'Survivor' Producer Mark Burnett, Zondervan Launch Interactive 'Bible360' App

(Photo: REUTERS/Fred Prouser)
Mark Burnett, executive producer of the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, speaks during a panel session at the FOX Summer TCA Press Tour in Beverly Hills, California August 5, 2011.

By Ravelle Mohammed , Christian Post Reporter

January 4, 2012|4:17 pm

British television producer Mark Burnett and wife, Roma Downey, star of “Touched By An Angel,” have teamed up with Immersion Digital’s Glo Bible and HarperCollins' Christian publisher Zondervan to launch Bible360 – a free interactive app that allows users to immerse themselves in God’s Word via video, photos, virtual tours, and more.

"With Bible360, people everywhere now have the ability to explore Biblical History in an insightful, accessible and immersive way," said Burnett and Downey in a joint statement. "We are thrilled to provide millions of people with a fresh visual experience as they enjoy this sacred text."

The app comes preloaded with the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. The most popular Bible translation worldwide, the NIV was modified for the first time in 25 years in 2011.

Glo Bible’s digital platform allows Bible360 to bring Scripture text to life with its 360-degree virtual tours, animated maps – adding social media and reading plans to better engage its audience.

"It is an honor to be collaborating with some of the leading content creators on this new, socially-charged app," said Bible360 President John Kilcullen. "It's our hope that Bible360 will be a tool to empower people to dive deeper into the Bible and engage in valuable conversations about the book within their communities."

"We are delighted to partner with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey to engage people with such a compelling application of God's Word," said Zondervan's Senior VP and Publisher for Bibles, Chip Brown in a statement. "Their vision will undoubtedly help millions experience the Bible in a fresh, new way."

Through Twitter, the Jesus Daily Facebook page, and other social networking platforms, users can share pictures and Bible verses. Other Bible360 features are “Me” lens, which includes a journal and reading plans. The app also has browsing “Lenses” which lets users search the Bible by topic, timeline, media type, and geography.

According to the press release, any video from Downey and Burnett’s 2013 History Channel Bible series will be integrated into the app. Lightworks Media and Hearst Entertainment & Syndication will produce the 10-part series, which was conceptualized by the couple.

Bible360 is free, but a premium upgrade allows access to superior content and the opportunity to sync activity across different devices and platforms for a PC, Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Bible360 is available worldwide at all iTunes stores.