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haertig · 04-19-2018, 01:51 PM

I have the audio book converted from a series of MP3 files into a single M4B file. Plays fine (using VLC on my Linux desktop where I converted it). Trying to get this file down onto the iPhone, to a place where it can be accessed by the iBooks app, WITHOUT USING ITUNES, seems to be nearly impossible. I can tranfser it using a WebDAV app (I used a free app named "Documents"). The file is now on the iPhone, but in a directory that only the "Documents" program appears to be able to see. I can't get it to someplace that the default app "iBooks" can access it. I can listen to the M4B file using the built-in MP3 played inside the "Documents" app. That is not a great player, since you don't have fine control of where you are in the audiobook. You have one slider, but when you're trying to slide it for only a few minutes or seconds, that is impossible in a long file, like a 12 hour audiobook. The slider doesn't have the required resolution. And while I can pause the audiobook and come back to the same paused place later, I think it is pretty unlikely that if I pause audiobook #1, go listen to some of audiobook #2, then try to come back to audiobook #1 that it will remember where I was. You probably need a dedicated audiobook player (like the one in iBooks) to retain this memory. Except I can't get this audiobook into iBooks. Maddening!

I guess Apple is of the mindset, "You buy audiobooks only from us, and use only our iTunes program (thus forcing yourself to switch to a Mac or Windows computer, dump Linux) - or you don't get to listen to your audiobooks at all!"

When someone says "It's our way or the highway", I will admit I usually head for the highway. I'll keep working with things to see if I can figure this out, but as of right now, iOS looks to be a turd. It might be OK for folks who are satisfied to be controlled, but I'd rather be the one holding the leash, not the one being held by it. We'll see ... I have more learning to do before I can fully form an opinion on iOS.

I very much appreciate the replies I've gotten in this thread. Thanks!

04-19-2018, 01:51 PM	#16
haertig Wizard Posts: 1,899 Karma: 31522252 Join Date: Sep 2017 Device: PW3, Fire HD8 Gen7, Moto G7, Sansa Clip v2, Ruizu X26	I have the audio book converted from a series of MP3 files into a single M4B file. Plays fine (using VLC on my Linux desktop where I converted it). Trying to get this file down onto the iPhone, to a place where it can be accessed by the iBooks app, WITHOUT USING ITUNES, seems to be nearly impossible. I can tranfser it using a WebDAV app (I used a free app named "Documents"). The file is now on the iPhone, but in a directory that only the "Documents" program appears to be able to see. I can't get it to someplace that the default app "iBooks" can access it. I can listen to the M4B file using the built-in MP3 played inside the "Documents" app. That is not a great player, since you don't have fine control of where you are in the audiobook. You have one slider, but when you're trying to slide it for only a few minutes or seconds, that is impossible in a long file, like a 12 hour audiobook. The slider doesn't have the required resolution. And while I can pause the audiobook and come back to the same paused place later, I think it is pretty unlikely that if I pause audiobook #1, go listen to some of audiobook #2, then try to come back to audiobook #1 that it will remember where I was. You probably need a dedicated audiobook player (like the one in iBooks) to retain this memory. Except I can't get this audiobook into iBooks. Maddening! I guess Apple is of the mindset, "You buy audiobooks only from us, and use only our iTunes program (thus forcing yourself to switch to a Mac or Windows computer, dump Linux) - or you don't get to listen to your audiobooks at all!" When someone says "It's our way or the highway", I will admit I usually head for the highway. I'll keep working with things to see if I can figure this out, but as of right now, iOS looks to be a turd. It might be OK for folks who are satisfied to be controlled, but I'd rather be the one holding the leash, not the one being held by it. We'll see ... I have more learning to do before I can fully form an opinion on iOS. I very much appreciate the replies I've gotten in this thread. Thanks!