audiobooks
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Scribd adds 30,000 audiobooks to its subscription service
Scribd's e-book subscription service seems to be making some inroads on Amazon's turf, and now the company is looking to take a swipe at Audible's lunch. From today, subscribers will be able to access a library of 30,000 audiobook titles that include big name authors like Suzanne "Hunger Games" Collins, Haruki "Norwegian Wood" Murakami and Cormac "The Road" McCarthy. Fortunately, there's no extra charge despite the bounty of new content, so users will still only be paying their regular $8.99 fee, and is available on Android, Kindle Fire and Nook devices. What about iOS users, you presumably ask? The company's still working on that particular app, but it's scheduled to land "in the coming days."
Audible flaw lets you download free audiobooks using fake accounts (updated)
You expect subscription services to verify your details before granting you access to their content -- that's how they make their money, after all. However, it appears that Audible isn't quite so rigorous. Alan Joseph has revealed a flaw in Amazon's service (verified by Business Insider) that lets you download as many audiobooks as you like using both a fake email address and an equally bogus credit card. Audible only checks your payment details after you grab a book, and you just have to renew your ill-gotten membership to get more credits.
Audible for Android gets design overhaul, improved library management and more
Amazon knows that although a number people prefer (or need, in some cases ) audio over visuals to absorb published works, it's still very important to provide a pleasant experience on the design front. In light of this, the Audible Android app has now been updated with a completely redesigned user interface, bringing along an enhanced navigating experience and an easier, more simplified way to manage your library. Audible listeners will also see a new "chapter-level" progress bar within the player, while other under-the-hood tweaks were made to improve the general performance and stability of the application. You don't have to wait to download version 1.5, as it's available as we speak from the Google Play store.
BMW and Mini cars add iOS integration for Audible, Glympse, Rhapsody and TuneIn
BMW hasn't been quite as aggressive in pushing smartphone app integration as American counterparts like Ford or GM, but it certainly knows how to make up for lost time: the Munich automaker just greenlit tie-ins with the iOS apps from Audible, Glympse, Rhapsody and TuneIn. Plug in a device and it will be possible to wield the apps' respective audiobook, location sharing, subscription music and live streaming radio services from a BMW Apps-capable BMW or Mini, with an interface optimized for the center stack. Each of the developers will need to update their app to make everything click, which we're told may take weeks. There still shouldn't be much wait before fans of Teutonic (and British) rides can get lost while streaming favorite songs -- and tell everyone just how far they went off-course.
Audible 2.0 for iOS brings long-expected iPad support and a UI overhaul
When the iPad is seemingly tailor-made for books of all kinds, you'd think Audible would leap on the opportunity to produce an optimized audiobook app -- it wasn't quite so eager, as customers have since discovered. Apple tablet owners won't have to perpetually lean on the stock music app for their fix, though, as Audible 2.0 at last brings an iPad-friendly form. The better use of screen real estate is the most obvious improvement, although there's a fresher, simpler interface for every iOS device. A few helpful extras reside under the surface, if the new layout isn't enough. It's easier to both sign in and hide finished books, while listeners who didn't replenish their libraries at home can grab as much as 3 hours' worth of audiobook over a cellular connection. Existing Audible subscribers just need to snag the latest app for free at the download link.
Amazon Audible hits WP 7.5, brings gesture controlled audiobooks (update)
It didn't land in the Marketplace yesterday as announced, but Amazon's Audible audio book app for Windows Phone 7.5 is now available for download. This Metro-fied version of the app is free to install (including some short samples to get you started), and signing in with your Amazon account lets you purchase any books that the service has on offer. Media can be controlled using a swipe gesture interface, and there are even varying levels of badges to reward how much of a book-worm you become. That said, we haven't been able to use the voice control functionally shown off by Microsoft at its Developers Summit is naturally a WP 8-only affair, so you won't find that feature here. If you're eager to get your literary listening on, you'll find a download and more info about the app at the source link below. Update: As many of you have pointed out in the comments, the voice control aspect is specific to Windows Phone 8. We've updated our language in the post to reflect this.
Standalone podcast app from Apple coming to iOS 6
Not long after the iOS 6 beta was released, inquiring listeners wanted to know, what happened to podcasts? AllThingsD's Peter Kafka appears to have the answer: Apple is planning a standalone app for podcasts in iOS 6. This follows a move by Apple to split video out of the iTunes app in iOS 5, as well as iTunes U gaining its own app. Also missing from iOS 6 appears to be the audiobooks area of the iTunes app, which makes me wonder if it's either getting its own app as well or will be folded into the iBooks app.
Nokia Reading opens its pages to select European nations, more to follow
Nokia's not shy when it comes to decorating the Lumia halls with proprietary and partnership apps. The latest addition? That Nokia Reading app we first saw announced at MWC. Owners of Lumia 900, 800, 710 and 610 phones in France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK will be able to get their thumbs amidst those digital pages over the next few weeks, while unspecified "other" countries can look forward to it some time later in the year. Espoo is keen to point out that there'll be an emphasis on "own language" titles, but also a large collection of English language best sellers for which translations aren't available. It's just the written word for now, but audio books and news feeds will be introduced later. Let's just hope you finish reading The Color Purple by then.
Wolfheart audiobook on sale now, listen to samples for free
Looking to get into some WoW fiction but don't have the time to read? How about an audio book? Simon & Schuster is offering World of Warcraft: Wolfheart at 20% off from now until Wednesday, April 18. You can also listen to the prologue and the first chapter for free. Head to Simon & Schuster's website for details. Wolfheart by Richard A. Knaak was released last September, and you can check out our review of it we did back then. As Anne Stickney said in her review: For Alliance fans who are looking for a shot of good old-fashioned Alliance lore in the wake of Cataclysm, and for Horde fans who want to read more about the Alliance side of the Cataclysm struggle, Wolfheart is an excellent read. The events in this book hint and foreshadow things still to come in Cataclysm and beyond. Plus, we finally get to see the continuation of that ominous clash in the Ulduar trailer -- and let's face it, who hasn't been waiting to see that? If you're looking to get started reading Warcraft fiction in general, take a look at our chronological order of WoW fiction to help you decide where to start. Blizzard's full announcement, after the break.
AudioBooks introduces all-you-can-eat book streaming
If you're a commuter with a taste for the spoken word, you'll be pleased to hear that Audiobooks.com is introducing an all-you-can-eat service, including thousands of best-sellers. It's like Spotify or Rdio for audio books. Launching today, the new Audiobooks.com plan runs $24.95 per month, and can stream to nearly any internet-enabled mobile device. A very nice thing about the service is that you don't have to take out a book at a time. If a book grows boring, or you just want to listen to something different for a while, you can mark your place, and resume listening at the same spot at another time. They write, "With Audiobooks.com, there are no storage constraints, no need to return audio books, no long-term contracts and no time constraints on audio book use. Audiobooks.com users can even mark their place in an audio book and resume listening at the same spot without using a browser plug-in or special application." TUAW asked Ian Small, the general manager, about their pricing strategy, running as it does somewhat higher than music-only services. He replied through a spokesperson that Audiobooks is trying to price their service close to popular market standard, with Audible.com setting that standard. In the end, are you willing to add another monthly $25 bill to your costs? For some, it will be an invaluable service, for others a skippable luxury. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Audible removing in-app purchases according to Apple's rules
We've seen quite a bit of squabbling over the subscription and in-app purchase for content rules on the App Store in the past, but generally, things have tended to go Apple's way. Most companies, especially those who really depend on the iOS audience for buying their content, are eventually willing to put up with Apple's 30% cut of any content prices sold through an App Store app. But that's not the case with Audible, sellers of fine audiobooks for your iPhone and iPod touch -- the company has pulled the option to buy content directly through the app in the iOS version's latest update. iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users can still shop through the mobile store via Safari -- there's even a link inside the app that will open up the online store in your device's browser. So essentially, Audible's just working around Apple's restrictions here. Which make Apple's restrictions look a little silly, but the goal of course is to get that cut off of all content bought in the App Store. It's a shame Audible's customers have to deal with that extra inconvenience, though.
OverDrive Media Console app for iOS now features free e-book downloads
OverDrive, a digital media company that specializes in digital content distribution, has recently announced an update to its Media Console for iOS. As well as giving you access to audiobooks from something like 13,000 libraries and educational institutions the world o'er, the new app offers -- wait for it -- free e-book downloads! Free app, free e-books (as long as you have a library card, of course), and access to the world's great literature: it doesn't get much better than that, does it? Hit the source link to try it for yourself. We suggest that you start with Under The Volcano -- we always thought you looked drank like a young Malcolm Lowry.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Help me accessorize my iPod nano on the cheap
Dear Aunt TUAW, I bought a brand new multitouch nano, and now I want to accessorize it. But money is tight, and I don't have a lot to spend. I don't really care about "pretty," but I'd like to see what kind of functionality I can get (accessory-wise) on the cheap. Can you recommend any really affordable add-on accessories for my new little pal? Thanks a lot in advance, Your nephew Stephano J.
myFry: Stephen Fry's second autobiography becomes an interactive app
I've been following actor, all around wit, and Apple enthusiast Stephen Fry's career since I saw him play the wonderfully droll and brilliant butler, Jeeves in the English TV series Jeeves and Wooster back in the early 90's. Hugh Laurie, probably better known as Dr. House, played Bertie Wooster over the four seasons of tales from the P.G. Wodehouse's books. Since (and before) then he's done an amazing amount of work, from appearing in V for Vendetta to narrating the English versions of the Harry Potter Audiobooks books. The second volume of his autobiography entitled: The Fry Chronicles has been released in England as a hardcover book (UK£20.00), AudioBook, iBook (£12.99) and an iPhone app titled myFry (£7.99) in the British iTunes store. It's not yet available in the US store. The digital versions are enhanced with seven videos. The myFry app looks quite intriguing. Instead of linearity, (which is so passé) these days Fry opted for a color wheel that can take you to any themed section of the book where you can read sections of that theme. So the book isn't meant to be read in any particular order, at least on the iPhone. Without seeing it, (being a bloody Yank), I can see this working, since Fry's writing is quite anecdotal and randomly breaking it up might be just the thing. I can't wait to get my hands on it. [via 9to5 Mac]
You Can't Always Get What You Want: Great book, lousy app
You Can't Always Get What You Want (US$4.99 until the end of August, to celebrate Jerry Garcia's birthday), is one of the best Rock and Roll books I've ever read. It is written and read by Sam Cutler, the tour manager of the Rolling Stones and later the Grateful Dead in the late 60's and early 70's. The centerpiece of the book is the free concert at the Altamont Speedway in Northern California that took place on December 6, 1969, which was made into a gripping documentary film titled Gimme Shelter by Albert and David Maysles. The line up included: Santana, the Jefferson Airplane, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead, who later decided not to play since it was too dangerous. What most people remember about the concert is that during the Stones performance, quite near the stage, Alan Passaro, a Hells Angels member, stabbed and killed Meredith Hunter after Hunter pulled out a gun. Although horrible and headline grabbing the full story is much more gripping and is only one part of the book. Sam Cutler, is a gregarious guy who was smack in the middle of the rock scene at the time. He's a great story teller, and has the perfect voice to tell his story. He reads his book in a grizzled and sometimes tired English accent that gives instant credibility to his words. He knew everyone and remembers everything in amazing detail. Naming the cast of characters would go on for pages, but Sam was there at the start of arguably every English rock and roll band at the time and later knew just about everyone in the San Francisco music scene.
App demo: AudioBookShelf
if(typeof AOLVP_cfg==='undefined')AOLVP_cfg=[];AOLVP_cfg.push({id:'AOLVP_us_115539670001','codever':0.1,'autoload':false,'autoplay':false,'playerid':'61371447001','videoid':'115539670001','publisherid':1612833736,'playertype':'pageload','width':480,'height':270,'videotitle':'TUAW','bgcolor':''}); iBooks gives you a great way to organize ebooks and PDF's, but what about audiobooks? Unfortunately, iTunes still blobs everything together like a big ol' playlist in iTunes. AudioBookShelf is an app designed to make your audio book shelf more enticing. Unfortunately it won't play the audio books in iTunes, giving you instead 12 hand-picked audio books from a library of classics. Favorites like Treasure Island and Gulliver's Travels (one of my favorite books) are read with clear voices, as the developers looked to only include those with quality recordings. See the video for the app in question, or visit the App Store to see the official description and full list of books included in the price of $1.99. The app is universal, so one price puts it on the iPad and iPhone.
Audible finally arrives on the iPhone
I've been an Audible fan for far longer then I've owned an iPhone; when I first launched the App Store, Audible was one of the first things I searched for. Thanks to some of the changes made in iOS 4.0, some of the largest challenges for an Audible iPhone app we've written about in the past are no longer a problem. I'm really excited that a free Audible app has finally arrived on the App Store! Ironically, while you can create an Audible account from the app, you aren't able to browse Audible's selection or purchase books; plan on making a round trip to Safari whenever you want to buy something. Additionally, there are some older titles that have not yet been made available in a format ready for wireless delivery, but Audible claims over 75,000 titles are available. One annoyance with the application is that you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi to download any files larger then 20MB. While this limit isn't particularly surprising given similar restrictions in other apps and the App Store itself, it is a limit not shared with at least one other Audible app on a competing platform.
The Bookmark App: Audiobooks finally done right
The Bookmark app [iTunes Link] has solved a number of problems I've always suffered while listening to audiobooks on an iPhone. It isn't pefect yet, but what is currently in the app store is the best implementation of digital audiobook listening I've found. It's earned a place on my home page and that alone is quite a recommendation. I'll get to a play-by-play in a bit, but first a bit of context is in order. I have always been a fan of audiobooks. Long before the inception of the iPod, I was a constant Books on Tape customer. I'd choose a book and in a few days, receive a sizable box filled with anywhere from two to over forty cassette tapes. It was worth it to me to go through all the hassle of keeping the tapes in order and carrying a stack of them with me to play on a portable cassette player when I wasn't listening in my car. When the iPod came out, I found Audible.com and life became much easier. I always carried at least a dozen books with me on my iPod Classic. The books usually downloaded in one or two big files making a book easy to manage. A few years later, Audible.com started embedding chapter markers in their books so jumping to a particular chapter was a snap, but I always had a problem with the iPod losing my place in a book. It could have been due to syncing, or being knocked around, but it was constant and always annoying. When I bought my iPhone, I found the way the iPod module handled audiobooks had changed. Instead of downloading a few big files, what wound up in the library was a separate file for each chapter. So, for example, Fool by Christopher Moore, which my iPod Classic saw as one file with twenty-six chapters, appeared to be twenty-six files on the iPhone. That would have been fine, except for the fact that the iPhone was no better than my iPod Classic in losing my place seemingly at random. Worse, I never knew which file I was on when my place got lost. Read on to see how Bookmark has solved this dilemma for me.
Free access to 1800 audiobooks for iPhone
Your iPhone/iPod touch listening options just got a lot larger. Audiobooks, [App Store] a free app, gives you a large catalog of public domain classic works from Dickens to Verne for your listening pleasure. The books come from the LibriVox library, a non-profit project that has volunteers read the books and then releases the free recordings. The app is ad-supported, but the ads are not obtrusive in my view. The books I listened to were competently read. Downloading was quick over WiFi, quite a bit slower over 3G, but usable.(Mea culpa. Books can be downloaded over WiFi only. I confused this with another e-book app I am reviewing.) You can start listening while the book is completing the download, which is a plus. Downsides are that every chapter starts with disclaimers about the book being in the public domain, which kind of breaks the mood. The search function works well, but would be better if you could search by genre. There is a nice surprise me button, which gives you a book at random, but in practice that isn't really that helpful. The developer of this app also sells audiobooks at the iTunes Store, which we have reviewed. These audiobooks show the text synced to the audio, but I do not find that a compelling feature. I think the new app is the way to go. Here are a few screen grabs: %Gallery-64181%
BtDP up for Scribe award, Warcraft audiobooks delayed
Here's a few bits of WoW book news from our friend Medievaldragon over at Blizzplanet. First up, the good news: Aaron Rosenberg and Christie Golden have been nominated for a "Best Adapted" award from the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers (just proving that for everything in the world, there's an association for it) for the World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal book that they wrote together. Pretty groovy, and supposedly well-deserved -- if you ever sit down to read any of the Warcraft literature, we've heard that's a great place to start. Winners of the prizes will be announced at GenCon this year, so good luck to the writers there.And secondly, a bummer for those who've been waiting on the audiobook versions of the Warcraft books -- Medievaldragon says that he heard from Tantor Media, the company behind the productions, that they've been postponed. He's convinced that they've only been held off temporarily, but we're not so sure -- given the current economy, Tantor may have figured it wasn't worth the licensing and the trouble. But you never know -- apparently they've all been recorded, so perhaps we'll see them at some point in the future, even if it's only in digital form. We certainly hope so.
