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Applied Ballistics launching a completely new mobile app today, and it has a compelling list of features for long-range shooters.
The Applied Ballistics Device Ecosystem
79% of the 200 top-ranked PRS Shooters use a Kestrel 5700/5700X with Applied Ballistics to calculate their ballistics at a match (based on data from my 2024 “What The Pros Use” survey). There are several ballistic solvers out there, but Applied Ballistics is clearly the most popular option among the long-range shooters at the highest levels.
Applied Ballistics offers an extremely accurate solver backed by a full-time ballistics lab. In addition, Applied Ballistics provides the most comprehensive bullet and drag library available, which is based on literally thousands of live samples collected by their mobile lab. These are no longer just BC’s – but bullet-specific, Doppler-based drag models to make your solution even more accurate. (Learn about drag models)
Applied Ballistics has partnered with dozens of companies to integrate the AB ballistics engine directly into electronic devices, including:
- Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meters
- Vectronix Vector X Ranging Binoculars & PLRF25 Rangefinder
- Sig BDX scopes, rangefinders, and ranging binoculars, like the Sig KILO10K-ABS HD
- Leica Geovid Pro AB+ Ranging Binoculars & CRF Pro Rangefinders
- Vortex Fury HD 5000 AB Ranging Binoculars
- Garmin Foretrex Handheld GPS, Watches, and other devices
- Wilcox RAPTAR-S, RATAR-Xe & MRF-Xe Rangefinders
- Pixels On Target Thermal Optics devices
- FN Elity Weapon-Mounted Ballistic Calculator
- Rheinmetall FCS-TacRay Ballistic Fire Control System
- L3Harris PAL/SPEAR Rangefinders
- Envision MARS Rangefinders
- Calypso AB Mini Wind Meter
- Superior Optics Rangefinders
- Henrich Rangefinders
- Bushnell Nitro 1800
- DARPA Computational Weapon Optic
- … and more!
The Applied Ballistics engine is clearly the most trusted ballistic solver among professional shooters – but I’ll be honest, the Applied Ballistics mobile app left a lot to be desired. That’s why I was so excited to hear that they’ve done a complete rewrite of Applied Ballistics Mobile from the ground up!
Applied Ballistics Quantum App
AB Quantum will be the new name of Applied Ballistics’ mobile platform. If you already have the Applied Ballistics Mobile app, it will be automatically updated to the Quantum app soon. Check your app store for availability: iOS | Android.
The new app offers tons of features, including charts, reticle displays/output, a way to integrate and track your muzzle velocity measurements over time, and there is much more planned. It will also be your one-stop shop for managing your ballistic profiles stored across AB-compatible devices.
“Our vision is clear: to create the most intuitive, feature-rich ballistics application on the market, seamlessly integrating with the entire Applied Ballistics ecosystem of products. AB Quantum will be our flagship platform, driving the future of AB-integrated devices. It enables us to deliver innovative features to our users and transforms the way they use their existing AB-enabled products.” – Nick Vitalbo, Applied Ballistics Chief Technology Officer
Because the new app is launching today (Dec 4th), I haven’t had a chance to try it out for myself, but the guys at Applied Ballistics have provided a comprehensive video walk-through and tutorial you can view below. I also share a few more screenshots of the app at the end of this article.
The AB Quantum app has two licenses, and the available features vary between them:
- Free Version (aka Ultralight)
- Elite Version
You can pay for an Elite license – OR if you already own a device with Applied Ballistics Elite that can pair with the app, the upgrade to the Elite version should happen automatically once you pair that device. No additional charge!
Note: They are actively working to add compatibility for Kestrel devices with Applied Ballistics to pair with the AB Quantum app – but it isn’t ready yet. I bet most of my readers have one of those, so I specifically asked the AB team for a time estimate of when that would be ready, and they’re expecting January 2025.
Here is a list of current devices that you can pair with the AB Quantum app to unlock your Elite license, and you can see “Kestrel 5700/5700x Weathermeters with Applied Ballistics” are under “In The Works”:
Visit Applied Ballistics for more info: https://appliedballisticsllc.com/ab-quantum/
Here are a few screenshots from the app (all taken from the video above):
Complete Press Release from Applied Ballistics, Inc:
Applied Ballistics announces their new mobile platform, Applied Ballistics Quantum™, a state-of-the-art app integrating the most complete ballistics solver and profile management tool for long-range shooting. Featuring an all-new user interface, AB Quantum™ includes a host of new tools and features that will enable shooters and hunters to be more successful in the field.
“Our vision is clear: to create the most intuitive, feature-rich ballistics application on the market, seamlessly integrating with the entire Applied Ballistics ecosystem of products.“ said Applied Ballistics Chief Technology Officer Nick Vitalbo. “AB Quantum™ will be our flagship platform, driving the future of AB-integrated devices. It enables us to deliver innovative features to our users and transforms the way they use their existing AB-enabled products.” The platform incorporates feedback from world-class shooters and hunters from around the globe to create the most comprehensive ballistics application available today.
New Features Overview
AB Quantum™ creates a new paradigm for ballistic solvers and integration with Bluetooth®-enabled devices. With a host of new features, the platform is designed to save time and add performance for users of all skill levels.
The all-new user interface is designed with single-handed use in mind, putting all major features just a swipe or tap away from any screen, which allows users to rapidly obtain solutions in the field or at a match. The simplicity and versatility of the app interface create an intuitive experience for both new and experienced users.
Two new features – AB Quantum Connect™ and AB Quantum Sync™ – enable users to quickly connect to other AB-enabled devices and sync gun profiles between them in seconds, as well as back those profiles up to an encrypted server for peace of mind and easy restoration. The new platform automatically saves changes made to rifle profiles and updates connected devices without the user needing to do anything.
For competitors or hunters, AB Quantum™ includes customizable Range and Multi-Target tables. This allows users to lay out the displayed information to exactly what they need to hit their target. After creating a range or target card, it can easily be shared via email.
Built with the future in mind, the new AB Quantum™ platform allows for continuous innovation. At launch, the following new features will be available:
- AB Quantum™ User Interface – Take control of ballistic data and find solutions with ease using the new layout designed with one-handed operation in mind.
- New Bluetooth® Device Manager – Find and connect AB Bluetooth® devices quickly and send data between devices using AB Quantum Connect™.
- AB Quantum Sync™ – User gun profiles are automatically uploaded to an encrypted server to allow easy access for other devices and backup, providing peace of mind and security.
- Customizable Range Card and Target Card Modes – The new expandable and customizable range and target card modes allow users to select what data to see for each Range or Target. Use the share function to send range and data cards in just seconds.
- New Reticle Library – The AB Reticle library is hosted online and updates in AB Quantum™ automatically, providing users with up-to-date solution drawings for their favorite rifle scopes.
- Improved Truing Interface – Easy to access ballistic truing features without leaving solution screens.
- Chronograph Integration – Connect Bluetooth®-enabled chronographs – such as the Optex Systems SpeedTracker™ – directly to the app and save the velocity data to rifle profiles.
Simplifying Your Solutions
“Ballistics can be complicated, and it is our job to simplify what’s important so that shooters can hit targets,” said Applied Ballistics Chief Ballistician Bryan Litz. “The AB Quantum™ platform meets this goal and more. By integrating the ballistic solver with other support tools, shooters will have a complete management system to enhance knowledge and put rounds on target faster and easier than ever before.”
The acclaimed Applied Ballistics Bullet Library is a good example of simplification for shooters: it includes thousands of projectile models that have been built using Doppler Radar to create a Custom Drag Model (CDM) for each bullet. This library is a core feature of the AB Quantum™ app, giving users the fastest way to create accurate and precise solutions for any environment.
Consumers can find the “AB Quantum™” app available on either the iOS or Android app stores beginning in December of 2024.
For more information, visit https://appliedballisticsllc.com/ab-quantum/
About Applied Ballistics
Applied Ballistics aims to empower long-range precision hunters, shooters, and industry partners through advanced solutions, comprehensive data management, and seamless system integration. We are dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased ballistics information and solutions that enhance accuracy and understanding. At the forefront of innovation, Applied Ballistics is your trusted partner in the Science of Accuracy®.
Missing feature: Nice to have is pairing with Garmin Xero® C1 Pro Chronograph
Wishful thinking: WEZ section in the app
I agree on both counts! While Applied Ballistics hasn’t told me anything about this, I’d expect they will integrate with Garmin. They seem to already have a close partnership with them. Applied Ballistics solvers are in multiple Garmin devices. I’m sure they’re aware that the Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph represents what the majority of shooters are buying at this point, so I’d bet it’s on their shortlist.
And I love the WEZ analysis. I used it several times over the past 2 weeks to make some decisions around cartridges and bullets. It really helps put it all in perspective. That would be a killer feature on the app. Maybe they could integrate that in as one of the elite features.
For anyone who doesn’t know what WEZ analysis is, check out this article: How Much Does It Matter? Overall Summary
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Cal
This is very exciting as the previous app was pretty antiquated. While I find the reticles mostly useless, as I generally buy first focal plane mil tree scopes, it is definitely something that almost all of my friends complain about and continue to use Strelok because of. It also has quite a few useful calculators that people seem to appreciate.
I hope that AB adds integration for the Garmin Xero C1 chronograph. It is odd to me that they would add integration for the Optex Speedtracker Chronograph but not the Xero. I have both and the Optex just sits in my garage, unused. The Garmin is much more useful and easy to use in my opinion.
Great points. I also thought AB has been behind the curve on their mobile app for some time, which always seemed odd to me.
While Applied Ballistics hasn’t told me anything about this, I’d expect they will integrate with Garmin. They seem to already have a close partnership with them. Applied Ballistics solvers are in multiple Garmin devices. I’m sure they’re aware that the Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph represents what the majority of shooters are buying at this point, so I’d bet it’s on their shortlist.
Thanks,
Cal
Why in the world would a ballistics app need to access my contacts and legacy photo/video content not taken within the context of the app itself? This is a bit egregious.
From the mobile app privacy policy:
Stored Information and Files. The App also may access metadata and other information associated with other files stored on your device and used by the App. This may include, for example, photographs, audio and video clips, personal contacts, and address book information.
Very interesting. I agree it shouldn’t need access to that stuff. At least on the iPhone you have to explicitly grant a third-party app access to information in Contacts, Photos, Calendar, and other apps. The end-user always has control over that, and can audit what any app has access to (learn how to do that here). I double-checked the app after I updated on my iPhone, and it didn’t have access to any of that stuff. That might be boiler-plate privacy policy language, but I’m not sure.
It’s a good point! Thanks for dropping it in the comments.
Cal
Because your computer devices are the product to which the app wants to access – everything it can mine off your computer or smartphone. You get the app for free or some “reasonable” charge or recurring fee, and the apps gets all the access it wants to your devices. Cars are the worst generally.
A downside I notice right off is the lack of reticles that were available in their previous ballistics app. The only reticles I saw for Nightforce NXS and NX8 appears to be the Horus ones. I have an older NXS with the NP-R2 reticle. The older version of the AB app had it as well mas a lot of others. It’s an inconvenience for sure. Not as robust as the Strelok. Although, being in the software industry I recognize this as a major update and they might not have had enough time to bring them over. Maybe they are coming in a future update. Time will tell. If I’m missing something please let me know. Love your articles, they have helped me and a ton of friends. We all hunt and shot long range as a hobby. Non of us are PRS shooters but we sure learn a lot from your articles. Once again, thanks Cal!!
Hey, Billy. Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you are enjoying the content and finding it valuable, even if you don’t compete. So much of this translate to serious rifle hunters, too. And that is how I started out, so watch out … you might get sucked into the competition thing! 😉
I didn’t have a chance to play with the app until just now, but based on your comments I went straight to the reticles … and I agree. It seems like they are lacking some of the most popular options for Nightforce – and only have Horus represented. I looked at the Leupold Mark 5HD, since I know that is another extremely popular scope and it looks like the only option on it is also Horus reticles.
I also noticed they don’t have the Tangent Theta 7-35×56 Professional scope, which is what I’ve been using lately. Even on the Tangent 5-25×56 they didn’t have the JTAC reticle, although they did have one that wasn’t a Horus reticle (i.e., Gen 2 XR) … so at least it’s not exclusively Horus.
I might reach out to them and ask if they plan on adding more reticles, or why it seems to be heavily Horus reticles at this point. I would assume that might be from a military contract they had, and they just haven’t added all of the more consumer reticles yet. But I don’t know what their plans are, so I’ll ask and report back what I hear.
Thanks,
Cal