Do these apps only work when there is an Internet connection? I don't understand the connection to a server - is it always necessary or just for expected circumstances?

It depends on how you want to build it. There is quite a bit about this in the forum. If you link documents to outside URL's they can be cached and used without an internet connection.

Can I include video and sound in the binary? Will my app still work if the server is down?

Kinda what outbreak said; it really depends on you. The 'bt_config' file is downloaded each time the app starts up, but it doesn't 'have' to. If you want an app that is totally offline, all you need to do is embed your resources in the app, and make all the appropriate links to internal files, rather than a data URL. It's just a choice. GoNorthWest did a pretty good explanation of it here: https://www.buzztouch.com/files/howtos/Understanding_App_Refresh_and_Offline_Apps_v1.0.pdf Hope it helps clear up some questions, but always return with more! Cheers! -- Smug

There is a AT53 Video Player plugin that I believe allows you to store and play videos on the app. I imagine that they would take up quite a bit of space though.

Okay I'm sold - thanks

A huge benefit of using an internet connection with BT is that you can change almost the whole content and structure of an app on the fly without having to resubmit binaries to the app marketplaces. Probably an invaluable feature for Video and Audio? And yes, your app would still work if the server is down. Don't think it's happened since I've been here though.

Wherever possible, I try to embed the content. However, I love the fact that all it takes is a quick edit, and any old information that is on the device can be superseded by new dynamic data, until an update is released. Cheers! -- Smug

Okay I'm sold - thanks

Hi @Foolfully, Lots of great points above! Keep in mind that your app can be online...meaning you can make realtime changes to it using the control panel, but you can also include various media items in the package itself, so that they can be viewed offline. There are quite a few different combinations you could come up with. And know that since your app ships with a configuration data file, which gets updated on the device each time the user requests/allows an update, it will always "work," even if the buzztouch server is down! At the very least, the app will load the last config file it has available. Mark