Windows 8 App Review: Onetree Bible +

     The You version Bible App has received unrestricted top dog status in the world of Bible Apps, and Bible.is can be considered the number 2 holder with some other apps vying for attention in a market that is not crowded but filled to where any new arrivals will get a limited base depending on what features they have. The Onetree Bible+ for Windows 8 is the best and easiest to use Bible app to date. Compared to the clunky design of the You version app this is very fluid and features a 30 day devotional, Wycliffe Bible, and the Easton Bible dictionary.

Functionality

      With my computer at first I experienced some problems and I had to close it out and open it again. It started up the second go around and was very fluid. In order to download Bibles in other languages and the Easton dictionary and devotional you have to make an account via the charms bar settings. It will direct you to the website and you can quickly make an account. Then you can download what extra Bibles you want and are all set. Note: The American Standard Version Bible comes free with no account needed. If you want to you can make a free account which lets you sync all of your highlights and bookmarks (you can not highlight or make bookmarks yet in the Windows 8 version.) across Android, IOS, and Mac platforms. At first you will select your Bible and it will open to Genesis 1:1. The text flows from left to right and the best part is you don't have to press any buttons. The text flows very smooth and looks like a real Bible with the parchment like wallpaper. You can scroll through the whole Bible horizontally or click on where it displays the Bible verse and choose your chapter and then verse. In the You version experience it is greatly improved from the Consumer Preview version but is very laggy. Gone is the side bars you must click on and the highlighting feature works. Also the audio Bible works now and to select a verse is much easier. Also available in the You version Bible is the two screen view which is great for sermons and such when you need to get to another verse instantaneously or are comparing verses. The Onetree Bible App really sets the standard for intuitiveness and is much easier to use.

Bible Selection

     This is where the Onetree app loses to its competitor. Yes it has a wide variety of languages including Azerbaijan (spelled Azerbaycan), Italian, French, Finnish, and others and a Bible Dictionary/Encylopedia, 30 day devotional, the Wycliffe Bible (which is very hard to understand), KJV, Bible in basic English, and HCSB Bible. Compared to You version that is a very paltry selection (for free). My old school use to require me to use the NIV version and since it is not available for free in the Bible + app I am forced to use the You version app. Also the lack of an Audio Bible also hurts when you want to share something with friends and you are forced to read it. Still the simplicity of the Bible + and the Dictionary and Devotional really can make me forget the You version Bible since I use the KJV as my standard version anyway. 

Conclusion and Score

     The lack of more free versions does reduce the functionality of the app, but the quick and easy to use interface is much better than the You version UI and the Easton Dictionary and Devotional almost make up for the lack of extra versions. Also the live tile looks nice since it shows all of the books that you own. 
Rating// 4.5 out of 5