Mark Burnett & Roma Downey, Glo Bible, and Zondervan Come Together to Launch Socially Integrated Bible App: Bible360

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 3, 2012) - Renowned producer Mark Burnett and his wife, Touched By An Angel star Roma Downey; digital Bible maker Glo Bible; and Christian publisher Zondervan -- today announced that they are coming together to launch Bible360, a new app that brings the text of Scripture to life through video, interactive technology and social media.

Bible360 will build upon Glo Bible's award-winning digital platform -- which incorporates 360-degree virtual tours and animated maps -- by adding social features and reading plans. Bible360 will also feature The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, preloaded by Zondervan. In the future, video from Roma Downey and husband Mark Burnett's forthcoming HISTORY® series about the Bible will be integrated into the app to further enhance the reader's experience.

Social features include the ability to share Bible verses, photos and snapshots via social networking channels such as Twitter and YouVersion, through the popular Jesus Daily page on Facebook, or through the reader's own personal social networking platforms. Bible360 is free with a premium upgrade available.

"With Bible360, people everywhere now have the ability to explore Biblical History in an insightful, accessible and immersive way," said Mark Burnett and Roma Downey in a joint statement. "We are thrilled to provide millions of people with a fresh visual experience as they enjoy this sacred text."

Bible360 allows users to access any Bible chapter or verse in just two clicks. Every page of the Bible then features relevant videos, artwork, photos, and virtual tours, resulting in an interactive experience that gives users the full 360-degree view of the Bible. The entire Bible and related media are also organized through unique browsing "Lenses," allowing users to sort and search the Bible by geography, timeline, media type, and topic.

"It is an honor to be collaborating with some of the leading content creators on this new, socially-charged app," said Bible360 President John Kilcullen. "It's our hope that Bible360 will be a tool to empower people to dive deeper into the Bible and engage in valuable conversations about the book within their communities."

In addition, launching with the new Bible360 app is the "Me" Lens, which includes a journal and reading plans. After connecting to social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, the "Me" Lens will integrate relevant posts so users can see what their friends are sharing from the Bible. The premium version of Bible360 will allow users to access more premium content and sync their experiences across various devices and platforms, including the Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone.

Zondervan, the leading publisher of Bibles, Christian books, videos, and software, has provided The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible for the Bible360 app. NIV is the world's most popular Bible translation, revised in 2011 for the first time in 25 years. "We are delighted to partner with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey to engage people with such a compelling application of God's Word," said Zondervan's Senior VP and Publisher for Bibles, Chip Brown. "Their vision will undoubtedly help millions experience the Bible in a fresh, new way."

This announcement is in conjunction with the upcoming Bible series created by Executive Producer Mark Burnett airing on HISTORY® in 2013. The ten-part series was conceived by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett and will be produced by Lightworkers Media and Hearst Entertainment & Syndication. Video produced for the new series will eventually be incorporated into the Bible360 app, allowing for an even richer multimedia experience.

Bible360 is available at all iTunes stores internationally. To learn more visit www.bible360.com.

About Immersion Digital
Immersion Digital is a technology and media company founded in 2008. Its flagship product, Glo, is an award-winning interactive Bible that brings God's Word to life through HD video, images, animations, maps, reading plans, 360-degree virtual tours and more. Chairman Phil Chen and CEO Nelson Saba (founder of Visual Book Productions, the creator of iLumina) share a vision to create immersive experiences that are relevant and engaging to this digital age. Glo was awarded "2010 Bible of the Year" by the ECPA, as well as "Media of the Year" by Christian Resource Awards. For more information please visit http://www.globible.com/press/.

About Zondervan
Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling Bibles, books, audio, video, curriculum, software, and digital products through its Zondervan, eZondervan, Zonderkidz, Youth Specialties, Editorial Vida, and National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at www.zondervan.com (mobile site: zvan.mobi).