SPOKANE, Wash.-- Olive Tree Bible Software announced the launch of the best-selling New International Version (NIV) Red Letter Edition for handheld devices, July 20. According to a press release, this powerful translation combined with Olive Tree's cutting-edge Bible software facilitates convenient Bible reading.

"Our software makes it easy to take the NIV wherever you go," said Kristi Allen, Project Manager at Olive Tree, "This leading Bible translation becomes even more functional when it is enhanced by our innovative, user-friendly technology."

Olive Tree's unique software design allows for personal reading or intensive Bible studying. Additionally, the electronic format allows easy navigation and quick search capability.

The NIV can be supplemented by commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, Greek and Hebrew tools, and many additional Bible versions. Palm OS and Pocket PC versions for the NIV also include bookmarks, personal notes, color highlighting, plus the ability to divide the screen of a device to display multiple texts at one time, and much more. This software is available for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone, Symbian, and BlackBerry devices.

The new technology may make the NIV even more popular as well. More than 215 million copies of the NIV have been sold or distributed since its release some 30 years ago.

"Translated by the leading biblical scholars in the world, the NIV is the most read and most trusted modern English translation in the world," said Cameron Conant, public relations manager at Zondervan, the North American publisher of the NIV.

A portion of the proceeds from every NIV purchase also helps fund Bible translation work around the world through the International Bible Society, according to Conant.

Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. They publish over 60 electronic translations of the Bible, as well as commentaries, dictionaries, eBooks, and parsing tools.

The Bible is offered in various languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and many others. Original Hebrew and Greek texts are also available. Additionally, web and online cell phone (WAP) Bible search engines are provided. Visit www.OliveTree.com.