Legal reference on the iPad: what’s next from The Law Pod
In the first of an ongoing series as the iPad advanced deadline looms for application developers, we had the chance to get the thoughts from Fitz Collings on where he is taking his legal reference software, in light of the new features and functionality which the iPad offers. Also, we got his thoughts on what uses the iPad might offer lawyers and law students.
Screen size, processing power, and form are the primary drivers of new functionality; “First, we will take advantage of the iPad’s increased screen real estate. Our current iPhone apps are completely compatible with the iPad already, and can be doubled in size when using them on the iPad. In the next version of our application, we will offer an iPad specific app that uses all the iPad’s available screen space.” It will be interesting to see the approach developers take on this: more of the same on their screen (which still might be great), or increased complementary content.
“Second, we will take advantage of the iPad’s increased processing power.” This is great news for more intensive applications – and for applications which seem simple but could be doing more predictive work in the background. “One major limitation of the iPhone is that it has a hard time displaying large bodies of law in a single app because it runs out of memory and cannot process requests (e.g., search requests) in a timely fashion. Our iPad version will allow us to combine multiple resources into a single app, which should increase the app’s usefulness.” While multitasking may be missing, it is good news that developers on the iPad are making sure their applications use all the processing power available to help when every minute matters.
“Finally, we will take advantage of the iPad’s new form and function. While the iPhone is designed to be carried in your pocket, the iPad can clearly be used on the desktop. The iPad version of our app will provide new features that fit with the iPad’s areas of use.” This is something we have heard a lot – and while it is good, it remains to be seen if applications will trump the stereotype of ‘the iPhone, but bigger’. No doubt Fitz will come up with something that takes advantage of the iPad’s convenience and availability.
As for what Fitz thinks is in the future, “I think that the iPad offers the possibility of several new uses for lawyers and law students alike. The legal profession always seems to be a step behind technological developments, but the iPad fits with what we already know how to use. We bring pads of paper with us everywhere, and we’re more than used to using smart phones.” A great point given that lawyers are probably one of the most stretched professions, balancing increasing 24/7 connected technology – and reams of paper; it’s quite odd sometimes, and the iPad may help remedy that.
Students can expect an increase in the offerings for their education, and possibly fundamental changes to their practice habits: “I see a strong market for legal learning software, including text books, as well as for transactional needs (picture signing an electronic contract on the iPad screen that’s automatically emailed to each party). As the iPhone has already proven, the only limit for the iPad is the imagination and creativity of developers.”
He promises more features which can’t be shared at the moment, and it will be interesting to do a full review of the software once the iPad hits the shelves (and mailboxes). Meanwhile, you can find his software at The Law Pod – The Legal Reference for your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch®, and Blackberry®
Law Pod Reference software for the iPad includes:
F.R.A.P., F.R.B.P., F.R.Civ.P., F.R.Crim.P., F.R.E., U.S. Const.
