14 DAY TRIAL // Paragon Software Group has launched Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2011 for iOS. Described as a “portable world of knowledge,” the app requires no internet connection and occupies roughly 90 megabytes of space, which includes 25,000 articles complete with 2,700 maps and images, hyperlinked articles, and other functions.
“Whether wondering where Wall Street got its name or when the excavation of Pompeii began, Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2011 is the perfect information resource on-the-go,” according to Paragon Software Group, and Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., the educational publisher.
Encyclopaedia Britannica is a general, English-language encyclopedia aimed at educated adults. It is written and maintained by about 100 full-time editors and more than 4,000 expert contributors.
The makers of the app say that, for $19.99, Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2011 delivers over 25,000 thoroughly researched and fact-checked entries covering art, history, geography, politics, technology, science, sports, pop culture and other subjects.
The app doesn’t limit itself to boring text and a splash of color here and there.
In addition to the 2,700 colorful images and maps it carries in the 89MB of space it occupies on an iPhone’s flash memory, it also brings features like the ability to generate a random article by shaking the device, or via the ‘On this Day’ feature, for uncovering new knowledge on the spot.
Users can share the knowledge by using the built-in email integration. Key features of Britannica Concise Encyclopedia 2011 include:
· No internet connection required – information accessible anywhere, anytime · Over 25,000 unique articles · 2,700 colorful images and maps · ‘On this Day’ feature highlights what happened on any calendar day in history · Browser-like user interface · Share articles with friends via e-mail · View hyperlinks between articles · Receive random articles by shaking your device · Instant access to all your Favorite articles · Suggested Searches appear at startup screen · Search History for last 50 articles · Highlighted search results Although the app is primarily aimed at the English speaking population, Spanish-language (Enciclopedia Compacta Britannica 2011) and Russian-language (Britannica Настольная Энциклопедия 2011) versions are also available.
The app requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and iOS 3.0 or later.