OverDrive Media Console and Windows 8

The first thing you need to know is that Windows 8 comes in two basic
flavors. There’s Windows 8, which can run legacy desktop apps, and
Windows RT, which cannot.

Why is this important? If you’re
running Windows 8, then you can install OverDrive Media Console (OMC) for Windows 8 as well as the classic desktop version of OMC.

OMC for Windows 8 utilizes Microsoft’s new Modern UI (User Interface). With it, you get live tiles and refreshed graphics for EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks. In this “app” you can read the books or listen to them directly on the computer. OMC for Windows 8
does not, however, support WMV or WMA titles. This version can be used
with both Windows 8 and Windows RT.

If you want WMV (video) or WMA (audiobooks and music) support on your Windows 8 machine, then you will need to use the classic desktop version of OMC. This version can only be used with Windows 8 because it requires ‘Desktop mode.’

You can even install both versions of OMC if you’re using Windows 8 (not RT). That way you can read eBooks and enjoy the refreshed user interface on the Windows 8 version, while using the classic version to listen to or watch WMA or WMV files.

Is OMC Windows 8 for me? 

If you just want to read or listen to books on your Windows 8 computer only, then we recommend you use the OMC Window 8 “app”.

If you have a Windows 8 computer but read eBooks on an eReader, then you need to continue to use Adobe Digital Editions for eBooks if you have to connect your eReader to the computer to transfer them. For eAudio Books that you transfer to an iPod, iTouch or MP3 then you need the “classic” OMC.

If you want to install OverDrive Media Console for Windows 8, I recommend you download and read OverDrive Media Console and Windows 8. If you have any questions please contact us at ask@lvccld.org or Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5pm call 702.507.6300.

New OverDrive Media Console for iOS Devices

The latest version of OverDrive Media Console for iOS devices gives readers fingertip access to dictionary definitions.

This morning, OverDrive launched OMC for iOS version 2.4.1. This updated OverDrive Media Console app for iPhone and iPad users includes a dictionary look-up feature with Wikipedia integration, several bug fixes and other performance improvements to make the eReading experience even better.

If you have a previous version of OMC for iOS on your device, you should see the update appear in your App Store shortly—if not already. New users can download the app from the Apple App Store.

The new OMC for iOS app is more functional and intuitive than ever before, streamlining the experience for iPhone and iPad users. You’ll find the dictionary look-up feature especially convenient: Just tap a word with your finger to find the definition. You can also navigate to the corresponding Wikipedia page for more information.

Summer Fun

Looking for something cool this summer? Read an eBook or listen to an eAudio Book from the Library’s eMedia Catalog!

Download the OverDrive Media Console a free app to take eBooks or eAudio Books wherever you go! (There is also AccessMyLibrary app which works with our Gale online resources.)

Need reading suggestions? Check out eRead Me Vegas for suggestions.

Buying an eReader or MP3 player for eAudio books? Check out the device compatiblity list in our eMedia Catalog!

Samsung Galaxy Tablet – Review

By Megan Greer Jan 11, 2011

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is definitely more than just an eBook reader.  It is a true tablet and the first to rival Apple’s iPad, at least that’s what other experts on the Internet are saying.  As much as I would love to write about this device on all of its multimedia functionalities (for instance that I ended up playing a rigorous game of Angry Birds and caught up on some shows watching Hulu), I will only be focusing on how it pertains to reading eBooks for this review.

The particular Galaxy we have is for Verizon. However, you are able to find it on other carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular with prices varying on each. Samsung decided to have the Galaxy run Android 2.2 Froyo OS instead of waiting for the next release of Android. However it doesn’t appear to slow down the responsiveness of the device.

Since the device is running Android it was easy to install the updated OverDrive Media Console for Android.  The new release allows direct downloads of EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks. Once an eBook has been downloaded to the app, it’s easy to open a title and start reading.

The Galaxy, at 13.58 ounces, feels substantial in your hands but not overly heavy. It’s roughly the size of a paperback so holding it for long periods of time is easy even if you have small hands. The dimensions are 7.48” x 4.74”, definitely small enough to fit in a medium sized purse, if you are a woman. Sorry gentlemen, it’s a little big to fit in your back pocket.

One thing I have been impressed with is the screen quality. I read Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing and the colors looked amazing (might I add that they also were great on Angry Birds). Besides the screen quality, the device responds quickly to your touch. Pages turn easily by tapping screen and do not require the need to swipe your finger, which is something that I find as a positive.

A few things about the device that I noticed are that it does not have a vast amount storage capacity. I would recommend using the additional memory for apps, photos, and videos to ensure enough room for your library eBooks.

Another big item to mention is that the Galaxy will take a pretty big chunk out of your wallet. Most of the cell phone carriers will push you into a two year contract for a break on the device itself. However, it is possible to purchase it and use its Wi-Fi capabilities but it will cost you even more. If you’re curious just how expensive we’re talking, I saw it listed for $350 (with a two year contract for a cell phone carrier) all the way up to $700.

The bottom line for the Samsung Galaxy is to not purchase this device for only reading eBooks. If you do that you won’t be getting your money’s worth. You really need to want a tablet and a gadget that does more. If you keep this in mind, you’ll probably be fairly happy, especially if you are a fan of Android.

New eBook App for iPhone and Android

OverDrive has released an update to the OverDrive apps for iPhone and Android, which adds support for eBooks from the eMedia Catalog. Now you will be able to download both EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks directly to your iPhone, iPod touch, or Android phone/tablet. New users can search for “OverDrive Media Console” in the Apple App Store and 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 provides two major enhancements that improve the end user experience. First, the apps now enable users to download and enjoy EPUB eBooks on their devices (in addition to the existing ability to download MP3 audiobooks). The eBook reading experience includes user-inspired features for bookmarking and adjusting brightness and font size. Additional features will be added as the apps develop, including highlighting, annotation, in-app text-to-speech, and more.

Second, both apps offer a built-in ‘Get Books’ feature. If a you have already downloaded audiobooks from our  eMedia Catalog with a previous version of the app, you will be able to access our eMedia Catalog when you select ‘Get Books’ just by entering Las Vegas.  If you are new to library downloads, you can quickly find our eMedia Catalog website and save it for single-click access going forward.

Once there you can browse the eMedia Catalog on your device, check out a title with your library card, and wirelessly download an EPUB eBook to the app.  All this without connecting to a computer!

Even with the release of OverDrive’s apps for iPhone and Android, we know that there are additional requests to support other devices, including iPad. 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 the software page on OverDrive.com.