and our blog with the latest news at http://www.exebeche.com/bencao/blog.
See you there!
Monday, September 14, 2009
We've Moved!
We've moved to a new location. Check out our new website at http://www.exebeche.com/bencao
Friday, August 7, 2009
A good word to Apple
Apple has been getting a lot of bad press lately regarding their App approval process. While some of it does seem justified, we wanted to put our $0.02 in.
Bencao is currently our only app in the App store. Generally we've had 7 to 9 days to wait for approvals, which seems acceptable to us.
Recently, we've had a nasty bug affecting some users upgrading to version 1.1, causing them not to be able to open the App at all. We've issued a fix (v1.1.1) but apparently we missed some cases. As soon as we realized there are still users who can't run the app, we've fixed the issue in 10 minutes of work and immediately submitted v1.1.2 to Apple. Since several users have been waiting for this fix for awhile, and meanwhile can't use the app they paid good money for, we deemed this as an urgent fix.
We contacted the App approval team on August 5th well after working hours, explaining the unique situation and the simple fix, asking them to speed up this specific update. One and a half days later, we received the email that Bencao has been jumped ahead in the queue, and 13 minutes later we got the approval message. Now the few users who suffered from this annoying issue can go back to using Bencao again.
We realize that with over 70,000 Apps in the App Store the review team members have their hands full. While we're not sure ourselves how necessary the entire process is, we do appreciate that Apple is listening to developers and apps users and improving the review process. Clear communication channels is an extremely good step in the right direction.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Version 1.1.1
We had a bug affecting some users upgrading from version 1.0 to 1.1, who couldn't open Bencao after upgrading. The bug is now fixed in the newest version (1.1.1) which was approved today by Apple and can be downloaded from the App Store.
Update (August 7th): Yes, there's another fix - version 1.1.2. We're hoping this is the last of this issue. Sorry for all the waiting some of you had to do.
You should get this update if:
1. You updated to 1.1 and couldn't open the app.
2. You still have version 1.0 and never updated to 1.1.
If you have a working version 1.1 (that's the majority of users), you need not update (versions are not different).
Update (August 7th): Yes, there's another fix - version 1.1.2. We're hoping this is the last of this issue. Sorry for all the waiting some of you had to do.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Solving Problems
Update [July 21st]: We've just submitted a fix to Apple for review. It should be available to download in several days. Sorry for the inconvenience.
1. Connect the iPhone/iPod Touch to your computer, open iTunes, and perform a complete Sync.
2. Disconnect the iPhone, close it, wait for 5 seconds and reopen it.
Hopefully this should do the trick. If it doesn't, please continue.
3. We'll need you to email us some files from your computer which can show us exactly what's happening on your device. These files are located in the following folder (according to which operating system you have):
• In Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[USERNAME]\Application Data\Apple computer\Logs\CrashReporter\[DEVICE_NAME]
• In Windows Vista: C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Apple computer\Logs\CrashReporter\MobileDevice\[DEVICE_NAME]
• In Mac OS X : ~/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/MobileDevice/[DEVICE_NAME]
(Note:
The files we need from this folder all start with the name "Ben Cao" (there might be a few). Please attach all these files to an email to bencaofeedback (at) gmail.com
4. If you must use Bencao urgently you can delete it from your iPhone, then sync it again with iTunes and retransfer the app to the iPhone. This will definitely work, but it might ERASE all of your notes, so this is of course a last resort.
If you need to contact us with this or other problems, you can email bencaofeedback (at) gmail.com or leave a comment in this post.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
5 Stars
It's been a little over 2 months at the App Store, and we're happy to see you like it.
We've been getting a lot of positive feedback, both privately and as public reviews, from practitioners all over the world who use Bencao in their clinics or in the classroom.
One request we repeatedly receive is for an option to add your own formulas. Rest assured that will be coming one of these days in a free update. We've already submitted version 1.1 to Apple and waiting for their approval. Version 1.1 adds search functions, fixes minor compatibility issues with iPhone OS 3.0 and add more formulas. Stay tuned for more!
Because users can only see reviews from their own country's iTunes store, we though we'd share with you all the reviews we've got till today, from everywhere. Thank you for all reviewers and keep them coming. We'll be letting you know when we have those "Bencao is my daddy" T-shirts ready.
"Outstanding Work!!" by Acu-Student, USA, Apr 19 2009
I have been waiting for an application for Chinese herbal medicinals and this app gets it right. As an advanced student of Chinese Medicine I highly recommend this for students and practitioners alike.
"BenCao" by Chinesische Kräutermedizin, Switzerland, Apr 19 2009
Ein sehr schönes Programm, in dem Syndrome, Symptome, Einzelkräuter und Rezepte der chinesischen Medizin aufgeführt sind. Man kann sehr gut von einem Programmteil zum nächsten springen.
[Roughly translates to:
A very nice program, in the syndromes, symptoms, individual herbs and prescriptions of Chinese medicine are listed. One can very well from one part of the program to the next jump.]
"Fantastic!!!" by iamCarlos, USA, Apr 22 2009
Currently in school for Chinese Medicine, and have been looking for a program like this in the app store at least once a week for the past 6 months. Wonderful application. Maybe a "testing" feature in the future? Regardless, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!
"Bencao is my daddy" by Acu997, Apr 22 2009
This app is what I've wanted for a long time. Worth every penny.
I would add:
Add herbs and formulas to a favorite list.
"very good" by Douglas Eisenstark, USA, Apr 24 2009
Very, very good application. I'm sure it's use will be limited to the student and practitioner of Chinese Medicine. This is not for the consumer or casual user of herbs. Licensed acupuncturists will appreciate how it gives formulas and individual herbs that are easily found by category, Pinyin or English name. Seems to follow standard Bensky. Some very nice features such as listing the formulas that each herb is found in. Also for those of us teachers and students in California, it flags California State Board formulas. Listings can be found through a menu or either herbs, formulas, symptoms or syndromes.
"Worth the big bucks!" by katykate, USA, Apr 29 2009
Actually I am just a consumer who wanted to know more about TCM in an easy to use format. I am so pleased to have this a reference when I go for my acu-treatment. I am not a student or practitioner but I like to be well educated about my health and what's going into my body. I wish there was a place to document my treatments and how I felt while on specific herbs/formulas . Then it could provide me a more personalized health history of my own TCM experiences. Simply more places to take notes really would make it even better! Love it and am learning just for personal enrichment everyday! Thx so much!!
"an amazingly great start..." by Sean Michael Hall, L.Ac., USA, May 1 2009
A little pricey, but considering the limited audience, it's a fair price. Highly recommended for students or practitioners, especially those that practice in multiple locations, and would rather not lug heavy books around. This app is not for the layperson, but designed for professionals. It's a very complete collection of herbs, formulas, symptoms and TCM patterns... with each easily cross-referenced in the other categories.
"I LOVE IT!" by mehall7, USA, May 7 2009
Best formula app out there by far!!! It is pricey and I just noticed it went up in priceup so buy it before it goes up again. Well worth the money for students acupuncturist!!! Better than carrying around a huge book and the best part is you can add your own notes and comments. My favorite app on my itouch!!! Will use it for years to come.
"one of the best apps i've seen but." by acustudent, USA, May 8 2009
This app is a great supplement to both herbal study on the go and howning in on the best formula to use when in clinic.............With that said there really needs to be a favorites option and a way to access CA board material without going through the whole Bencao app.
"Amazing" by Lovely11, USA, May 10 2009
I'm a second year student and stumbled across this application. This has been an amazing help. I've showed it to several other students and they are also impressed. I have already suggested that there be a way to add your own formulas like for Dui Yao and your own creations. They are working on it!!! Test questions would be great too.
"This is a must-have for any student or practitioner of TOM" by aimcstudent, USA, May 12 09
A friend at school recently turned me on to this app. I'm so glad she did. It has really changed the way I study herbs. Now when I'm in class, and a teacher mentions a formula, I look it up right away on my iPhone. If there are herbs in the formula that I'm a bit rusty on, I click on those to go right to a screen with info about each single herb. I can even add notes to both single herbs and formulas. Another useful feature is the ability to highlight which formulas are on the CA State Board exam. This will be very helpful for studying purposes. My only complaint is that it's not yet possible to filter/sort formulas based on whether they're on the State Boards, but I emailed the developer about this and he responded promptly and said this would be a feature added in a future version. Fantastic!
"Finally" by hexil, Australia, 16 MAy 2009
A materia medica for the iphone
"Good app just needs tweaking to be great" by Blueskymedicine, USA, May 18 2009
This is perfect for info at your fingertips. Great clinical tool. Needs to be able to let the user add herbs and formulas to the app that are not in it. I use a lot of herbs and formulas not listed. Other apps allow that so should be here since this one costs the most. But very great tool. With the addition of what I said above this app would be excellent.
"EXCELLENT !" by Michael UK, United Kingdom, May 21 2009
This is a great application, it is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of herbs their use and what they do and what they can be used in the treatment of, great for students and practitioners of TCM.
"Useful clinical tool" by Daifu, Australia, 24 May 2009
As herbalist, this is the tool I have been waiting for. It holds a generous amount of information and is quicker than going through websites. I justified the cost of this app by comparing it to a small reference book which would cost more.
"High on Herbal Ap" by Dr. Tian Hua, USA, May 26 2009
Very nice to be able to cross reference many different ways! The bottom line is that this app SAVES lots of time and energy for the student or for the Physician putting together patent formulas.
"Great" by Tcm herbalist, USA, Jun 5 2009
This was a wonderful app studying for the Colorado boards. I agree, tho, that we need to be able to include our own notes, formulas and modifications. Still worth the money!! Don't hesitate to get this one!""
"Best App about Chinese Herbs" by BluAzn, United Kingdom, Jun 11 2009
This is the best app on iphone, it would be even more better if there were a chinese version :-)
We've been getting a lot of positive feedback, both privately and as public reviews, from practitioners all over the world who use Bencao in their clinics or in the classroom.
One request we repeatedly receive is for an option to add your own formulas. Rest assured that will be coming one of these days in a free update. We've already submitted version 1.1 to Apple and waiting for their approval. Version 1.1 adds search functions, fixes minor compatibility issues with iPhone OS 3.0 and add more formulas. Stay tuned for more!
Because users can only see reviews from their own country's iTunes store, we though we'd share with you all the reviews we've got till today, from everywhere. Thank you for all reviewers and keep them coming. We'll be letting you know when we have those "Bencao is my daddy" T-shirts ready.
"Outstanding Work!!" by Acu-Student, USA, Apr 19 2009I have been waiting for an application for Chinese herbal medicinals and this app gets it right. As an advanced student of Chinese Medicine I highly recommend this for students and practitioners alike.
"BenCao" by Chinesische Kräutermedizin, Switzerland, Apr 19 2009Ein sehr schönes Programm, in dem Syndrome, Symptome, Einzelkräuter und Rezepte der chinesischen Medizin aufgeführt sind. Man kann sehr gut von einem Programmteil zum nächsten springen.
[Roughly translates to:
A very nice program, in the syndromes, symptoms, individual herbs and prescriptions of Chinese medicine are listed. One can very well from one part of the program to the next jump.]
"Fantastic!!!" by iamCarlos, USA, Apr 22 2009 Currently in school for Chinese Medicine, and have been looking for a program like this in the app store at least once a week for the past 6 months. Wonderful application. Maybe a "testing" feature in the future? Regardless, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!
"Bencao is my daddy" by Acu997, Apr 22 2009This app is what I've wanted for a long time. Worth every penny.
I would add:
Add herbs and formulas to a favorite list.
"very good" by Douglas Eisenstark, USA, Apr 24 2009 Very, very good application. I'm sure it's use will be limited to the student and practitioner of Chinese Medicine. This is not for the consumer or casual user of herbs. Licensed acupuncturists will appreciate how it gives formulas and individual herbs that are easily found by category, Pinyin or English name. Seems to follow standard Bensky. Some very nice features such as listing the formulas that each herb is found in. Also for those of us teachers and students in California, it flags California State Board formulas. Listings can be found through a menu or either herbs, formulas, symptoms or syndromes.
"Worth the big bucks!" by katykate, USA, Apr 29 2009 Actually I am just a consumer who wanted to know more about TCM in an easy to use format. I am so pleased to have this a reference when I go for my acu-treatment. I am not a student or practitioner but I like to be well educated about my health and what's going into my body. I wish there was a place to document my treatments and how I felt while on specific herbs/formulas . Then it could provide me a more personalized health history of my own TCM experiences. Simply more places to take notes really would make it even better! Love it and am learning just for personal enrichment everyday! Thx so much!!
"an amazingly great start..." by Sean Michael Hall, L.Ac., USA, May 1 2009 A little pricey, but considering the limited audience, it's a fair price. Highly recommended for students or practitioners, especially those that practice in multiple locations, and would rather not lug heavy books around. This app is not for the layperson, but designed for professionals. It's a very complete collection of herbs, formulas, symptoms and TCM patterns... with each easily cross-referenced in the other categories.
"I LOVE IT!" by mehall7, USA, May 7 2009 Best formula app out there by far!!! It is pricey and I just noticed it went up in priceup so buy it before it goes up again. Well worth the money for students acupuncturist!!! Better than carrying around a huge book and the best part is you can add your own notes and comments. My favorite app on my itouch!!! Will use it for years to come.
"one of the best apps i've seen but." by acustudent, USA, May 8 2009 This app is a great supplement to both herbal study on the go and howning in on the best formula to use when in clinic.............With that said there really needs to be a favorites option and a way to access CA board material without going through the whole Bencao app.
"Amazing" by Lovely11, USA, May 10 2009 I'm a second year student and stumbled across this application. This has been an amazing help. I've showed it to several other students and they are also impressed. I have already suggested that there be a way to add your own formulas like for Dui Yao and your own creations. They are working on it!!! Test questions would be great too.
"This is a must-have for any student or practitioner of TOM" by aimcstudent, USA, May 12 09A friend at school recently turned me on to this app. I'm so glad she did. It has really changed the way I study herbs. Now when I'm in class, and a teacher mentions a formula, I look it up right away on my iPhone. If there are herbs in the formula that I'm a bit rusty on, I click on those to go right to a screen with info about each single herb. I can even add notes to both single herbs and formulas. Another useful feature is the ability to highlight which formulas are on the CA State Board exam. This will be very helpful for studying purposes. My only complaint is that it's not yet possible to filter/sort formulas based on whether they're on the State Boards, but I emailed the developer about this and he responded promptly and said this would be a feature added in a future version. Fantastic!
"Finally" by hexil, Australia, 16 MAy 2009 A materia medica for the iphone
"Good app just needs tweaking to be great" by Blueskymedicine, USA, May 18 2009 This is perfect for info at your fingertips. Great clinical tool. Needs to be able to let the user add herbs and formulas to the app that are not in it. I use a lot of herbs and formulas not listed. Other apps allow that so should be here since this one costs the most. But very great tool. With the addition of what I said above this app would be excellent.
"EXCELLENT !" by Michael UK, United Kingdom, May 21 2009 This is a great application, it is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of herbs their use and what they do and what they can be used in the treatment of, great for students and practitioners of TCM.
"Useful clinical tool" by Daifu, Australia, 24 May 2009As herbalist, this is the tool I have been waiting for. It holds a generous amount of information and is quicker than going through websites. I justified the cost of this app by comparing it to a small reference book which would cost more.
"High on Herbal Ap" by Dr. Tian Hua, USA, May 26 2009Very nice to be able to cross reference many different ways! The bottom line is that this app SAVES lots of time and energy for the student or for the Physician putting together patent formulas.
"Great" by Tcm herbalist, USA, Jun 5 2009This was a wonderful app studying for the Colorado boards. I agree, tho, that we need to be able to include our own notes, formulas and modifications. Still worth the money!! Don't hesitate to get this one!""
"Best App about Chinese Herbs" by BluAzn, United Kingdom, Jun 11 2009This is the best app on iphone, it would be even more better if there were a chinese version :-)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Bencao on the App Store!
Bencao, the first Chinese Herbal Medicine app for the iPhone and iPod Touch, is now available to download through iTunes or through the App Store on your device.
So who is Bencao for? All practitioners and students of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Practitioners can look up quick information on a forgotten dosage, make sure there are no relevant contraindications, or find a modification for a specific symptom.
Students can benefit from the unique organization of the data on each herb and formula, containing full Chinese name (showing the simplified Chinese characters and Pinyin pronunciations with tone marks), English names, pharmaceutical names for herbs, actions, indications, contraindication and hundreds of high quality images (tap an image to see it full screen).
Give us a try! Download Bencao through the App Store and let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or use the "Send Feedback" link in the Settings screen of the app.
So who is Bencao for? All practitioners and students of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Practitioners can look up quick information on a forgotten dosage, make sure there are no relevant contraindications, or find a modification for a specific symptom.
Students can benefit from the unique organization of the data on each herb and formula, containing full Chinese name (showing the simplified Chinese characters and Pinyin pronunciations with tone marks), English names, pharmaceutical names for herbs, actions, indications, contraindication and hundreds of high quality images (tap an image to see it full screen).
Give us a try! Download Bencao through the App Store and let us know what you think. Leave a comment here or use the "Send Feedback" link in the Settings screen of the app.
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