Monday 15 July 2013

LibriVox




I have mentioned already about LibriVox. This project started in 2005 and has a tremendous goal: to offer all public domain books as audiobooks, for free, on the internet. I do not have accurate numbers but a quick search on the web leads to over 1 million books available in the public domain. I believe they currently have over 7,000 audiobooks available, so it gives us at least two great opportunities: downloads and uploads. The obvious one is to download audiobooks for free and enjoy classic literature. The second one is to donate your time and record new audiobooks to increase their catalog. I have declined the latter as I don't believe I have the right voice, but they have many volunteers that have helped them offer what you can today enjoy for free. I encourage you to give it a try.

Still on the LibriVox, they are running a campaign to raise funds. If you decide to do so, visit LibriVox's donation page.


Audiobook sites

Having a mobile is great. Use it to more than just phone calls and playing games: priceless.
So, the big question now is: where do I get my audiobooks from? Answer: there are many sources. Myself, I have been downloading them from different sources all along but I have narrowed down as of late for absolute lack of time. Regardless, I would venture to group the many different websites as follows: public libraries, free, free+paid, paid+free.
Starting locally, all decent public libraries have websites. The majority will allow you to search for content on-line. A growing group is now offering digital content. Digital content includes anything from magazines, newspapers, ebooks and of course, audiobooks. Usually, you will need a valid library card to access the content. Once you login to the library through your mobile device, you will have direct access to the digital content straight from and to your device, including capabilities such as searching, borrowing, returning and even entering a waiting list for the Harry Potter series (yes, been there, done that). You will need to use specific software (usually free) that is provided through the links in your library website.
If that's not enough, there are many sites that distribute free audiobooks. Usually, they are free because they are categorized as
public domain. Through those sites, you can download any title to your mobile device without a registration. Use of specific software is also not required giving you flexibility to use your preferred player. To name only a few, LibriVox and Project Gutenberg are the ones that first come to mind.
Other sites will distribute free audiobooks, either public domain or with lower audio quality. They will offer higher audio quality versions for a fee or their own offerings. Software requirements might vary from site to site. Examples of sites that follow this category are AudioBooksForFree and LearnOutLoud.
At the other side of the spectrum there are the paid sites. There you can find the latest audiobooks and most offer you memberships for lowering the cost of this entertainment. Sites such as Audible, Tantor and Blackstone are good examples of such.
I started to compile a (reasonable) list that shows locations where you can go for downloading audiobooks. It will be accessible later in this blog's main menu.
Happy listening.
Marcelo

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Smartphones and audiobooks

For those who know me, I seem to be very attached to my cell phone. I can't deny it. Communication has always been important and mobile devices are a key element to it. Among them, smartphones have a special place in this picture.

You might be asking what this has to deal with audiobooks? You probably guessed it right: mobile devices have made audiobooks ever so accessible. With the right apps, you can buy or loan audiobooks straight to your device, listen and move on to the next.

Yes, this is just a teaser post. In the coming days and weeks I will be exploring how to make the best use of this capability. I will also be adding library of libraries and other audiobook providers.

Happy listening.

Marcelo

Sunday 9 June 2013

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