Device that can use gospel library and media apps

[jlg77byu]

Hi,
I can't afford to buy an IPAD but am trying to find a device that can access the gospel library app.
Does anyone have a list?
Does Kindle fire work? What else?
Thanks!

[russellhltn]

Does Kindle fire work? What else?

Kindle Fire tends to be iffy. It's the Android version sent over to the Amazon store. But that adds an extra layer of difficulty.

I believe you have to be on at least Android 5. But if you're shopping for a new device, I'd look for something higher then that. The lower the number, the sooner it will be obsolete. Current is 10, with 11 in the works. I'd try to shoot for at least 8 or 9.

The same goes with iOS. The cheaper the device, the sooner it will no longer be able to run the apps. Currently it requires iOS 11 or later.

[davesudweeks]

I'm not a software developer and am not affiliated with the church development process, just a quality engineer in Oklahoma. Here is my opinion, for what it's worth:

Those who insist on the iOS architecture will be stuck with Apple products and Apple pricing. I'm not poking at Apple, just stating a fact as they control their distribution network and pricing. Android can be used by other manufacturers so there is more competition on pricing. You have a wider range of build/operational quality with Android devices (both hardware and software) where Apple controls their devices and apps to the same standard. The two architectures are different and my experience is changing from one to another (either direction) can be quite frustrating. (Note: There are refurbished Apple devices available online so if one is more comfortable with Apple, that may be lower cost option for them.)

Kindles run a are highly customized Android OS for the purposes Amazon has for their target market - if you will search the forum, Kindles tend to have more problems running Gospel Library and Member Tools (my opinion only). Again, not poking at Kindle - they have a specific market for their devices. Just that their modifications to the OS can cause problems with other Android apps that are not specifically written for Kindle. Kindle does appear to have more options for parental control on the devices and that may be part of the problem with some Android apps running on Kindles - I don't know.

If cost is important, you can get very serviceable devices running nearly stock Android at reasonable prices (my wife upgraded to a lower range new Android 9 phone last year for free and it works perfectly for her). I agree strongly with Russell that you should purchase the most current OS version you can afford if you want to use the device longer before the OS manufacturer abandons it. I have an older tablet that no longer runs Member Tools, so I use my mid-range Android phone for that (Motorola brand - works perfectly for my needs). If I was to replace the tablet, I would look for one running as close to stock Android as possible, the most current version as possible. There are name brand 7-8" tablets with current version Android in the $100 range which is only slightly higher than Kindle.

Due to security requirements in keeping personal data safe, one should expect the church to stop supporting OS versions when the OS manufacturer stops publishing security updates (thus making the OS version at risk for data leaks). This is an OS manufacturer problem, not a church problem. I'm grateful the church cares for the security of my personal data.

Finally, no one should feel they must purchase a device to do their calling or be included in their ward/branch. If you feel pressure to spend money you don't have for a device in order to be included in the ward/branch, you should express your concerns with your bishop/branch president. If he won't listen, discuss it with a member of your stake presidency. This is a pet peeve of mine because it is their responsibility to communicate/include members who can't or don't have the latest tech (or any tech), not the other way around. The Savior never expected anyone to meet Him at His level - he always met them at their level.

[sbradshaw]

Gospel Library runs on Kindle Fire, but most of the other Church apps don't (Member Tools, Gospel Living, etc.). If your main goal in getting a new device is to access Church content, I wouldn't recommend a Kindle Fire, except as a secondary device (for example, if you also have a phone that runs a newer version of iOS or Android).

Other than that, most of the Church apps will run on devices with Android 7 or newer (8 or newer is recommended) or on any iOS devices released in the last 5 years (all of which can run the current version of iOS, iOS 13, and will update to iOS 14 in the fall).

[drepouille]

I would suggest that you use a decommissioned smart phone that can access Wi-Fi, and has an OS new enough to install and run the Gospel Library app. That is the cheapest way to go.