It’s Coming……ParseHebrew for iOS!

Hello to all the readers of my well maintained and proliferous blog! I’m happy to announce the imminent arrival of ParseHebrew, a parsing app for biblical Hebrew students. Most of you know and use my app ParseGreek. It is one of the most popular apps for Biblical Greek students on the market. After first publishing ParseGreek many years ago, I had it in mind to start working towards Biblical Hebrew equivalents. But with the busyness of life, the progress was much slower. It became a project that I slowly poked away at over many, many years.

With all of that said, I’m really happy to announce that the release of ParseHebrew for iOS is imminent (i.e. by end of summer at the latest). It will be very similar in look and feel to ParseGreek. Just like ParseGreek, I’ve designed it to be compatible with some of today’s top intro grammars:

• Fuller, Russell T. and Kyoungwon Choi. 2006. Invitation to Biblical Hebrew : A Beginning Grammar. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel.

• Futato, Mark David. 2003. Beginning Biblical Hebrew. Winona Lake, Ind: Eisenbrauns.

• Garrett, Duane A, and Jason Shane DeRouchie. 2009. A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew [2nd ed.] ed. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Academic.

• Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, with Cd. 2010. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers Marketing.

• Kelley, Page H. and Timothy G. Crawford. Biblical Hebrew : An Introductory Grammar. 2018 Second ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

• Kutz, Karl V., Rebekah L. Josberger. Learning Biblical Hebrew : Reading for Comprehension : An Introductory Grammar. 2018. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

• Lambdin, Thomas. Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. 1971. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

• Pratico, Gary and Miles Van Pelt. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar. 2019 Third ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

• Ross, Allen P. 2001. Introducing Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

• Seow, C. L. 1995. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew Revised ed. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.

• Webster, Brian L. 2009. The Cambridge Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Check out the ParseHebrew page for some more details, and I’ll announce its release on the blog when the time comes.

The inevitable question will arise asking about an Android version. My sincere hope is to release the Android version early in 2025, but this depends on $$. It costs a significant amount to get the coding done for apps, so it will take some time for me to save up for its creation.

iGreek Reborn! The latest update to my Greek reference app

Many moons ago I created a reference app for iPhone called iGrεεk. The goal was to provide the Greek student with a handy reference to their Greek paradigms and other relevant information, without having to carry around their introductory Greek textbook.

Unfortunately, I did not keep iGreek up to date. This wasn't due to negligence on my part. It was, rather, because the software I used to create the app was discontinued. Fortunately, iGreek kept functioning well as the iOS was updated. Then iOS 11 finally broke iGreek.

I received a number of emails asking if iGreek would be updated for iOS 11. This was the pressure I needed to look to updating the app.

I am very happy with the result and hope that current users and future users will be too. In addition to an updated user interface, iGreek is now universal, running on iPhone and iPad and available on Android devices too. With this update also comes the addition of some material on Greek discourse, and the addition of the Singing Grammarian videos.

Please take a minute to see my page on iGrεεk to see if it might suit your needs! And for those of you who previously purchased iGreek (and perhaps deleted it off of your phone because of iOS 11) I hope you are happy with the update!

A Big Update for ParseGreek is in the Works! Here is What You Can Expect

Today marks the three year anniversary since the release of my first App ParseGreek for iOS. I followed it up later with the Android release, and followed later by FlashGreek. I've been so pleased with how it was received and continues to be received. It currently has 14 five★ rating on the Android store (average is 4.2), and 14 five★ reviews on iTunes (average 4.5). 

ParseGreek is near and dear to my heart because it was my first foray into being an entrepreneur, and combining two of my skill sets: Biblical studies and Technology.  I've learned a lot of things along the way and will continue to do so. And it has certainly helped that ParseGreek has created another small stream of income for me and my family.

ParseGreek will continue to move forward and with this blog post I'm happy to announce that version 2 of ParseGreek is actively being worked on as we speak. In addition to telling you about some of the new things that are in the pipeline, as well as the new interface, I would also invite any of you to put in the comments any questions, critiques, or update requests that you would like to see in ParseGreek's future.

 

The Set Up Screen

ParseGreek's current setup screen is functional, but pretty ugly :-) Version 2 of ParseGreek will have a revamped, multipage setup screen for users:

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As you can see, a single page has turned into 3 pages that can quickly be swiped through (image 2 and 3 above would be the second page, depending on the choice you make on page 1). At the bottom of each page is a "default" check box. So, if you are always studying be frequency, checking that as the default means the startup of the app will bring you to page 2 rather than page 1. I am also considering right now including a few more full set words (like λυω and the article on page 2 of the setup). If I do this, I will choose full paradigms of some of the highest frequency words. If you have some thoughts on this, I am eager to hear about them in the comments below.

Page 3 is where some new features will also be added. Currently, word types can be narrowed down to one of five options. I have added a sixth option (pronouns), and we will add the ability to choose multiple options.

One of the most frequent suggestions (for both ParseGreek and FlashGreek) is having the ability to effectively ignore words that you always get correct. The next version of ParseGreek will keep a count of how often words have been answered correctly. You can then use this information to tailor your quiz. So you will be able to tell ParseGreek "don't include words I've answered correctly 5 times."

Finally, in the new set up screen you will also be able to restrict the quiz to a certain number of test words. Another frequent gripe was that the quizzes could end up being too massive to actually finish. This will allow you to make smaller random quizzes of, say, only 25 words — even if the previous criteria you chose resulted in 75 words.

The Quiz Screen

After talking with some designer friends and getting some crowd-sourced twitter feedback, I'm very happy with the new look of the ParseGreek quiz screen. Here are 3 shots (participle example, verb example, noun example).

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As you can see, ParseGreek will have a new look and color scheme. It still has the same feel, but I've moved several things around to give even more space for larger buttons. A few of the changes above are:

1. The correct/incorrect count is now in the top right corner
2. The hint button is now a direct tap on the word itself
3. The space for the word definition is now the entire bottom left corner
4. The Check and the Next buttons are now a combined single button that is larger.

So that's it! My baby is growing up and continuing to evolve. Thanks to all of you who have purchased and made use of ParseGreek. If you have any other suggestions or feedback on what you've read in this post, or anything else you'd like to see in ParseGreek, let it fly in the comments!

A Peek at My iPad: The Apps I Rely On Day By Day

In a previous blog post I highlighted the Mac apps that I rely on day by day. My iPad/iPhone are very much an extension of my Mac. In this post I want to highlight the apps on my iPad that I rely on day by day. I hope you find them helpful, and hopefully I can introduce you to something new that will improve your iPad experience.

(full disclosure: a few of these are affiliate links, and if you purchase through the link, I receive a small commission. If you do, thanks!)

Productivity

• 2Do: 2Do is my task manager of choice for Mac and iOS. Everyone should have a to-do list. If you prefer paper, go for it. For some, Mac's built-in task manager may be enough, but I personally need some more power, which is why I use the great 2Do.
• Focus@Will: My primary "productivity sounds" app is the wonderful Focus@Will. This is a yearly subscription type of app, though you can use it for free for 45 minutes a day.

Word Processing & Document Creation

• Pages: The iOS counterparts to Apple's Office sweet are at the front of the pack for office apps on the iOS. And the seamless synchronization with iCloud is awesome.
• Notability: Notability is a fantastic little app that now has a Mac version too. This is my go-to app when I want to draw on top of a PDF or other document. It is also just an all around great little note-taker. I hope they bring tags and smart folders out soon. If they do, it may just end up replacing Evernote all together for me!
• Numbers: I don't do spreadsheets a lot, but when I do, it is Apple's Numbers app.

Presentation

• Keynote: In addition to being able to run great presentations right from your iPad, Keynote on an iOS device is as much about the fact that it can function as the remote for Keynote on a Mac. And what this does is finally adds annotation and a laser pointer to keynote (hooray!)
• 2 Screens: For presenting any other type of document, 2 Screens is a really good way to go. It allows for all sorts of annotations, and even has a companion iPhone remote app to boot.

 

Research & Reading

• Pocket: This is my ReadLater service of choice. It has a great interface, a stripped down reader look, and can easily send articles via email or to Evernote for storage.
• GoodReader: I foresee a time when I probably won't need Good Reader anymore, but it has been a standard on many iPads for a long time. It is the closest thing to a Finder type of app on iPad, and allows for folder organization, annotations, etc.
• Evernote: Evernote is my digital filing cabinet. It syncs beautifully across all of my devices.
• Flipboard: Flipboard is a great little app for reading RSS feeds. It's like building your own newspaper.
• Sente: This is the free companion app to my Reference Manager of choice, Sente.
• Audible: Since I walk back and forth to work, I've become a big fan of audio books for non-academic reading.
• Kindle: A no-brainer.

Kids

• Bible for Kids: My kids love to grab my iPad for some screen time, and I'm more than happy to let them open this fantastic Bible app for kids. Highly recommended!
• Barefoot Atlas: Another great app for kids! They can explore the world and learn a lot!

 

Bible Study

• Logos: The companion to my Logos library. It is great for reading, highlighting, and taking some notes. But to do any serious research or original language work, you'll be left wanting.
• Accordance: Although I'm primarily a Logos user, I still find Accordance indispensable for primary language work. And if you want to do serious searching and primary language work on an iPad, Accordance is the only serious place to turn.
• FaithLife Study Bible: Whenever someone who has a tablet asks me for a study bible recommendation, I always recommend the FaithLife study bible, which is STILL free. It is in my opinion the premiere Study Bible. While its interface and user base isn't as big as LifeChurch's Bible app, its content is superior.
• I of course must mention my own apps, FlashGreek Pro, ParseGreek, and iGreek, which I do indeed use myself!

Others

• RowMote Pro: This makes your iOS device into a remote for your Mac.
• Tweetbot: This is my Twitter client for my iOS devices, and it is the best of the best.
• Kettlebell Encyclopedia: I tried a few Kettlebell apps for kettle bell workouts, and this is the best.
• 7 Minute workout Challenge: There was an explosion of 7-minute workout apps in the last year, and they were all quite nice. I liked this one the best, and there are some nice additional workouts you can purchase.
• iTeleport: My office Mac and my home Mac are usually running or sleeping, and it happens quite often that I need to access one of them while I'm away. This is the app that lets me control it remotely from my iOS device.
• AirVideo: Sometime my wife and I like to lay in bed and watch something. This little app lets you stream videos that are sitting on your Mac on the same network.
• 1Password: This is the iOS companion app to my Mac password keeper.
• JotNot Pro: This is a wonderful scanner app on my iOS. This puts a scanner in your pocket, and the quality is exceptional!
• YNAB: I've touted YNAB for the desktop - by far the best budgeting app out there. YNAB on iOS gives you full access to your budget sheet. Particularly useful for quickly adding expenses made while on the go.

Did I miss anything cool? Tell me about it in the comments!

photo credit: European Parliament via photopin cc

How to Set a Productive Mood on Your Computer

I’m not a fan of silence, particularly when I’m in my office working. But I’m also an easily distracted person. For awhile, I tried to multi-task my mind by listening to podcasts while working. While I enjoyed the podcast content, it didn’t take me long to figure out that this was bad for productivity. I then moved to just putting iTunes on random. While this was better, I would start to sing along or focus a little too much on the lyrics. I then tried to make a playlist of more ballad-type songs or hymns. Still not great. But I knew that what you listen to while you work can either help or hinder your productivity.

what you listen to while you work can either help or hinder your productivity —Tweet That!

It was then that I came across a little website which swiftly turned into a little app: Coffitivity. Coffitivity is a website, but is also a Mac app, iOS app, and Android app. Coffitivity creates white noise that replicates a busy coffee shop – which many find to be a great atmosphere for work. This set the right mood for me to be productive. It took away the silence that I dislike but didn’t distract me. This is a jewel of an app!

After using Coffitivity for awhile, I heard about Focus@Will. This web app creates several different tracks to listen to, and were created in partnership with a leading neuroscientist to try and help increase focus (read the sciency stuff here).

Focus@Will is free to use for a 60 minute session per day, or you can pay yearly fee of just of under $50 a year. I used Focus@Will for three weeks and liked it so much that I subscribed to it. I have not regretted it one bit. The only thing I didn’t like was that on my desktop, Focus@Will runs through the browser - it would be nice for them to have a Mac app that could run in the menu bar so that I don’t need to run the browser. But I took matters into my own hands and used Fluid to make the Focus@Will web app into a desktop app.

Once in awhile I go back to Coffitivity, but Focus@Will is now my main mood setter for a productive day. I would encourage you to check both of them out, as they are both great apps that may help you the way they help me.

How do you set a productive mood for yourself? 

jaronbrass via photopin cc