Category: book Nook
Does anyone know about NLS plans for an iphone app soon or sometime in the future? I remember reading something about the possibility but wasn't sure if it was just a rumor.
I've heard rumblings about that as well. It seems like I've heard something about NLS having plans for and Iphone app sometime in the next year or two. I sure wish they'd hurry because that would be the absolute best.
considering a knowledgeable friend tweeted something about it pretty recently, along with the fact they've been talking about it at conventions and such, I'm certain it's true. and, I, too, can't wait!
Me neither. Be nice to have allmy audiobooks on one device, although granted I'd need to find a bigger IPod Touch than 32 gigs, always assuming that such are even available anymore. I've heard they were being discontinued.
Here is a podcast from CSUN about the new BARD app. It's from the Blind Access Journal.
http://blindaccessjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02
/BARD_Mobile.mp3
The blog post is at the top of the Blind Access Journal site also.
This sounds pretty good and actually useable compared to something like the Learning Ally app.
Hey, this is awesome. Thanks so much for posting. Woohoo, I'm excited!
Pretty nice that. When they send it, I'll proably ship my great big player they sent me, back to them, so they can give it to the poor or old folks home or whatever. Because of its size I use it pretty infrequently and kind of feel guilty for having it sometimes, with so many of the blind having such a limited income and things.
I agree, I can't wait to get rid of that big player.
I actually like the big player, as far as players go. I'll give mine to my husband though so he can read books he likes instead of me keeping my cartrage all loaded up with my stuff.
The big player is a nice player. I have no complaints about it, plus well, what you gonna do, get your money back? Anyway I've read a lot about it, and under the hood it's technically sound. I simply don't really use the speaker since others in the house don't listen to the talking books. But the speaker is to my ears anyway, mighty fine. I've had it out in the garage with a sixer and a job to do, and it sang like a canary over the sound of hand saw and other things.
I sent back all digital stuff I had from them last year. I'm not one for listening to books. I don't get much that way, at all, which is one reason I'm looking forward to the app.
I use headphones as well, so I don't use my bard player much. I have one of the old Victor Reader Streams for now. When this app comes out, I'll be one happy camper.
yup, definitely can't wait for the BARD app. :)
I have a player as well, but love my braille books. I'd love this app though. Quality of books sound wise would be wonderful, and I've always got my phone with me, so.
Please fill out this survey. Maybe if we let them know how much we need this app they will take it into consideration.
"The Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS) is conducting a survey to understand how
to better serve the needs of readers of talking books and braille.
Take the survey now to let your opinions be heard and help us better
serve you! To take the survey online or to learn more about it, go to
www.LibraryOfCongressSurvey.com
"
NLS mobile applications
NLS is in the process of developing applications to enable the download and reading of its books using commercial mobile devices. Two versions are being developed independently?one for Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad) and one for Google Android devices.
Some features are outlined below.
The applications will:
? play NLS digital talking books (ANSI/NISO Z39.96-2002)
? communicate with Bluetooth-connected refreshable braille displays for reading NLS braille (BRF) files
? download books directly from BARD
? accept books loaded from a connected computer (e.g., iTunes files)
? be free, but require a BARD account to be activated and to download books
? employ the accessibility features native to the devices, such as Talkback and Brailleback on Android and Voiceover on iOS
The iOS application is at the internal testing stage. The NLS Engineering Section is evaluating this working version without all of its final features. NLS plans to have the Beta version, with corrections and enhanced functionality, available for selected Beta testers to evaluate in several weeks. The iOS version is expected to be available to patrons in late spring.
The Android application will only be available on Android 4.2 ?Jelly Bean? and later versions because of poor accessibility support on earlier versions. The application is expected to be available to patrons on the Android market in late summer.
Richard J. Smith, Director
Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-522-2767
Email: richard.smith@sos.mo.gov
Web Site: http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/
oh if I an get BRF files on my iphone I will be in heaven.
sounds like the nls app will have some pretty awesome features :)