Apple’s iBooks application for the iPad is now available as a free download from iTunes. However, it is currently only accessible from the US store. Unfortunately, users in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world will have to wait until the iPad launches in their respective countries to access this application.
The Application will only work with the iPad and not the iPhone and iPod Touch. We have tested it, and you cannot sync it with your iPhone or iPod Touch.
Features of the iBooks Application
The iBooks application comes with a free book, “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne. This classic tale is a delightful addition for users to start their digital reading journey. One of the standout features of the iBooks store is the ability to read a sample of any book before making a purchase. This allows users to get a feel for the book and decide if it meets their interests and expectations.
Additionally, the iBooks app offers a highly customizable reading experience. Users can re-organize their books on the iPad by title, author, or category, making it easier to manage and locate their favorite reads. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a virtual bookshelf that mimics the look of a traditional wooden bookshelf, adding a touch of nostalgia to the digital reading experience.
Adding Your Own Books
One of the most appealing aspects of the iBooks application is the ability to add your own books to iTunes using the ePub format. This open standard format is widely used for digital publications, making it easy to find and convert books into this format. Once you have added your books to iTunes, you can sync them with your iPad, allowing you to carry your personal library wherever you go.
This feature is particularly useful for avid readers who have a collection of eBooks in various formats. By converting these books to ePub, users can consolidate their library within the iBooks app, providing a seamless reading experience. There are several free and paid tools available online that can help with converting different file formats to ePub, ensuring that users can make the most of this feature.
Moreover, the iBooks app supports various interactive elements within eBooks, such as embedded videos, audio clips, and interactive diagrams. This makes it an excellent tool for educational purposes, as textbooks and learning materials can be enhanced with multimedia content to provide a richer learning experience.
In conclusion, while the iBooks application is currently limited to the US store, it offers a range of features that make it a valuable addition to the iPad. From the ability to sample books before purchasing to the option of adding personal eBooks in the ePub format, the iBooks app provides a comprehensive and customizable reading experience. As the iPad becomes available in more countries, users worldwide will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of this innovative application.
via Engadget
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