Packt Reader 4+

This app looks and feels like a demo project from a book. I find it very lacking in features compared to the app it replaced (for instance, I cant go to my owned books, reading lists, etc.). It’s also a usability nightmare since it just dumps titles on the Home Screen and never keeps track of your progress. Sure, the original app was missing things (highlighting and note taking) but this is a step backwards imho. They would have been better off to improving the other app. If this one doesn’t improve greatly and fast I’m not sure I’ll continue my subscription past its current term.

The title asks a question that only Packt can answer. While not perfect the last application was an effective book reader and video player. This one is not. Pages sometimes just don’t appear when you turn the page. They display slowly. The user interface is crude and not effective. I have been a Packt subscriber for years and this app is so bad that I am considering not renewing my subscription as I can’t consume the content that I paid for.

This app seems to have been written by one of the Packt book authors. It is low quality and lacking features, just like the books. Many developers in my circles understand Packt books lack depth and mastery. You can find better resources online for free in blogs and tutorials. Often, the documentation for your chosen technology is the best resource as it will be most up to date, explain in detail how to use the project, etc. Technical books are becoming obsolete.