Contact Information: Contact: David Burleigh OverDrive, Inc. 216-573-6886 x218
Free Audiobook Software Expands iPod(R) Compatibility at Libraries and Retailers
OverDrive-Supplied Best-Selling Downloads From Stephenie Meyer, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, and More to Play on Apple(R) Devices
| Source: OverDrive, Inc.
CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwire - May 27, 2009) - OverDrive (www.overdrive.com) today announced
that digital audiobook catalogs from leading publishers will be compatible
with iPod® and other Apple® devices after a simple upgrade of
OverDrive's free, easy-to-use audiobook software. Starting in mid-June,
millions of new and existing users with Windows® PCs will be able to
install OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 with enhanced transfer
functionality for iPod, iPhone™, iPod touch®, and iPod nano®, as
well as Zune® and thousands of other portable devices. Participating
publishers include Random House Audio, Hachette Audio, Penguin Audio, BBC
Audiobooks America, Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, and many more.
OverDrive Media Console's enhanced Transfer Wizard will expand the largest
selection of iPod-compatible audiobook titles for libraries by making the
vast majority of existing audiobook titles on library download websites
playable on Apple® devices. Retail customers at Borders.com,
www.WHSmith.co.uk, and BooksOnBoard.com will also benefit from the free
upgrade. Best sellers such as Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight," Malcolm
Gladwell's "Outliers," John Grisham's "The Appeal," and Chuck Palahniuk's
"Pygmy" from libraries and retailers in OverDrive's global network will
become iPod-compatible downloads, along with highly-anticipated releases
like Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" and Tami Hoag's "The Trouble with J.J."
"iPod-compatibility instantly adds value to digital media catalogs powered
by OverDrive and further expands the collection to the millions of iPod
owners eager to download from the library," said David Burleigh, director
of marketing for OverDrive. "A simple software upgrade is all it takes to
allow the transfer of thousands of additional bestsellers to the popular
media player."
Once OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 is installed, most titles in a
library's OverDrive WMA Audiobook collection will instantly become
iPod-compatible for users with Windows PCs. The growing collection of
iPod-compatible, Mac®-friendly OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks will still be
available to help libraries better serve patrons with Apple computers.
OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 provides a superior audiobook listening
experience with easy-to-use navigation features and expanded support for
direct transfer to iPod, Zune, Creative players, and thousands of other
devices. OverDrive music and video downloads from the library are also
optimized for use on the OverDrive Media Console. Windows PC users can
obtain the new version of the free software when it is released through
their library's download website or at http://overdrive.com/software/omc.
OverDrive provides download services for more than 8,500 libraries,
retailers, and schools worldwide with support for PC, Mac, iPod, Sony®
Reader, and virtually any MP3 player. To see if your public library is a
member of the OverDrive network, visit http://search.overdrive.com.
OverDrive also operates the Digital Bookmobile (www.digitalbookmobile.com),
a high-tech 18-wheeler traveling North America on behalf of public
libraries to raise awareness about free library downloads.
About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading global digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks,
music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and
download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of
libraries, schools, and retailers serving millions of end users. Founded in
1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com