Wikipanion, an IPod Touch and IPhone Reference Application

Wikipanion is an application for the iPod Touch and iPhone. There are currently two versions of Wikipanion. Both are being sold by Robert Chin.

Free Version

The free version of Wikipanion is available in the iTunes Store and offers basic functions that are suitable for users unwilling to pay for a portable version of Wikipedia. Features included in the free version include:

Table of contents

A variety of built-in search engines, including Google searching as well as the full text version of Wikipedia

Searching in multiple languages

Search history, ordered by last visited

In-page searching that is useful for searching for specific text within the current article

Built-in Wiktionary that can be accessed without leaving the current page

Category browsing

User-friendly font sizing

Image saving capabilities that save to your Photo library

Audio playback for pronunciations and other audio functions in Wikipedia courtesy of Ogg Vorbis

Active links that direct to sections inside a Wikipedia entry

Another bonus that is appealing is the promise that Wikipanion will remain free of advertisements. So far it has been successful.

Once you have wireless internet access, simply open up the Wikipanion application from your iPod Touch or iPhone, type in a search term, then start filling your brain with knowledge. At the bottom of the application is a useful little toolbar that includes back and forward buttons, a table of contents listing, and a button that directs to related articles. The final button on this useful toolbar allows you to search inside the current page for information, adjust font size, access the Wiktionary, open the article entry in Safari, bookmark what you're reading, e-mail a link, or lock the viewing orientation of your device.

The free version of Wikipanion was updated November 12, 2009. The current version (1.5.5f) offers Swedish and Polish localization, including a glitch fix regarding the location bar.

Wikipanion Plus

For those looking for a few more options, as well as a way to support the application's creator, the Wikipanion Plus is also available in the iTunes Store for $4.99. This enhanced version allows users to queue articles to be read in the future. There is also the offline browsing capability that is all too useful. Also, background downloading decreases waiting time and increases reading time.

The latest version of Wikipanion Plus is 1.5.5f and was updated on November 12, 2009.

Application Review

If you are a frequent user of Wikipedia, check out this application that directs you to Wikipedia easily and quickly. The application makes it fun and easier to read entries on Wikipedia, with its many extras, including easy bookmarking, in-page Wiktionary access, in-page searching, and many other features essential for the hardcore Wikipedia user.