The Kindle VS iPad for reading debate is about to heat up again. For some time now bloggers and book people have been discussing the possibility of the ebook completely replacing paper books. I still love both, so can't see that happening, but I do see a shake up of the book industry and a complete revision of how books are chosen and a shift in power. The new book industry will be consumer run rather than publisher run (sorry writers, there'll still be someone to answer to - the customers).
But what I do see as an interesting innovation is the apps that are appearing in place of ebooks and books. Probably the best known one being Al Gore's Our Choice, as presented by publisher/app creator Mike Matas:
Just shows what books can become. But my favourite was when I came across this app for a children's book. Check this out it is amazing (and an Australian publisher!):
I was blown away by how easy the language could be changed (I'd love these for my Spanish class), the interactivity and the ability to have the book read to you (audiobook style, not Kindle robot style). This book wouldn't work well on my black and grey Kindle, but is a treat on the iPad - have they finally found a way to push Kindle aside? Maybe Kindle will produce a colour touchscreen device (rumoured for mid 2011).
I LOVE the idea of books as apps, although I'm not keen on fiction being distracted with videos and such, but maybe having an audiobook embedded into the ebook, so you could read, but switch to audio when you are driving or tired. It would sync to your place for you. Can you think of any creative ways to turn fiction into book apps?
Want to know more about the publishers of the children's book app? Check out:
Blue Quoll Publishing
My main issue with tablets is the screen and the strain it puts on my eyes. clearly there's a lot of stuff you can do with the power of proper computer behind you, but the glareless screen of e-readers is their greatest advantage, I think.
ReplyDeleteMoody, I agree with the problem with the backlight of the screen. I have faith that a developer will create a screen that can go from lit to non lit or possibly have interchangeable screens. Fiction works well on the Kindle, but kids' books need colour and this app will apply to little hands (of course, that means little hands that you trust with your iPad).
ReplyDeleteI think what this portends is a shift in consciousness. The last shift was ushered in by the introduction of language and, as has been seen with the advent of texting- which I loathe- a shorthand has been introduced that has been slowly eroding a more complex lexicon in terms of common use. Images and gizmos have a sense immediacy that the naked written word does not. Writing, not dressed up with other forms of stimuli, requires a certain slowing down to process and assimilate. A slowing-down that is not facilitated by modern life. I'm not a Luddite, just an observer who tells it like I see it.
ReplyDeleteI can't keep up with publishing these days. So many changes happening so quickly! It makes my head spin. :-)
ReplyDeleteSuze - you raise an interesting point. I often wonder if all these new ways of reading and sourcing information actually facilitates learning and knowledge or hinders it. The Internet may be quicker and more convenient than the ol' encyclopaedias I used as a kid, but I think reading one text at a time, rather than jumping from site to site and video to text, helps you to retain the information. So I think there will be many formats available and even with this new app book I strongly believe paper books will still be produce and circulated.
ReplyDeleteShannon - It's dizzying isn't it! I'm both a little frightened by how fast this era morphs from one technology to another and excited. Your work would go great as an app like Mr. Wolf! :)
Now that's an interesting debate. I agree that it would be cool to use in classes--especially for kids who need the visual along with their words. I am still lamenting the fact that we may not have books in their true form soon. Good for trees though.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to get left behind in this new publishing age, but books will be around for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it is an amazing innovation for books of all kinds. It's also wonderful that these apps are free & allow us to get used to this technology. Kindles & Nooks & iPads are all easy to operate, too.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderfully innovative. I don't have an ipad, just a kindle, so I'll have to catch up on all this new technologie someday.
ReplyDeleteFor now I'm sticking with my newly purchased Kindle and books. I-Pads are expensive. I'm sure they'll come down in price.
ReplyDeletehere in my country (Serbia, Europe) we still don't have e-books nor the electronic readers, so normal books will live here long and happy for decades to come :) which kinda makes me happy as someone who works in the publishing industry :)
ReplyDeleteVery descriptive article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
ReplyDeleteVisit my homepage - samson review
Inspiring story there. What occurred after? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to surf my blog :: yourtobaccosstore.com
Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring
ReplyDeleteon other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and
would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors
would appreciate your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Also visit my web-site Alanya Oba
Hey there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up
ReplyDeletefor your excellent information you have got right here on this post.
I'll be coming back to your site for more soon.
Also visit my site - bodrum immobilien
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you
ReplyDeletehave any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers
My web blog : Bodrum Real estate
What's up, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that's truly good, keep up writing.
ReplyDeleteMy web blog :: asuntoturkista.net
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site.
ReplyDeleteI stumbledupon it ;) I am going to come back once again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you
be rich and continue to help other people.
my web page :: Asuntoja antalyasta
It's awesome to pay a visit this website and reading the views of all friends regarding this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting experience.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web blog Leiligheter til salgs i Antalya
Good post! We will be linking to this great article on our website.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great writing.
Feel free to surf my blog : boligityrkia.net
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I'll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I'm confident they'll be benefited from this website.
ReplyDeleteMy web site > http://bostaditurkiet.net
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog?
ReplyDeleteIts very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Here is my web page - köpa lägenhet i Bodrum
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don't talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!
ReplyDeleteMy web site: propertyinturkeyforsale.net
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to
ReplyDeletesee if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it
with someone!
Here is my page ... tattoo removal
You've made some really good points there. I checked on the web for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web page ... skin whitening
Fine way of explaining, and fastidious piece of writing to
ReplyDeleteget information concerning my presentation subject, which i am going
to deliver in college.
Also visit my homepage borkum riff original
It's difficult to find educated people for this topic, however, you seem like you know what you're
ReplyDeletetalking about! Thanks
Here is my blog post ... golden virginia tobacco
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post's to be just what I'm looking
ReplyDeletefor. Would you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
I wouldn't mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome web log!
Here is my website ... http://daruu.com/groups/normal-methods-for-getting-rid-of-acne
Best Place to Buy Diablo 3 Gold with Prepaid Card
ReplyDeleteNowadays, various payment methods were accepted by?d3 gold?suppliers. You must want a best place to buy diablo 3 gold in a safe, fast and simple way. Here, diablohome introduce prepaid card to you. Following are some details.
Buy Diablo 3 Gold with Prepaid Card
Diablo home accept prepaid card payment, such as MasterCard, VISA and Paysafecard, etc. They are safe and convenient, just take a look at the most important advantages of prepaid cards.
1. Prepaid cards can be applied online instantly.
Prepaid cards use the deposited money, there are no repayments to be made and thus no late payment fees and other associated penalties.
2. Prepaid cards are widely accepted.
They can be used on the internet, on phone and all other vends.
3. Adding money to your prepaid card account is a breeze using direct deposit.
tags: buy diablo 3 gold diablo gold buy diablo gold
Very descriptive article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?swtor gold
ReplyDeletebuy swtor gold
cheap swtor gold
tor credits
buy tor credits
cheap tor credits
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I've learn this publish and if I could I desire to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or advice.
ReplyDeleteMore tags:
wow gold buy cheap
wow buy gold cheap
wow buy cheap gold
wow gold fast cheap
cheap wow gold fast
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
ReplyDeleteYour web site offered us with valuable information to work on.
You've done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
Look at my web blog - acne products
Thanks. I always enjoy reading your posts - they are always humorous and intelligent.You can learn more: China vacation packages | China tour operator | China travel packages
ReplyDeleteHanbridge offers a range of language learning programs from beginner to advanced. ?These programs are designed to arm you with basic linguistic competency up to full fluency in Mandarin Chinese. To ensure relevancy, Hanbridge will tailor our courses to meet your particular needs and to help you flourish in your daily life in China.
ReplyDeleteMore Chinese learning tags : Chinese language class | Chinese language course | Study Chinese
Make a lasting impact ,Give a Goat. Empower families and promote sustainable livelihoods with your donation.
ReplyDeleteExperience the spiritual journey of a lifetime with our exclusive Hajj Packages 2023. We meticulously plan every detail to ensure a seamless pilgrimage.
ReplyDelete