.

Mike Binks

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993414#Comment_993414

When preparing a message out in the bush to have something like the Sermon Guide or the Sermon builder available would be a game changer for me

I certainly understand! Unfortunately, that isn't realistic anytime soon.

But the new MacBook Air is due out soon 12th September? That will be able to run the desktop version and if prep in the bush is important then the extra weight might be acceptable.

William McFarland

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993438#Comment_993438

There was a post a while ago that the new Surface Go was able to run the desktop version of Logos. Again, if you need the sermon editor in the bush.

Scot Wright

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993474#Comment_993474

I've done a variety of sermons in very remote places which certainly don't require the convenience of the Logos desktop. Yet if these Mac and PC versions coming out have that kind of power, it certainly could be a helpful feature in organizing and gathering one's thoughts. [:)]

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993474#Comment_993474

I cant see how the Surface Go could, it might be strong enough but don’t think has the storage. The 128bg was 549 and didn’t see bigger storage. Is that enough to even run it?

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993974#Comment_993974

The 128bg was 549 and didn’t see bigger storage. Is that enough to even run it?

I would shy away from that small of storage, but... If you don't have a huge library, stay away from downloading courses, and don't use the computer for much of anything else... it could work.

William McFarland

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994011#Comment_994011

The 128bg was 549 and didn’t see bigger storage. Is that enough to even run it?

You can also add a large capacity microSD card to expand the storage. An extra 128 GB card would be about $40. You would want to ensure you get a fast card though. There is a thread in the forums for the Logos and the Surface Go you might be interested in.

https://community.logos.com/forums/t/171444.aspx

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994060#Comment_994060

Or they could design the mobile app well and eliminate the need to spend another 800$ after cards cables, etc, to be able to effectively use a desktop app in mobile fashion?

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994060#Comment_994060

The 128bg was 549 and didn’t see bigger storage. Is that enough to even run it?

You can also add a large capacity microSD card to expand the storage. An extra 128 GB card would be about $40. You would want to ensure you get a fast card though. There is a thread in the forums for the Logos and the Surface Go you might be interested in.

https://community.logos.com/forums/t/171444.aspx

Running Logos off an SD card is a nightmare. Not a good solution because it is so slow indexing and if you have to index much (new books or after updates) it will make you pull your hair out. I tried that when I was reviewing small capacity windows machines for a tech blog I used to write for.

Mike Childs

I would be happy if the search feature on the ios app worked. It doesn't.

Or I guess I should say the "results" of the search does not work. Click on any search result, and you have no idea what is going to open up.

That is not satisfactory, no matter what the purpose of the app is.

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994688#Comment_994688

I would be happy if the search feature on the ios app worked. It doesn't.

Or I guess I should say the "results" of the search does not work. Click on any search result, and you have no idea what is going to open up.

That is not satisfactory, no matter what the purpose of the app is.

Amen brother! If the app just worked what an incredible resource it would be! Right now its a glorified kindle app that I read from mostly.

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994492#Comment_994492

Running Logos off an SD card is a nightmare. Not a good solution because it is so slow indexing and if you have to index much (new books or after updates) it will make you pull your hair out. I tried that when I was reviewing small capacity windows machines for a tech blog I used to write for.

Yea, I already spent money on this iPad, not gonna blow half again for something that "might" work, for an app that seems to be gaining bloat without function. I used to brag on Logos even with its quirks. But many free apps work better. Something ain't right there.

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994727#Comment_994727

I used to brag on Logos even with its quirks. But many free apps work better. Something ain't right there.

First, to be clear, the iOS app is free. I understand that it's not that useful unless you already own a library.

Second, I wonder what other truly free apps work better than Logos for iOS. There are other great apps that work really well, but like the Logos app, require you already own a decent library that's not free.

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994769#Comment_994769

I used to brag on Logos even with its quirks. But many free apps work better. Something ain't right there.

First, to be clear, the iOS app is free. I understand that it's not that useful unless you already own a library.

Second, I wonder what other truly free apps work better than Logos for iOS. There are other great apps that work really well, but like the Logos app, require you already own a decent library that's not free.

The Olive tree bible app and YouVersion both work better in terms of search and verse copy. Though youversion got weird trying to throw a link in there all the time. But their search function remembers last search and basic search terms. I find myself goiNg there more.

Since I purchased Logos and spent quite a bit mind you for many resources that are “open source” (but I know they did the work to get them into the system), I dont look at this app as “free” to myself, but an extension of the Logos app. And olive tree which as you said to use on level we do with logos also requires investment, works very very well.

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/994770#Comment_994770

YouVersion is nowhere near as advanced as the Logos app. it is not a Bible study app, but just a Bible reading app. Olive Tree is like Logos, free to download, but not free to get the most out of it. You really need to pay for books. I love OT and use it more when I'm just reading devotionally, but the Logos app is the most advanced for Bible study even with it's strange UI and quirks. Once you learn how to use it, it's a very powerful app so long as you have a good Internet connection.

Josh Moore

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/993267#Comment_993267

If Logos is exclusively a reader app it is a waste of an iOS app. Faithlife might as well discontinue the service and transition over Kindle. The excuse that an iOS device can not be powerful is laughable. Spend a few moments in the App Store and look at the incredible feats of many apps.

Should we expect a desktop level experience? No.

Should we expect an app that capitalizes on the ever growing power of tablets and smart phones? YES!!!

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996803#Comment_996803

If Logos is exclusively a reader app it is a waste of an iOS app.

I think you misunderstand, but if not, I disagree. FL calls the mobile apps "reader apps" to distinguish the function of the apps. They are meant to read, take highlights, take basic notes, etc. They are not the fully functional desktop version.

In another thread you mentioned that you wished FL would take advantage of some of the newer features of iOS... I agree. That would not, however, change the function of the app.

Josh Moore

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996809#Comment_996809

I understand what you mean now by saying a "reader app" vs a desktop app. It's unreasonable to expect the app to run complicated visual filters. But I should note that I can read, highlight and take notes on my Kindle reader.

When I mention using the full capabilities of an iPhone or iPad (or dare I say iPad Pro) I'm talking about things that would set it apart such as sharesheet extensions, Apple Pencil, Siri, and URL callback support. These are all things that all quality apps include.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996820#Comment_996820

But I should note that I can read, highlight and take notes on my Kindle reader.

Yes, but in no way similar to FL. You can't search your LIBRARY on Kindle, you can search a single book. Highlights and Notes are much more simplistic on Kindle as well.

sharesheet extensions, Apple Pencil, Siri, and URL callback support.

It frustrates me too that FL doesn't do many of these things... More so on desktop, but mobile as well. Two questions:

What would you have the Apple Pencil do?
What is URL callback support, and how would it work in Logos?

Josh Moore

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996829#Comment_996829

Apple Pencil

1) mimic an analog pencil/highlighter. Ideally, when you slide the pencil across the screen (as you would a highlighter) it would highlight/underline without having to use the "pause, then swipe" motion required with a finger. This also would remove the common gesture error that causes you to swipe the screen away rather than highlighting.

2) mimic the force press capability of the phone. In my imagination what would be great is to use the pencil to tap a word and it would immediately open a new (or previous opened) note or force press and pull or the "look up, search, study" window.

These are simple but I propose their so intuitive that once you experiences this it be hard to use the app w/o the pencil afterward.

URL callback support

URL callbacks allow for apps to communicate and send and receive data between apps. A simple example of this that currently does work is if you add the hyperlink ref.ly/jn3.16 in Pages it will open the link in the app rather than a webpage in safari. Here is why this matters. There are certain things Logos won't allow you to do, but through apps like Shortcuts/Workflow, there would be exponentially more that you could do. Here is the most practical example. I routinely come across blogs or articles online that remind me of a passage, or may even be commenting on a specific passage. Unfortunately, there is no EASY way of adding that information to a note within the app. You have to copy the link, then navigate to the app, then navigate to the verse in question, then create a note, and then paste the information. By this point my ADD self has forgotten what I was doing in the first place. 😑 What if you could share the link directly to a note within Logos through Shortcuts/Workflows without ever having to open the app? This is what URL schemes allow you to do in the absence of sharesheet extensions.

Siri integration (even though you didn’t ask) 😉

Let me dream a little more, in regards to Siri integration. With the new Siri shortcuts, imagine if you could say, "hey Siri, what does the Bible say about love?" And it would open your Logos and search your Bibles for occurrences of the word "love". Or, if you say, "Hey Siri, what does John 3:16 say?", your Logos app would open up to John 3:16. Or, when you pull down on you screen and type John 3:16 into the search bar, one of the top results would be to open your Logos app to John 3:16. Or, if you do the same action but type in "Mornings & Evenings" and the option to open that resource in your Logos app would appear.

That is the kind of stuff that would separate Logos from other reader apps but also offer something useful for the Bible student on the go.

I'm really not sure why Faithlife has not put an emphasis on the mobile app as an introductory way of gaining more customers. Bait with the free AND POWERFUL free app hook them with the add-on/premium resources/packages.

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996852#Comment_996852

With all these things, it isn't inherent in the app. For instance. I have downloaded multiple books on my iPhone. We are currently at a mens retreat in the wilds of Texas with very sparse cell and wifi coverage. I cannot (in a bible or any resource I have downloaded) go to another book using the the verse chooser. it spins thinking and stays where it is. The lack offline functionality of the app made it useless and once again I had to default to the (what I think is inferior yet supremely functional) Olive Tree app. Because it worked and even allowed me to search my resources and bibles "offline".

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/997023#Comment_997023

For instance. I have downloaded multiple books on my iPhone. We are currently at a mens retreat in the wilds of Texas with very sparse cell and wifi coverage. I cannot (in a bible or any resource I have downloaded) go to another book using the the verse chooser. it spins thinking and stays where it is

This is very strange

I have just enabled airplane mode on my iPhone to test this and the verse picker works fine with lookup being virtually instantaneous.

You mentioned "sparse" coverage - I wonder if intermittent / poor coverage is worse than none.

What happens if you try the same thing with airplane mode enabled so the iPhone is totally offline?

robert@ccsanangelo.org

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/997027#Comment_997027

Same thing. But using NKJV doing verse picker still doesn't work going from any book chapter to any book chapter or vice versa. (this on iPhone fyi). On Airplane mode I cannot even change resource to other downloaded bible or resource. I am going to delete the app/reboot phone/re-download and download books/reboot phone and test again to see if have corrupted install.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/996803#Comment_996803

If Logos is exclusively a reader app it is a waste of an iOS app. Faithlife might as well discontinue the service and transition over Kindle.

Of course, you can't read your Logos library on the Kindle app, so there might be a little inconvenience. I'd be happy if the Logos apps just improved the where-am-I suppot. Much of Kindle's updates are in that area; work great.

But realistically, the apps will likely die a slow death. They draw resources away from the web app, which will have a far broader audience, connectivity to in-church workflow, etc. I doubt even now, much is invested.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/997039#Comment_997039

I am going to delete the app/reboot phone/re-download and download books/reboot phone and test again to see if have corrupted install.

I would start by deleting the NKJV and redownloading it.