I love this App!
This App is great. Especially the iPhone version. I use it everyday! It syncs always nicely and when offline keeps track of my progress and syncs later.. I never had a problem. The iPhone App is easy to use typing with two thumbs and discreet enough to be used anywhere.
On the iPad I need a different approach to typing the sentences and I do not like people peeping and seeing what I am doing so I tend not to use it.
In any case I am very happy with the sentences and how fast the app downloads all the audio and text for the courses.. It is a great help in my Japanese studies!
On the iPad I need a different approach to typing the sentences and I do not like people peeping and seeing what I am doing so I tend not to use it.
In any case I am very happy with the sentences and how fast the app downloads all the audio and text for the courses.. It is a great help in my Japanese studies!
Show less
The best way to learn new Chinese vocabulary
Transferring over the vocab words from my textbooks or characters that I encounter in daily life is seemless. It has a huge database of sentences, sound bites, and pictures that sync with the new words to really help you put new words into context. It looks and runs absolutely perfect on the ipad 3's retina display and gets better with every new update.
If you're serious about learning Chinese (or any other language for that matter), nothing beats iknow's spaced-repetition learning (SRL) algorithm which brings up words that you're on the verge of forgetting at perfect intervals - it's not just a randomized flashcard program like so many other apps online. Even compared to the other SRL applications (Memrise, etc.), iknow is best suited for the "3-sided flashcards" model required to learn Chinese (english, pinyin, and characters).
In regards to the complaints of previous builds, the newest version seems to have addressed them all very effectively. There are no sound, sentence, or (especially) keyboard timing issues at all and they've implemented a great offline/downloading mode so you can take as many lists with you offline as you'd like (considering you have enough memory to download them onto your device). As such, I don't see what can hold it back from a 5 star rating now!
If you're serious about learning Chinese (or any other language for that matter), nothing beats iknow's spaced-repetition learning (SRL) algorithm which brings up words that you're on the verge of forgetting at perfect intervals - it's not just a randomized flashcard program like so many other apps online. Even compared to the other SRL applications (Memrise, etc.), iknow is best suited for the "3-sided flashcards" model required to learn Chinese (english, pinyin, and characters).
In regards to the complaints of previous builds, the newest version seems to have addressed them all very effectively. There are no sound, sentence, or (especially) keyboard timing issues at all and they've implemented a great offline/downloading mode so you can take as many lists with you offline as you'd like (considering you have enough memory to download them onto your device). As such, I don't see what can hold it back from a 5 star rating now!
Show less
Best Japanese vocabulary app
I have purchased no less than 10 similar apps and this one is easily the best. Another good choice is JSensei. iKnow has a better learning curve. When you learn a new set of words the old words also get repeated, which gives you some good reinforcement. The quizzes have more varieties than most other apps. The builtin Japanese input from romaji is wonderful. If you get confused, search for "iknow Japanese input" on the web for the guide.
Show less
Useful service that needs polishing.
While the basic service is useful and the learning approach seems to be working for me. The service really needs to polish things for the Japanese learning experience. Main complaint is the lack of review features in the app. This is a serious omission.
I also suspect that the overall service is earning its main income from teaching English to the Japanese and this is why the Japanese lessons are stagnant.
Hopping for more in the near future.
I also suspect that the overall service is earning its main income from teaching English to the Japanese and this is why the Japanese lessons are stagnant.
Hopping for more in the near future.
Show less
Easy and convenient study tool
I've used iKnow online before it became a paid site and the app makes studying even easier. I like the short, segmented sessions that lets me get a quick study session in while I'm on the bus or in the morning. The interface is clean and easy to use. The only improvement I'd suggest is to enable all the features in the app that are on the website (statistics, focus, etc.). A fantastic program!
Show less
Awful
Please read the iKnow forums before considering a subscription. Both the online version and the app are good for short-term retention and lousy for long-term retention. The company keeps promising upgrades but doesn't deliver. There are many other great apps for learning Japanese.
Very buggy
Unfortunately very buggy and even with a perfect internet connection frequently fails to save. Therefore wastes 20 minutes. Also quite slow with no option to 'next' until you wait for it to load and say a word that you know perfectly. Hope these minor bugs are solved.
Crashes when saving lessons
this app crashes almost every time I try to save my progress lately. When it doesn't crash it takes a ridiculous amount of time to save.
Otherwise I love this program, but unless they fix this issue and release an update I don't know if I will renew at the end of this monthly cycle, which would be disappointing.
Otherwise I love this program, but unless they fix this issue and release an update I don't know if I will renew at the end of this monthly cycle, which would be disappointing.
Show less
Good... but
I've used the website, now and as smart fm. The system is excellent, easy to use, smart, user friendly. Only issue is with the app 2-5 times during a lesson it gives you the multiple choice touch blocks but they are blank. This results in a wrong answer and having to review words you may already know. Without this bug 5 stars for sure.
Show less
Fun way to study, needs work!
the download time each module takes, errors: either no sound or answer, lack of ability to create your own courses, no offline mode, can make this a frustrating app, especially as a pay service, if they start listening to their subscribers and work out the kinks this could be the best language app out there, the "anki" app fills in the gaps, looking forward to the day when an app has the professionalism, voice, data, and look that iknow has, mixed with the ease and customizable function of anki.
Show less
