CourseSmart eTextbook Apps Overview
CourseSmart's free apps provide you with a better reading experience on a variety of the most popular mobile devices. If you're not sure which app is right for you, here are some tips to help you decide.
1. What is an app?
An app is commonly referred to as mobile apps or application software. Mobile apps are software made for mobile devices while the latter refers to any software made for specific purposes or tasks.
Mobile apps, also called mobile applications are usually designed to run on smartphones and tablet computers. They are typically available from the owner of the mobile operating system, such as the iTunes App Store and the Android Market. Some apps are free, and others have a price. Usually they are downloaded from the platform to a target device such as an iPhone or Android OS–based phone, but sometimes they can be downloaded to computers such as a laptops or desktops.
Application software, also known as an application or an app, is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players.
2. CourseSmart currently has four eTextbook reading apps to choose from. Which app is the best for my needs?
The app type you use is a matter of personal preference. As user preferences for devices and the technologies that support these devices evolve, so will CourseSmart's offered applications.
CourseSmart's applications are compatible with multiple devices. The Device Compatibility Chart indicates the best application for your device. Because technology changes frequently, we recommend that you periodically visit our Web site to ensure that you have the latest app that best fits your reading needs.
| APPLICATION TYPE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEVICE | eTextbooks for the iPad downloaded from iTunes App Store | eTextbooks for the iPhone downloaded from iTunes App Store | CourseSmart for Android downloaded from Android Market | CourseSmart Mobile Web App (on supported mobile browsers) | Laptop, Desktop, and Other Web–Enabled Devices (coursesmart.com) |
| iPad | ✓+Recommended | ✓Compatibile | ✓Compatibile | ✓Compatibile | |
| iPhone/iPod Touch | ✓+Recommended | ✓Compatibile | |||
| Android Tablets and Smartphones OS 2.3 or less | ✓+Recommended | ✓Compatibile | |||
| Android tablets OS 3.0 or higher | ✓Compatibile | ✓+Recommended | ✓Compatibile | ||
| Kindle Fire | ✓+Recommended | ✓Compatibile | |||
| Laptop, desktop, other devices | ✓+Recommended | ||||
3. Do I have to use an app to gain access to CourseSmart on my mobile device?
Not necessarily. It's a matter of preference as you can also access CourseSmart from your mobile device at www.coursesmart.com.
However, a CourseSmart app that is specifically designed to work with your mobile device typically provides the best reading experience for CourseSmart eTextbooks.
4. Should I stop using the other reader app(s) that I have already downloaded to my device(s)?
Probably not. In many cases, you will continue using the app that you have already downloaded for your device.
If you have downloaded the CourseSmart for Android app and are using a tablet with Android 3.0 operating system and higher, you may prefer the visual design and performance features in the new mobile Web app. The native Android app and the new CourseSmart mobile Web app are equivalent in features, with the exception of the thumb nail browser and ruler that are not included in the CourseSmart mobile Web app. Features like page–turning speed are practically equivalent. And more features will be made available through future app version releases. Therefore, CourseSmart highly recommends the new CourseSmart mobile Web app reading option for Android 3.0 OS and higher users.
CourseSmart's eTextbooks for the iPad app downloaded from the iTunes App Store has more optimized features for the device including offline reading and faster page-turning experiences.
For those users accessing CourseSmart digital course materials on the Kindle Fire, we strongly recommend using the new mobile Web app as it provides a robust reading experience for the recently–released reader.
