Which smartphone for audio books?

Wasp Woman · 04-17-2012, 03:53 PM

I am buying my first smartphone and want to make sure I can listen to Overdrive library books. It looks like iPhone is the only one compatible. Is this true? It surprises me that android phones are not compatible. Thanks

AnemicOak · 04-17-2012, 04:04 PM

Android phones are compatible with Overdrive audiobooks in MP3 format, but not audiobooks in WMA format.

AFAIK the iPhone is the only thing that will handle DRM'd WMA audiobooks (even Windows Phone 7 doesn't support them AFAIK which is weird since WMA is Microsoft's). Note only WMA audiobooks where the publisher allows conversion will work (most will, but not all) and conversion must be done with a Windows PC. You can play them through the iPhone music app or the Audible app (with some success), but AFAIK not the Overdrive app.

Synamon · 04-17-2012, 04:09 PM

Check your device here, android phones should be compatible with MP3 audiobooks. WMA is more restrictive though, is that what you are referring to?

Wasp Woman · 04-17-2012, 04:27 PM

Yes, I want to listen to the WMA format. Thanks for the information.

04-17-2012, 03:53 PM	#1
Wasp Woman Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 2062 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kindle	Which smartphone for audio books? I am buying my first smartphone and want to make sure I can listen to Overdrive library books. It looks like iPhone is the only one compatible. Is this true? It surprises me that android phones are not compatible. Thanks

04-17-2012, 04:04 PM	#2
AnemicOak Bookaholic Posts: 14,391 Karma: 54969924 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minnesota Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +	Android phones are compatible with Overdrive audiobooks in MP3 format, but not audiobooks in WMA format. AFAIK the iPhone is the only thing that will handle DRM'd WMA audiobooks (even Windows Phone 7 doesn't support them AFAIK which is weird since WMA is Microsoft's). Note only WMA audiobooks where the publisher allows conversion will work (most will, but not all) and conversion must be done with a Windows PC. You can play them through the iPhone music app or the Audible app (with some success), but AFAIK not the Overdrive app. Last edited by AnemicOak; 04-17-2012 at 04:08 PM.

04-17-2012, 04:09 PM	#3
Synamon Lunatic Posts: 1,691 Karma: 4386372 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Land of the Loonie Device: Kindle Paperwhite and Keyboard, Kobo Aura, iPad mini, iPod Touch	Check your device here, android phones should be compatible with MP3 audiobooks. WMA is more restrictive though, is that what you are referring to? Last edited by Synamon; 04-17-2012 at 04:09 PM. Reason: beaten to the punch :p

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04-17-2012, 04:27 PM	#4
Wasp Woman Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 2062 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kindle	Yes, I want to listen to the WMA format. Thanks for the information.

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