May 30, 2012
Today is the biggest update to the Japanese app since version 2.0 was released way back in 2009. The team has expanded, and we're pleased to announce feature after feature after feature that'll take your Japanese learning to the next level!
Let's start with the user interface: Japanese 3.0 introduces compatibility with the iPad, and the app will run at full resolution and full screen on both your iPad and iPhone. We've also improved functionality on the iPhone so that you can use the app in landscape mode, improving the ability to draw kanji and the general functionality of the app.
Talking of drawing kanji, we take a big leap forward in this version with the introduction of an integrated handwriting system; you no longer need to rely on the iOS keyboard.
We've improved the search engine, decluttering the whole thing and making it more tailored to your needs, presenting the most obvious and useful kanji first. We've also improved the data for kanji component searches. Furthermore, frequently used characters are now highlighted, which makes them easier to find.
For those new to the Japanese language, word readings (a.k.a romaji) are now available for all dictionary entries, including kanji.
The study feature has been improved tenfold and we have incorporated a completely new flashcard study system based on your feedback. The SRS scheduling algorithm used in previous versions has been completely rewritten to better schedule repetitions and we have updated the JLPT lists. In version 3.0 we have finally released a vocabulary list for JLPT Level 3 and we have updated the vocab in the lists we already had.
New social features allow you to share the lists you've made with friends, family, colleagues, enemies, pets et cetera. You can also import lists from other Japanese language tools such as Rikaichan and Midori.
For the full list of updates in this version, see the release notes in the App Store, there're plenty more not included in this blog post.
As ever, thanks for using the Japanese App, and thank you for sending in your suggestions for updating and improving the app.