Attention Blackberry Users of Overdrive Media Console

Effective April 10, 2014, the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) mobile app for BlackBerry will no longer be available to download on BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, and Playbook devices.

BlackBerry users with the app installed prior to April 10 will be able to continue downloading eBooks and audiobooks via OMC. However, no further development or testing will be dedicated to it.

In the past year, OMC for BlackBerry has experienced a steady decline in downloads. Only .3% of all visitors to digital library websites come from a BlackBerry device. After much consideration, OverDrive has decided to remove the app from BlackBerry App World and continue to focus our development efforts on more widely used platforms such as iOS and Android—both of which have moore daily downloads than BlackBerry has monthly.

OverDrive Media Console

OverDrive Media Console for Android and iOS out May 28th:
OverDrive Media Console v2.6.5 is coming to iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) and Android on May 28^th.
This release is all about bug-fixes to improve the end user experience.  Here is what’s coming out in v2.6.5:

• Enhancements made to improve the speed of the in-app browser (iOS)
• Fixed a bug that causes the app to crash when working from a proxy server (iOS)
• Improved bad SSL certificate error messaging (iOS)
• Fixed a bug that prevents page turns beyond page 161 on some devices (Android)
• Various minor bug fixes and performance improvements on both iOS and Android

Due to a change in Apple’s privacy policies, we’ve had to make changes to the way we handle licensing of EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks.  As a result, the OMC for iOS v2.6.5 update will de-authorize every users’ Adobe ID.  Upon opening OMC for the first time after the update, users will be prompted to re-authorize.

Audiobook users that have only partially downloaded an audiobook prior to the update will need to return to the library bookshelf to download any missing parts.  If users try downloading missing parts directly without first reactivating the download from their library website bookshelf, they will receive a ‘downloadManagerErrorDomain:403’ error.

Note: The Adobe authorization and audiobook download issues will only impact iOS users.

We’ve created two help articles to help end users through both Adobe authorization and audiobook download:

• Why do I have to sign in with an Adobe ID after updating OverDrive Media Console for iOS?
• What to do if there is a ‘downloadManagerErrorDomain:403’ error when trying to download an audiobook using OverDrive Media Console for iOS

If you have any questions, please contact support through Content Reserve under the Support tab.

eReader Classes at HPL

Got a new eReader?  We've got classes on downloading library books:

Nook Class:  Thursday, Jan 3 at 2 pm

iPad Class:  Friday, Jan 4 at 2 pm

Kindle Class:  Wednesday, Jan 9 at 2 pm

Nook Class:  Friday, Jan 11 at 2 pm

More classes will be scheduled.  We'll post them on our website, or call the library for more information.  No registration is necessary.  Do bring your ereader with you!

Holiday Gadget Guide: Hottest Devices for Library eBooks

From the Overdrive Blog:

Microsoft Surface

When you wake up on Christmas morning and scurry downstairs in your PJs, will you find an iPad Mini under the tree?  Are you hoping Hanukkah will net you a Surface tablet? Or, after the dust settles from Kwanzaa and Festivus, will you treat yourself to a Kindle Fire HD? There’s no shortage of eReading devices vying for space on your holiday wish list, and OverDrive supports them all. Here’s our take on the latest and greatest gadgets for enjoying your library’s OverDrive collection:

Microsoft Surface
The Surface tablet is the flagship device for Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system.  Available in either RT or Pro models (RT only supports Windows 8 applications, while Pro supports older Windows applications in desktop mode), the Surface boasts the largest display (10.6 inches, high definition) of the recent tablet crop. The RT version offers either 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage, while the Pro version offers 64GB or 128GB storage.  Both devices have a microSDXC card slot and allow you to add an optional keyboard/cover. The biggest feature about this device, of course, is that it runs Windows 8, the touch-screen enhanced operating system.  Download OMC for Windows 8from the Microsoft Windows Store.

Kindle Fire

Kindle Fire HD
The new Kindle Fire devices feature improved displays and sound systems, as well as improved Internet speed.  You have two display options, 7- or 8.9-inch screen.  The 7-inch screen offers 16GB or 32GB of storage, while the 8.9-inch version offers 32GB and 64GB. There’s no option to expand storage via a micro SD card slot; instead Amazon provides access to cloud storage. In addition to support for Kindle books, as an Android tablet, the Fire also enables you to play games, browse the Internet over a 4G or WiFi connection, and best of all, use OverDrive Media Console to read EPUB eBooks and listen to MP3 audiobooks! The enhanced display supports high-definition video and reduces glare, making it easy to get lost in a good eBook. Even at high volumes, the sound system offers excellent clarity, whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or escaping with an audiobook.

NOOK HD and HD+
Not to be outdone, Barnes & Noble has updated its NOOK series with lightweight, high-resolution NOOK HD and HD+. The HD features 8GB or 16GB of onboard storage and a 7-inch screen; the HD+ has 16GB or 32GB of onboard storage and a 9-inch screen; both offer micro SD storage slots. The latest NOOK devices, as well as NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color, enable readers to borrow library eBooks and audiobooks wirelessly using OverDrive Media Console.

NOOK Color

Apple iPad Mini, iPod touch, iPod nano
The biggest news out of Cupertino, Calif., is Apple’s new iPad Mini. Featuring the same power and performance of the larger iPad, but with a 7.9-inch screen, the iPad Mini looks to compete with Android tablets like the Nexus 7.  And like its larger sibling, the full-sized iPad, the Mini will allow you to use OverDrive Media Console to enjoy your ebooks and audiobooks .  Apple has also released updated versions of the iPod touch, iPod nano, and iPad. The iPod touch and iPad have some minor tweaks under the hood, and have been updated to use the new Lightning connector, while the iPod nano features a new touch screen.

Kid-Friendly Tablets
For parents looking to introduce their kids to the world of tablet computing, there are three tablets geared toward the young’uns – the Nabi, Arnova Child Pad, and MEEP. Each device is a full featured Android tablet—running Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich operating system— with 7-inch screens and kid-friendly form factors designed for smaller hands. The internal storage ranges from 8GB for the Nabi to 4GB on both the Arnova Child Pad and MEEP; each device offers expandable storage via the Micro SD card slot. For content control, the Nabi tablet by Fuhu limits access to the Internet for younger users by using “Mommy Mode” to create a list of accessible sites, making this tablet a good choice for the youngest of users. The Arnova Child Pad offers 6 months of free access to Mobile Parental Filter, likely with the option to purchase the parental filtering suite later. The MEEP tablet has its own parental control, allowing parents to monitor access remotely. And because all three devices run Android, they also give kids access to library eBooks and audiobooks via Overdrive Media Console.

Apple iPad

Test Drive, Front Line Tech Support, etc.
OverDrive’s Test Drive program highlights devices that we have thoroughly tested and approved for loaning out to library users. If your library doesn’t already have Test Drive, now’s a great time to start letting your users try out devices before they make that big purchase.

With the holiday rush can come an uptick in support requests, and Front Line Technical Support gives your patrons a direct line to the Support Services team here at OverDrive, and we can take care of them right away!

Justin Noszek is a Support Specialist at OverDrive.

Kindle Fire Users Rejoice: OverDrive Comes to Amazon App Store

From Overdrive:

Kindle Fire Users Rejoice: OverDrive Comes to Amazon App Store:

Now that the OverDrive Media Console app is available in the Amazon App Store for Android, it’s easier for users of the Kindle Fire to access eBooks from OverDrive-powered libraries.

Earlier this week, we released new versions of the OverDrive Media Console apps for Android and iOS (iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch). For the first time, OMC is available in the Amazon App Store for Android, making it easier for users of the Kindle Fire to access eBooks and audiobooks from OverDrive-powered libraries. (Previously, Kindle Fire users could side-load the OMC app.)

With OMC v2.6, we’ve further refined the browsing experience. Users can now browse their library’s digital collection from within the application—no need to launch a separate browser window.

Other key updates:

• Redesigned audiobook player
• Support for iPhone 5 (OMC for iOS)
• Support for ActionBar (OMC for Android (Honeycomb and newer))
• Share what you’re reading on Goodreads (as well as Facebook, Twitter and via email)

OMC v2.6 employs Google Analytics to compile anonymous usage data, which will help us as we develop future versions of the app. Please note, OMC does not collect personally identifiable information, and the app enables users to opt out of sending anonymous usage data.

The system requirements have not changed: Android v2.1 (or newer); iOS v4.2 (or newer).

If you already have OMC installed, you’ll see an “update” prompt the next time you open the app. Otherwise, download the updated apps here:

• Amazon App Store for Android
• App Store^SM
• Google Play
• OverDrive Downloads Page
• NOOK Apps store (coming soon)

Michael Lovett is Public Relations and Social Media Specialist at OverDrive.

Kicking the Tires on Adobe Digital Editions 2.0

Kicking the Tires on Adobe Digital Editions 2.0:
Last week, Adobe officially released Digital Editions 2.0. It’s a new version of the software people use to read eBooks on their computers and transfer eBooks to eReaders like the NOOK. ADE 2.0 comes with a bunch of improvements and changes you should know about. First, the UI has been completely redesigned to be screen-reader friendly.


That’s right, you read that correctly. ADE now works with screen readers for low-vision and visually impaired users. Specifically, NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver are compatible for menu navigation and reading books.

You’ve probably also noticed that each eBook is now represented by a simple tile. There are no more hover-over context menus. Instead, ADE uses the standard right-click (or control-click for Mac) menu for individual eBook options.


Activating compatible eBook readers with ADE has become real easy. You just plug in the eBook reader you want to activate, then drag the book you want to read over to the device. That’s it. The Adobe ID is automatically registered, and the book is transferred all in one step.


ADE 2.0 does have one quirk that you should know about (remember, it’s brand-spanking-new). The banners across each eBook that show how many days are left on a loan aren’t always accurate. If you check out an eBook for three weeks, it might say that there are only two weeks left for you to read it. Don’t worry, the loans will still expire at the right time, and we’ve let Adobe know what’s going on.



Happy reading!

Quinton Lawman is a Technical Writer at OverDrive.

OverDrive App Comes to NOOK®

OverDrive App Comes to NOOK®:

OverDrive Media Console gives users of NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color (pictured) wireless access to eBooks and MP3 audiobooks from OverDrive-powered libraries and schools.

Borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from the library just got a whole lot easier for users of the NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet™ and NOOK Color™. Last week, Barnes & Noble added the OverDrive Media Console app to the NOOK Apps™ storefront. This NOOK app enables users to wirelessly borrow eBooks and MP3 audiobooks from the library.

All NOOK devices—including  NOOK 1^st Edition,NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight—have always enabled users to read eBooks borrowed from libraries and schools, but the process required sideloading the files from a computer using Adobe Digital Editions and a USB cable. Now users of NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color can borrow eBooks and audiobooks wirelessly using the OverDrive app.

Users can visit the NOOK Apps storefront to install the free OverDrive Media Console app. The app enables users to locate a library or school nearby, browse or search their eBook and MP3 audiobook collection and, after entering a valid library card or school ID,  check out and download the title for a lending period of one to three weeks (depending on the library or school’s policies). At the end of the lending period, the title simply expires.

The version of OMC available in the NOOK Apps storefront is OMC for Android v2.5, so any instructions found on library help pages related to OMC for Android will apply to the NOOK app. While the app is free, users will need a valid NOOK account in order to download the app.

Michael Lovett is Public Relations and Social Media Specialist at OverDrive.

Ereader Workshops

Are you hoping for a new eReader for Christmas this year? We'll be offering workshops on downloading library books every day during the week between Christmas and New Year's.On Tuesday and Wednesday the workshops will be at 11, 2, and 6. On Thursday and Friday they'll be at 11 and 2. Drop in with your new device and get up to speed on downloading library books!

Choosing an Ereader

If you are considering purchasing an eReader this year, check out this article from Mashable

Buying an ereader

A checklist, by Piotr Kowalczyk

By a TeleRead Contributor

Are you interested in buying an ereader? There is more to it than just comparing screen resolution or memory space.

You probably know about Kindle, Nook or Kobo ereaders. There are many great reviews around. Their common disadvantage is that they don’t give information, the one not about ereaders themselves, which will affect they way you’ll use them.

Ask yourself questions below, and you’ll be better prepared to choose the right ereading device.

Am I aware of differences in format and DRM?

Ebooks are wonderful, but they are still not easy. The ebook you’ll buy at Kindle Store can’t be read on every device. For example, you won’t be able to open it on Nook or Kobo.

Reason: different ebookstores use different file formats and DRM systems.

Format

There are two major formats of electronic book files: epub and mobi. Epub is sold by most ebookstores in the world. Mobi means Kindle. There is also pdf format which can be read by most ereaders, but the smaller the screen, the worse it is to read it (so, think twice before you buy a 6-inch device to read all pdf books collected on your computer).

DRM

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is supposed to prevent from unauthorized distribution of digital content.

In practice, when an ebook is DRM-ed it can be read only on a device authorized with the store where you bought it. Kindle ebooks have different DRM than ebooks from Barnes & Noble or Kobo. You can’t easily move the book from your Kindle account to your Nook ereader. And vice versa.

DRM brings to reading the limitations which don’t exist in a world of a print book. Once you buy a print book, you can gift it or lend it to anyone. DRM means you can’t do it easily with an ebook.

Do I have a preferred ebookstore?

Due to format and DRM limitations it’s good to stick to one online store. If you have decided to buy ebooks in one place, you could save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

So, if you often visit Amazon.com to buy different goods, why don’t you check how Kindle Store works. If you like visiting Barnes & Noble store in your neighborhood and have an account at B&N webpage – why don’t you start from checking their site for ebooks.

Are there enough ebooks I’d like to read?

You should assume not every paper book has an electronic edition. So, first thing you can do is to check (in your preferred ebookstore) if there are books you’d like to buy – and how much they cost. Just check a few first titles which come to mind. It won’t take long but will give the idea of how useful the ereader will be once you buy it.

The issue of availability is especially important for users who live outside US and would like to read books in their native language. Biggest online ebookstores like Kindle Store have a limited offer of books in different languages. Barnes&Noble doesn’t sell digital content abroad at all.

If you want to read books in your mother tongue, try to find an ebookstore in your country and check which format and DRM they use. If they use Adobe DRM and epub, it’s better if you buy an ereader which supports such format and DRM rather than a Kindle.

Check this list of posts for international readers of electronic books.

Do I want to get ebooks from different sources?

If you want to get ebooks from different sources (it’s the way it should work, but due to DRM/formats it isn’t), then you’ll have to assume that getting those ebooks and adding them to your device won’t be easy.

For instance, if you’ll have Kindle, you will be able to enjoy 1-Click purchase only when you buy an ebook from Kindle Store. If you want to get it elsewhere, you’ll have to either send it by email or add by connecting an ereader via cable to a computer. And be aware that only unprotected mobi files can be added to Kindle.

Am I ready to learn about conversion?

If you decide to have freedom in where you get ebooks, you should be ready to learn about the tools like Calibre, which is an ebook management application.

I don’t recommend it. A first thing on a list of my personal reading preference is convenience. I’d rather stick to one ebookstore than play with conversion, because I will be able to benefit from all the features: seamless buying process, synchronization of books across devices, virtual bookshelf.

Which ereader suits my needs?

Now it’s time to select a model. Most information about ereaders on the web is which one to pick up, so I won’t do it. The sites with best tech reviews of electronic devices are Mashable, TechCrunch, Engadget and The Verge.

What I’d like to point out is that you shouldn’t only focus on what tech reviewers say, but also listen to yourself. If you read someone recommending Kindle, but you really prefer to buy books from Barnes & Noble and don’t want to bother with conversion, go and select the best of Nook models.

Do I need an ereader now?

Now ereaders costs below $100 and this gives a feeling of a bargain. Please, before buying one for yourself or your wife or your dad, ask yourself a question: do I need it now?

Going into the world of ebooks, discovering all the benefits can be done without buying a dedicated device. You can use a computer to browse ebookstores. You can test ereading applications on a smartphone to learn how easy it is to buy ebooks or what are the ways to customize the user interface, font size, etc.

Do I need an ereader at all?

Testing is good, but what you can also go through is your reading preferences. How much time do I spend a day reading a book? Do I need to stay connected? Do I like to read ebooks with pictures or animation?

You may find out that a better device for you is a tablet. Or you may find out that you’re good with your smartphone.

* * *

The nice-looking ereader with a content you can’t add is not a nice ereader. Don’t let yourself leave in a situation you buy a device at a bargain price and keep it on a bookshelf, because you don’t have time and energy to learn how to convert your old pdf files.

Device Review: Kobo eReader Touch, another comparable contender in the market space

Device Review: Kobo eReader Touch, another comparable contender in the market space: From the Overdrive blog:
It’s amazing to think that there are so many different kinds of eBook readers to choose from nowadays. It wasn’t long ago that it was difficult to find anything besides the big names we’re all used to now.

A few months ago, Kobo released the eReader Touch Edition to compete against those big names. Overall, the Kobo Touch is a fair contender and the device offers some neat features. Let’s start with the positives.

The interface is super intuitive. I really feel that anyone could pick up this device without any instructions and start reading. The home screen only shows your five most recently opened or downloaded books. The largest cover image being the last book you had opened. Beyond that there are only three options beyond the home screen: ‘Library’, ‘Store’, ‘Reading Life’. ‘Library’ allows you to view your books, newspapers and magazines, 15 preloaded previews and your favorites. ‘Store’ will grant you direct access to the Kobo Store. ‘Reading Life’ is a neat feature; it creates and keeps track of your reading statistics. It will let you review minutes read each session, hours read, pages turned and other fun stats. If you are in to that kind of thing, you’ll get a kick out of it.

Let’s talk about the reading experience. Before I sit down to write a review, I check other sites to see what customers have said about their purchases. Most people were giving the Kobo Touch high marks all around. I, however, was only somewhat impressed with the touch functionality. Occasionally the responsiveness was fast but more often than not I felt it lagged or didn’t respond at all. Keep in mind, it could just be the unit we have in-house.

The 6” Pearl high contrast E Ink display was very crisp – I have no complaints there. With a 16 level gray scale, the quality is comparable to others currently available. Your Adobe EPUB or PDF eBooks will look great. I did find a slight glare to the screen though when I held it at various angles.

You’ll also have Wi-Fi connectivity, 2GB of storage space and (depending on personal usage) one month of battery life. The Kobo Touch even comes in four available colors for those that like having a little variety in their electronic toys.

Overall, the interface is my favorite part about the Touch. For $129.99, the Kobo Touch is priced right with its competitors. It’ll come to down to whether or not you want to go with one of those names that come to mind right away or with something different. Happy comparison shopping!

Megan Greer is an account specialist for OverDrive.

Review: Sony Reader Wi-Fi includes familiar and new features

Review: Sony Reader Wi-Fi includes familiar and new features:
Earlier this month Sony added its newest E-Ink device to their repertoire with the Reader™ Wi-Fi PRS-T1. In a surprising move, Sony has discontinued their previous line of E-Ink devices, which included the Daily Edition, Touch Edition, and Pocket Editions. Although it wasn’t expected, it was probably a good move to only offer one version of the device (don’t worry, it’s available in three colors). Something else I was thrilled to see was the considerable price drop. The Reader Wi-Fi is available for $149 making it more competitive price-wise.

The interface hasn’t changed much since I last reviewed Sony’s devices back in December. There have been slight changes in the look of various buttons on the ‘Home’ screen. However, your most recently read book is still featured at the top, followed by the three most recently added titles listed just beneath. The most notable feature on the Reader Wi-Fi is a button to access your public library directly from the device. No longer will you need to side-load checked out eBooks as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. (Be on the lookout for a demo video of how to directly download onto the Reader Wi-Fi in the coming weeks.)

The device name should give away this next bit. Wirelessly connect to the Internet with the ‘Browser’ button. Keep in mind this is E-Ink® and not a tablet. When using the browser, you will experience screen flashing as it refreshes with each action you take on a page. This, in my opinion, makes E-Ink devices not ideal for surfing the Internet.

I’ve given high marks to most of the E-Ink devices I have reviewed in the past few months. The same can be said of the Reader Wi-Fi. With 6 inches of reading room, the 16 level gray scale E-Ink Pearl is very crisp and easy on the eyes, just as you would expect. What’s unexpected is that the Reader Wi-Fi’s touch screen is actually a pinch to zoom or Touch Infrared Technology. The Infrared Technology also makes it easy to flip through a novel by swiping your finger across the screen. You could also use the directional buttons along the bottom front if you prefer the one handed approach.

With 2GB of built in storage space and the ability to insert a microSD card up to 32GB, there’s plenty of memory. This new release also includes note taking capabilities and even a handwriting option.

Overall I’ve enjoyed the Sony Reader Wi-Fi. The interface is intuitive and the ability to checkout and download library eBooks directly to the device is pretty great, and it’s a feature that sets it apart from the competition. At $149 it’s still priced a little higher than other similar devices on the market; however, there are some specialty features you won’t find elsewhere.

Megan Greer is an account specialist for OverDrive.

Now available: New features for the mobile experience

Now available: New features for the mobile experience:
Downloading of eBooks and audiobooks from mobile devices increased exponentially from 2010 to 2011. In fact, the number of downloads in 2011, thus far, is 13X greater than that of all of 2010.

As mobile usage continues to soar, OverDrive is committed to maximizing the mobile user experience. Based on feedback from libraries, I am pleased to share that the following new features that are now available at your library’s website on a mobile device:

• Patron-defined lending allows patrons to choose their lending period for each title. Example options include 7, 14, or 21 days. Note: This feature is only enabled if your library currently offers this option at the desktop site.
• Advanced search functionality gives your patrons the opportunity to search by criteria such as title, author, keyword, publisher, format, etc. for a more custom set of results.
• Enhanced searching allows your patron to search within results to narrow down a list of titles, and additionally, limit the results to only show titles with copies available. This means no more scrolling through dozens of pages to find a title available for checkout.
• Page numbers in search results gives patrons a clear view of how many titles were generated in their search or
  
  browse.

We hope your patrons enjoy these new features!

Shannon Lichty is manager of library partner services for OverDrive.

How-to video: Directly download eBooks to the Sony Reader Wi-Fi

How-to video: Directly download eBooks to the Sony Reader Wi-Fi:

Exactly a week ago, I reviewed the newest eBook reader added to Sony’s repertoire, the Sony Reader™ Wi-Fi. One of the coolest features is the ability to download eBooks the library directly to your device. Here’s the how-to video I promised. Enjoy and feel free to share!

Megan Greer is an account specialist for OverDrive.

eBook samples give customers instant access to content

eBook samples give customers instant access to content:From Overdrive's blog:
How many times have you seen your patrons check out twenty plus books at a time from your library? More than likely, those readers don’t read every book in the three-week lending period. Chances are they are simply sampling most of them.

Now OverDrive is replicating this experience online by adding thousands of in-copyright eBook records with free “eBook Samples” for immediate access on reading devices and platforms. Customers can experience stories immediately on their computer or mobile device and decide if they are right for them, ultimately reducing holds and wait lists.

When available, the word “Sample” will appear below a jacket. Curious customers can easily click and enjoy 10 percent of each title before deciding to check it out or not.

Samples can be accessed from a search results page:



Or from a details page:



The eBook sample will show up in readers’ bookshelf and look just like a regular eBook download. With thousands of popular and bestselling titles to choose from, eBook samples will reinforce the library as the first stop for discovering and enjoying books, both online and off.

To try the eBook samples, visit your library website or take a look at Los Angeles Public Library‘s ‘Virtual Branch.’

Brianne Carlon is a public relations specialist at OverDrive.

How to get library eBooks on the Amazon® Kindle

From the Overdrive Blog:

Here is the process for checking out a library eBook for Kindle:

• Visit your library’s ‘Virtual Branch’ website
• Browse and check out a Kindle book.
• Click the ‘Get for Kindle’ button. This opens the Amazon.com website. You may be required to sign in with your Amazon.com account if you are not already logged in.
• Select a Kindle device or Kindle reading app. Click the ‘Get library book’ button and sync your device or app to download the book, or choose to send it to your device via USB.
• An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device.  If your Kindle is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon’s instructions for transferring files via USB.

Kindle compatibility with library eBooks also takes full advantage of Amazon’s Whispersync technology.  If you check out the eBook again at a later date or choose to purchase the eBook from the Kindle Store, all of your notes, bookmarks and highlights will be preserved.  The last page read will also be synced between your Kindle and free Kindle reading apps.
For more details, please check the Help pages and FAQs on our Overdrive site.

How to get library eBooks on the Amazon® Kindle:
The library world is atwitter (literally a tweet per second!) about library eBook lending on the Kindle for public and school libraries in the US. For details, check out our blog post from yesterday.

You asked, and now we’ve answered: Here’s a how-to video so you and your users can learn how to browse, checkout and get eBooks for Kindle. Feel free to share!




Brianne Carlon is a public relations specialist at OverDrive.

Mobile sites now remember your library card number on your device

Mobile sites now remember your library card number on your device: From the Overdrive Blog: "

The days of having to dig your library card out when you’re trying to download an eBook at the doctor’s office (or park, or airport terminal, or a bar mitzvah) are over. With the latest update to OverDrive-powered mobile sites, users will have the option for their devices to store their library card numbers.

Starting now, when customers check out a title, the device will have a box where they can check “Remember me on this device.” The device will then hold the characters in its memory for 90 days after each use. This is an optional service. If a library requires a pin, it will still be required to check out titles.

This update is a part of OverDrive WIN, a series of platform enhancements that will streamline user experience and provide access to more content. Check back to see more enhancements to your service.

Brianne Carlon is a public relations specialist at OverDrive.

"

Review: Get digital with the Aluratek Libre Color

Review: Get digital with the Aluratek Libre Color: From Overdrive:

"So you are ready to step forward into the digital age and jump on the eBook reader bandwagon. BUT you find yourself on a budget. What is a tech-lover to do? Well, late last year, Aluratek released the Libre Color for a fraction of the cost of the NOOKcolor.

First and foremost this is a tried and true eBook reader to enjoy Adobe EPUB and Adobe PDF eBooks, with added support for MP3s and video. Since the device doesn’t have Wi-Fi or direct downloading, you’ll need to first download your checked out eBooks to Adobe Digital Editions and then transfer them to your Libre Color.

The actual reading experience on the Color is good. It has a very fast refresh and page turn. I also thought it was great that the buttons on the side of the device to turn a page are the perfect size. It was comfortable to hold even though it weighs in at 11.9 ounces. The 7” TFT color LCD screen brightness can be adjusted to your personal preference, which is nice although it is a feature that should be standard on these types of devices. Colors of cover images and other embedded pictures were sharp but not quite at the level of other LCD eBook readers I’ve seen.

The Libre Color comes equipped with a mini USB port, DC jack to charge without a computer, and a SD card slot for additional memory. You will find the device has 2 GB of internal memory already provided. It also comes preloaded with 100 classic eBooks like Dracula, A Tale of Two Cities, and 98 more.

Navigating through the interface was fairly easy. The main screen simply lists your titles and there are several tactile buttons along the front bottom: menu, zoom, directional keypad/enter, play, and return. Use the directional keypad to scroll through your titles and click the enter button to open. Once open, you have several options, such as bookmarking, changing font sizes, and even the ability to auto flip pages at different speeds.

I do want to point out that the Libre Color, although very attractive in price, does not have all the features that other devices I’ve mentioned or reviewed have. Most notably, it does not have Wi-Fi, a web browser, or direct download capabilities. I did find that a few other things were missing, as well. For instance, I found it odd that it would not save my font size preferences. I wanted to test out the audio controls while listening to The Abandoned by Douglas Clegg, and I was surprised to find that the device does not have tactile volume controls. Lastly, I was unable to find much information on the battery life expectancy. For me, it seemed to last for about 6 hours or so with continuous use.

Bottom line, at right around $100, the Aluratek Libre Color is a great value for the price. I even found it for as low as $99 on one website. As long as you keep in mind that this is not a tablet and if you are looking with a budget in mind, the Libre Color will satisfy you as you start to get digital.

Megan Greer is an account specialist for OverDrive.

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OverDrive’s eBook & audiobook app for Windows Phone now available

OverDrive’s eBook & audiobook app for Windows Phone now available: From the Overdrive Blog:


"Today we released OverDrive Media Console for Windows Phone, which enables Windows Phone users to download EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks from public, K-12 school, and higher ed libraries. We’re excited for this release, not just because library eBooks and audiobooks will be available on popular smartphones such as LG Quantum, Samsung Focus, and HTC Trophy, but also because it means OverDrive now supports every major mobile and desktop operating system, including Windows, Mac, iPad/iPhone (iOS), Android, and BlackBerry.

Like OverDrive’s apps for other mobile platforms, the Windows Phone app includes a “Get Books” feature so that users can easily find your library. Users can then browse the mobile version of your ‘Virtual Branch’ website, check out an EPUB eBook or MP3 audiobook with a library card, and download the title directly to their device. While the feature set remains the same, the OverDrive app takes advantage of the Windows Phone platform to provide a unique user experience.

The free OverDrive Media Console for Windows Phone app is available in the Windows Phone Marketplace and can be installed on all Windows Phone devices.

Check out the Windows Phone app on your device or watch the video below, and let us know what you think.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzJfbQegzHM

Dan Stasiewski is a public relations manager for OverDrive.

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OverDrive Apps Update: Android, Blackberry, & iPhone/ iPad v2.3

OverDrive Apps Update: Android, Blackberry, & iPhone/ iPad v2.3: From the Overdrive Blog: "

In the ongoing process of improving user experience, OverDrive is releasing the latest updates for OverDrive Media Console’s mobile applications. While the overall process remains the same, the new updates will continue to streamline the applications’ usability. Users will now be able to return EPUB eBooks on all three mobile platforms and first time users will experience an improved Adobe Authorization process.

System requirements will remain the same and those with OverDrive Media Console already installed will be notified that an update is available. The updated app is available from the Android Market, App Store™, Blackberry AppWorld™, MobiHand™ App Store, or www.overdrive.com.

Adam Sockel is a partner services associate at OverDrive.

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