[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4Cast #207: Digitally enhanced books

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OPLIN 4Cast

OPLIN 4Cast #207: Digitally enhanced books
December 8th, 2010

books and globe 
<http://www.oplin.org/4cast/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Globe-Book.gif>We 
often may think of e-books as a variation of print books, 
only with the words delivered to an e-book reader rather 
than impressed on paper. But the fact that e-books exist in 
digital form creates the possibility of opening the text to 
interaction with other digital formats, such as digitized 
video, audio, and the entire World Wide Web. That type of 
interaction with other content can result in a new, enhanced 
reading experience. Although there have been some inroads in 
this direction using e-books for adults---see Copia 
<http://www.thecopia.com/>, for example---most of the 
innovations to date have involved books for children and 
young adults. The first step has been clever enhancements of 
printed books with digital content, but now we are seeing an 
increasing number of enhanced e-books, or "book apps," that 
are strictly digital.

    * Children's fantasy novel engages readers with
      augmented reality
      <http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/childrens_fantasy_novel_engages_readers_with_augme.php>
      (ReadWiteWeb/Chris Cameron) "The novel [/The Search
      for WondLa/ by Tony DiTerlizzi] features special
      emblems on three of its pages which can be used to
      unlock the augmented reality experience. By holding
      the emblems in front of their webcam, readers will see
      a somewhat-interactive 3D map that helps them picture
      the world of the novel. Animations and sounds play
      automatically as the experience guides the user around
      the map."
    * Interactive books ('E' not included)
      <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/review/Grobart-t.html>
      (New York Times/Sam Grobart) "These three books point
      to a medium in transition. They still require readers
      to jump from book, to computer, back to book again.
      But with the rise of e-readers and other tablet
      devices like Apple's iPad, I have to imagine that some
      author is hard at work creating a fully digital
      experience that combines text, video, animation and
      data. Books, movies and video games will all
      contribute to this new form of storytelling, and I
      would not be surprised if it happens to children's and
      young adult literature first."
    * On an innovative device, apps lacking imagination
      <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/arts/29iht-design29.html>
      (New York Times/Alice Rawsthorn) "As for books,
      children's titles are leading the way with apps that
      include animated illustrations, often activated by the
      reader. My favorites are the fabulously surreal ones
      in 'Alice for the iPad,' Atomic Antelope's interactive
      version of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland,' and
      Oceanhouse Media's 'Dr. Seuss' apps. Kids can 'play'
      the Dr. Seuss stories like movies---saving you from
      reading the same one again and again. Each word is
      highlighted when it is spoken on the soundtrack."
    * Enhanced Narnia e-book has promise, restrictions
      <http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/11/enhanced-narnia-e-book-has-promise-restrictions/>
      (Wired/Tim Carmody) "...the visually rich and
      conceptually encyclopedic nature of the books means
      that adding maps, illustrations, animations, reference
      guides, and timelines actually become very useful
      reading aids. Add in audio readings and commentaries,
      critical essays, and you have something that could
      become the equivalent of a deluxe DVD edition of a
      beloved book."

*/Publishing Fact:/*

Major publishers are currently trying to determine how to 
price and market enhanced e-books. According to the Wall 
Street Journal 
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730304575632654146880096.html>, 
HarperCollins has only eleven enhanced e-books in their 
catalog to date, but are intrigued by the possibility that 
about half of consumers would be willing to pay 
significantly more for enhanced e-books as opposed to 
standard e-books.
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