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Mac owners: OverDrive Media Console version released for library audiobooks
November 18, 2008 | 4:34 pm
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By David Rothman
Mac owners at last can enjoy audiobooks from libraries via the OverDrive Media Console. A slightly condensed news release follows. – D.R.
OverDrive Media Console for Mac, the free software for playing and organizing digital audiobooks from public libraries, is now available for download.
With this free software, Mac users can download audiobooks in the MP3 format from an OverDrive partner library’s download website and transfer titles to Apple® devices including iPod® Classic, iPod Touch, iPod Nano and iPhone™. OverDrive Media Console for Mac also provides the same superior listening features of the popular Windows version, which is installed on millions of computers worldwide.
A national directory lists libraries offering iPod-compatible audiobook downloads. Mac users can also purchase MP3 audiobook downloads from online stores such as Borders.com and WHSmith Online.
“Millions of audiobook listeners around the globe are taking advantage of the great selection and ease of use provided through OverDrive’s audiobook download services,” said David Burleigh, Director of Marketing for OverDrive. “We’re proud to be the leading library download service that supports both PC and Mac users, and will continue to expand features and services for our partners and their customers.”
“Denver Public Library has had great success offering digital audiobooks, eBooks, and other media thanks to our partnership with OverDrive, and now our Mac customers can enjoy the many benefits of using our service,” said Michelle Jeske, Manager of Web Information Services and Community Technology Center at Denver Public Library. “Customers with Macs have requested access to our growing digital catalog since we launched the service, and now they too have anytime, anywhere access to audiobook downloads.”
Like the highly successful Windows version, OverDrive Media Console for Mac is designed with superior audiobook listening features. Readers can listen to audiobook downloads on their computer, transfer files to Apple devices, or burn audiobooks to CD within the software. Users can also navigate and download audiobook parts using integrated MediaMarkers, jump back 15 seconds, and create custom bookmarks. In addition, OverDrive Media Console for Mac helps users organize their download audiobooks by author, title, or subject. At the end of the lending period, files automatically expire and the software prompts the user to delete the audiobook title from his or her computer.
OverDrive powers download media catalogs at thousands of libraries worldwide, including institutions in New York, Singapore, Boston, and Toronto. To see if your public library is a member of the OverDrive network, go here.
Technorati Tags: OverDrive Media Console,OverDrive
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Comments:
The press release does not draw too much attention to the fact that only a small fraction of OverDrive’s title offerings are available in MP3 format and, thus, accessible via the Mac software or useable on iPods. Many libraries are buying into this program with the notion of “iPod compatible” content when, in fact, that content is limited to mostly public domain titles. The “good stuff” is all locked up with DRM and only available for non-iPods. Even if you don’t use an iPod, you’re out of luck if you use a Mac, even with this software.
Step in the right direction? Yes.
Still a fundamentally hobbled service which any library should think long and hard before spending public funds to buy into? In my opinion, yes.
You’re an incredible crybaby.
My local library has Overdrive formatted audiobooks and I downloaded one after installing the OverDrive Media Console version for Mac. I can listen to the book on my PowerBook G4. I even ‘transferred it to my iPod Touch, but I can’t find it anywhere to listen to it from there. On my iPod Touch in the Music section, it says Audiobooks, but says there aren’t any audiobooks on my device, but they can be downloaded from iTunes. I am in the process of burning the MP3 file of the book from the OverDrive Media Console and hope to take it into iTunes from this CD and transfer it that way and then maybe I can see it. Hope it works then.
It’s now July 3, 2009. At the risk of being called a “crybaby” I just downloaded the software for Mac then eagerly raced to my library’s Overdrive site…to discover that there are a whopping 183 books available for me to download to a Mac. It’s an odd selection: a dozen “Cat Who,” some life coaches ( “as seen on Oprah”) we sell on bag day at the FOL booksale, and public domain oldies. Oh well…I know it’s the DRM issue but still…bummer!
On the other hand, in 20+ years of Mac ownership I have never had to deal with a virus, so everything is a trade off! I suppose I could take the money I’ve saved on antivirus software over the years and just use it to download at Audible?
I too find it annoying that there are only a relative few number of books that can be downloaded to Macs. I agree with BookPodder for the most part, but I think that libraries, if they do get this should put a warning saying something like best use of this program is gotten by PC users. That way us Macs, who are, again for the most part, used to being excluded from cool software by people who don’t think Mac (mostly PC users-augh!).
At the risk of sounding like another “crybaby”, I honestly think that companies such as the one who created OverDrive and made it available for libraries and for patrons that want to download audiobooks need to keep in mind that a not everyone uses a PC. Apple makes very decent products and I think it is rather annoying that no one keeps that in mind in creating software or programs that are supposed to be used by a large population of individuals.
BookPodde is definitely NOT a cry baby! The selection made available for Mac is so hobbled using Overdrive that it’s almost worthless… all the titles I have found do indeed to be mostly cheesy public domain stuff.
Overdrive is run by a lawyer who negotiates rights. User experience is Terrible both with regards to integration with our library system (Toronto) and their software, which still doesn’t include an iPad version!? Yes it’s a great idea to offer this service but Overdrive’s execution has been poor. Unfortunately they seem to be the major (only?) player.
They need to realize they are in the software business and invest in designing a better user experience.
Hear, here, Jeremy, about your general complaints!
But in fairness to OverDrive, an iPad-optimized version of the Console is apparently on the way, and I can already use an Android version (nice going, OverDrive!) even if it’s hardly nirvana.
Yes, the Bluefire reader has a much nicer interface and apparently better programming, if you go by performance. I suspect that the same is true of Aldiko, an Android e-reading app which now works with library books. Both also offer readers more presentation options than OverDrive does.
Public libraries should insist that OverDrive make EVERYTHING usable by apps from reputable e-book-related vendors like Bluefire and Aldiko. Here’s to compatibility and interoperability!
And no matter what company is involved, OverDrive included, you shouldn’t have to leave the app to go to a browser or elsewhere to find books–a problem even with OverDrive’s own software! Everything should happen within the app.
Our present library system is badly broken, at least in regard to e-books. And we urgently need a genuine national digital library system better integrated with local and state libraries and friendlier to users than OverDrive and friends are. A balkanized approach is horrible for usability.
If OverDrive wants to be a contractor for a unified national system with the clout to enforce standards (the system, not OverDrive!), then great! Let ‘em compete and make zillions if the merit is there. But libraries should be run for patrons, not contractors.
I’m speaking in a U.S. context, but the same would apply to Canada.
David Rothman
Co-Founder, LibraryCity.org