The move to using smartphones for many experiences previously handled in other ways continues at an amazing pace. For a few months now members of the libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library system have been able to download eBooks on readers such as the B&N Nook. Now you can use a system known as OverDrive to download books on a smartphone in two different formats--for reading, EPUB ( stands for Electronic Publishing and is a standard e-book format which is used by all popular e-book readers out there, including Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony Reader, iPhone/iPod Touch, and more. ePub files have .epub extension) and for listening, the more familiar MP3, the most common form of audio file. As you probably know, smartphone applications come as small programs generally known as "apps." (Following information provided by Mid-Hudson.)
OverDrive has released apps for the iPhone, iPod and iTouch, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, providing additional support for eBooks from OverDrive libraries. Patrons will be able to download both EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks directly. New users can search for "OverDrive Media Console" in the Apple App Store or Android Market, while current users will be alerted to update the existing OverDrive app on their devices.
OverDrive Media Console v2.0 for iPhone and Android also provides major enhancements that improve the end user experience. The eBook reading experience includes user-inspired features for bookmarking and adjusting brightness and font size. Second, both apps offer a built-in 'Get Books' feature. If you have already downloaded audiobooks from your library with a previous version of the app, your library will be displayed when you select 'Get Books'. With a single click, you can reach your site once again.
If you are new to library downloads, you can quickly find your 'Virtual Branch' website and save it for single-click access going forward. Currently the iPhone app will work on iPad with iOS 4 and enables the full browse, check out, download experience. However, an optimized version for iPad - with improved resolution and additional features - is coming soon, along with apps for BlackBerry and other mobile devices. For more information on OverDrive's apps with eBook support, visit http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc/
OverDrive Media Console v2.0 for iPhone and Android also provides major enhancements that improve the end user experience. The eBook reading experience includes user-inspired features for bookmarking and adjusting brightness and font size. Second, both apps offer a built-in 'Get Books' feature. If you have already downloaded audiobooks from your library with a previous version of the app, your library will be displayed when you select 'Get Books'. With a single click, you can reach your site once again.
If you are new to library downloads, you can quickly find your 'Virtual Branch' website and save it for single-click access going forward. Currently the iPhone app will work on iPad with iOS 4 and enables the full browse, check out, download experience. However, an optimized version for iPad - with improved resolution and additional features - is coming soon, along with apps for BlackBerry and other mobile devices. For more information on OverDrive's apps with eBook support, visit http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc/
Previously, Mid-Hudson shared an eBook Devices Cheat Sheet for library staff. Now OverDrive has created a patron version! http://overdrive.com/files/ebook-cheat-sheet.pdf
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