Axis 360 now enforcing the use of their app for e-book reading

[jhowell]

I noticed this morning that library books available through (Baker & Taylor) Axis 360 that last week were available in either EPUB (ADE) or Blio format are now showing as only available in "Axis360 eBook" format, accessible only via their apps.

When I sign in or out a pop-up comes up on my browser saying:

Axis 360 Has Evolved!

The Axis 360 team proudly presents its all-in-one eBook and eAudiobook Axis360 mobile app. Now you can read and listen in a single app.

To download the latest version, visit the App Zone

I didn't see an announcement of the removal of the older supported formats anywhere on their site. Perhaps it is a temporary glitch and perhaps it is the new normal for Axis 360.

[dandelioncottage]

I checked a couple of my Axis 360 libraries, and they show the same thing. Only their format is available.

Originally Posted by jhowell

I noticed this morning that library books available through (Baker & Taylor) Axis 360 that last week were available in either EPUB (ADE) or Blio format are now showing as only available in "Axis360 eBook" format, accessible only via their apps.

When I sign in or out a pop-up comes up on my browser saying:


I didn't see an announcement of the removal of the older supported formats anywhere on their site. Perhaps it is a temporary glitch and perhaps it is the new normal for Axis 360.

[eschwartz]

What an absolutely pissy thing to do. And you realize some libraries were stupid enough to completely ditch any other ebook system and go Axis360-exclusive?

I already hated them (libraries) for locking out Kindle owners, but I hope they will have the good sense to switch back now it seems they are locking out all dedicated ereaders in general...

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

What an absolutely pissy thing to do. And you realize some libraries were stupid enough to completely ditch any other ebook system and go Axis360-exclusive?

I already hated them (libraries) for locking out Kindle owners, but I hope they will have the good sense to switch back now it seems they are locking out all dedicated ereaders in general...

But nobody reads on dedicated readers anymore! Everybody uses their Iphone, Android Phone, or Windows PC/tablet (Windows phone is not supported, and forget about reading on your macbook).

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

But nobody reads on dedicated readers anymore! Everybody uses their Iphone, Android Phone, or Windows PC/tablet (Windows phone is not supported, and forget about reading on your macbook).

I'm being discriminated against...

[jhowell]

The ones who should be worried are Adobe. At one time they were the leader with all of the major e-book lending platforms (OverDrive, 3M, Axis 360, and Freading) using them. The recently introduced e-book lending platforms (Scribd, Oyster and Hoopla) have all gone with proprietary apps instead. Now Axis 360 may have dropped Adobe. Their high price and known vulnerabilities may be costing them business.

[Apache]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

But nobody reads on dedicated readers anymore! Everybody uses their Iphone, Android Phone, or Windows PC/tablet (Windows phone is not supported, and forget about reading on your macbook).

Some of us still prefer dedicated ereaders.
Apache

[silverraven]

I must be really stupid, I can't even figure out how to listen to an audio book.
And yes, I prefer an eink reader, better for MY eyes.
S

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

But nobody reads on dedicated readers anymore! Everybody uses their Iphone, Android Phone, or Windows PC/tablet (Windows phone is not supported, and forget about reading on your macbook).

Not everyone owns a tablet or a smartphone, or has the required OS.

When my library switched to Axis 360 for new acquisitions, my phone's OS wasn't compatible. My newer smartphone works, but I really don't want to read on a 3.5 inch screen.

Seems to me that libraries should be making materials more widely available, not restricting access to people who can afford to buy the latest devices.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by jhowell

The ones who should be worried are Adobe. At one time they were the leader with all of the major e-book lending platforms (OverDrive, 3M, Axis 360, and Freading) using them. The recently introduced e-book lending platforms (Scribd, Oyster and Hoopla) have all gone with proprietary apps instead. Now Axis 360 may have dropped Adobe. Their high price and known vulnerabilities may be costing them business.

Are we certain Adobe isn't still providing the DRM for many of these proprietary apps? They've long had the ability to apply encryption based on a vendor ID rather than a user ID.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Are we certain Adobe isn't still providing the DRM for many of these proprietary apps? They've long had the ability to apply encryption based on a vendor ID rather than a user ID.

Pretty sure I've read that at least some of the app only stores are using a form of Adobe encryption (I'll look for a link later). They just choose not to also allow .ascm based downloads from the content server.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Pretty sure I've read that at least some of the app only stores are using a form of Adobe encryption (I'll look for a link later). They just choose not to also allow .ascm based downloads from the content server.

That's what I figured. Adobe's still going to get their piece of the pie. I just don't see all of these smaller outfits laying out the cash for their own proprietary DRM. If it was THAT easy or cheap to get out from under Adobe's thumb, ACS would probably be dead in the water already. Plus, I'm betting many of those apps are RMSDK based to boot.

[Bookworm_Girl]

I've downloaded the new Axis360 app. It's easier to browse than the older app. However it's very slow. Also I like the old app better. It was a pretty nice interface and had customization options. The new one is very limited. No more margin and line spacing. The page curl to change pages is annoying. The menu text is white and overlaps the book text making it illegible.

Disappointing that you can't download EPUBs anymore. This source will continue to be my last resort option of all my libraries. I sympathize for those who have to use it as their primary or only option.

[Barty]

I used the axis android app for an audiobook. It was pretty barebones. Not even a way to rewind/forward n seconds. Also it crashed every time I tried to check out a book.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

That's what I figured. Adobe's still going to get their piece of the pie. I just don't see all of these smaller outfits laying out the cash for their own proprietary DRM. If it was THAT easy or cheap to get out from under Adobe's thumb, ACS would probably be dead in the water already. Plus, I'm betting many of those apps are RMSDK based to boot.

Kobo uses their own DRM internally, and so does Scribd, Oyster, Google Play Books ...