Core Android apps

[miksnake]

Google really needs to start building out their core apps for Android such as their reader app.

They have left this functionality to third party developers and frankly the apps just have not lived up to the simplicity and functionality of ibooks. I have never been much of a fan of Apple's way of doing things and have wanted to like Android better. But, frankly I do a lot of reading on my mobile devices and just want something that is easy.

Why can't developers start by replicating the simplicity of ibooks and then improving on things from there. For instance, single click bookmarking. I don't get taken from my book or interupted in any way to bookmark a page.

Or, easy selection and integrated dictionary. iBooks makes it so easy to look upa word and return back to my reading (and it is all offline).

My biggest gripe with ibooks is that you can't do much with highlights and there is no other advanced annotating available--which would be really great and is almost a game stopper for me.

But, since most of the android reading apps are so cumbersome, I may go with the ipad mini or the Google Nexus.

[not to deviate too far, but I think this same argument can hold true for video editing software as well]

What do you guys think? Am I totally mistaken here?

Cheers.

 

[RichSz]

Welcome to Android Forums, mikSnake!

I wouldn't go as far as to say you're mistaken because if the reading apps you've tried don't do it for you, then they don't do it for you. It's your opinion. I don't share your opinion, though.

Personally, I couldn't care less about Google's reader because I don't buy my books from them. Prices tend to be a bit cheaper elsewhere and I read on multiple devices so want to install my books everywhere, not just Android devices.

That said, I use Mantano reader which does have a built in dictionary and a decent interface. One of the big things I like about Android is you aren't locked into whatever app they decide you will use. With that choice comes the burden of trying out a bunch of apps to find out which you prefer. It's a tradeoff I'm willing to embrace.

As far as iBooks, it's pretty good but not the be-all-and-end-all of readers in my opinion. I've used it on my iPad and it works fine. I feel it's on par with Mantano or Aldiko. Maybe there are features you're specifically looking for which are unique to iBooks.

Finally, with the patent wars raging, there may be features which Apple patented and can't be used in other readers. I don't really know for sure.

Good luck finding a solution which works for you!

 

[chanchan05]

+1 for Mantano Reader