Church News staff writer
Published: Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014In response to user feedback and in an effort to constantly improve a member’s digital experience with gospel content, the Church has released a major upgrade to the Apple and Android versions of the Gospel Library mobile app improving search, navigation and other key functionality.
“The refinements in these releases will significantly improve a person’s ability to study the scriptures,” said Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. of the Seventy. “I’m excited about the helpfulness of the new features for users. The Apple version has a much improved search function with a dramatically simplified way of grouping and sorting search results. The Android version now has the same organization of content as the Apple version and the same visual interface design for easier recognition and navigation.”
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The upgraded Gospel Library app for the Android includes new audio, video, and art.
Millions of members use the Gospel Library app every month. On average an individual uses it just over 15 times per month for scripture study, lesson preparation, videos, music, highlighting, note taking, bookmarking and cross-referencing.
“We are committed to continually improving its functionality,” said Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Seventy. “We are very pleased to see the increased study of the scriptures and other materials using the Gospel Library app.”
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The Android version of the Gospel Library app has a new interface with grid layouts, cover art and chapter previews.
Church members are encouraged to upgrade to these latest app versions to take advantage of ongoing development improvements. When members upgrade from the latest Android and Apple versions, their notes, highlights and other personalizations will not be lost. However, users who have been using the Apple 2.5 version, before deleting the 2.5 version, should ensure that their notes are backed up and that they properly signed in using their LDS account username and password.
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The iPad version has redesigned bookmarks and unlimited screens are now enabled.
Content is being updated to the app multiple times a month whenever the app is within Internet connectivity. For example, ahead of the new year, the 2014 Sunday School materials were added, as were the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith manual and the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time. Church magazine issues are added at the end of every month. Additionally, users now have access to the Gospel Art Book images, youth activity ideas, years of CES devotionals, and lots of videos. Updates also include adding images and visual styling to the existing content and the addition of many non-English materials.
The English library alone contains more than 2,200 items and the Gospel Library app now provides access to gospel study resources in more than 100 languages.
“We hope that members worldwide will take advantage of this inspired technology that provides immediate and offline mobile access to God’s word,” said Elder Jose L. Alonso of the Seventy. “It’s just amazing that within a week of general conference that members worldwide can be watching, reading and sharing the prophets’ teachings in all major Church languages through this app.”
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The iPhone upgrade includes better navigation and a simplified search feature.
User suggestions and feedback are very helpful to the continuing development process. Feedback can be provided from links within the apps. New help materials have been developed to instruct users on how to make the most of their study.
For members who feel that using the digital scriptures is too complex, Elder Golden offered some encouraging words: “The Gospel Library app is now easier to use than ever. We hope members of all ages will take advantage of this wonderful tool. We encourage members who are comfortable and familiar with the use and blessings of this technology to take a few minutes and show others how to get started and how to use its helpful features.”
rmorgenegg@desnews.com
WHAT’S NEW FOR ANDROID DEVICES?• New interface with grid layouts, cover art? and chapter previews?• Upgraded content typography and design for improved readability?• More content-including new audio,? video and art?• Automatic content updates?• New content subscriptions feature?• Updated annotation menu?• Miscellaneous bug fixes
WHAT’S NEW FOR APPLE DEVICES?• Implemented new iOS7 design?• Improved navigation (tap the title to go? where you want)?• Simplified search feature (group results? by collection and sort by book order)?• Redesigned bookmarks?• Enabled unlimited screens?• Added ‘favorites’ custom collection?• Integrated with LDS Music app for access? to sheet music?• Fixed bugs and improved performance
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