Scribd adds Audiobooks to its Plan

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by Fbone

Who mentioned format shifting? I asked what format does Scribd use for their ebooks since they have an Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire apps. Plus, all their ebooks can be read on and some downloaded to a PC.

I believe it's a form of javascript (json) and yes it's encrypted.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I believe it's a form of javascript (json) and yes it's encrypted.

The audiobooks too. They have mp3 as file extension, but are not compatible with any other mp3 player.

[PG4003]

Have you guys perused the audiobooks on Scribd? I'm not overly impressed yet...

Another question. It appears the audiobooks are streaming. But then that means I can't listen in my car.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by PG4003

Have you guys perused the audiobooks on Scribd? I'm not overly impressed yet...

Another question. It appears the audiobooks are streaming. But then that means I can't listen in my car.

I browsed a bit and found a bunch I'd listen to. In terms of selections, Audible is definitely better since its catalog is over five times larger. But then, Audible is also more expense than Scribd. It all hinges on what you're willing to compromise on. Personally, I'd pay for Scribd's plan over Audible's. For me, cost is more important than must-have listening.

You can download the books to your device and then plug it into your car for offline playback.

[soondai]

I signed up for the 3 month trial and am really digging it so far. I wish they'd incorporate some more display options for their ebooks (only 2 fonts, can't shrink the margins) which aren't ideal for my phone or 7 inch tablet. Just fine on an iPad, tho. They have a really nice selection of nonfiction ebooks that are not available on Overdrive (math, science, philosophy stuff).

The audiobook selection isn't as impressive, but fine for my needs. I'll be surprised if I cancel when my trial is over. May well axe Prime to justify it.

And as tubemonkey said, you can download both audio and ebooks for offline use.

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by PG4003

Another question. It appears the audiobooks are streaming. But then that means I can't listen in my car.

They stream by default. If you want to download them, you need to force that. I'll assume that the Kindle Fire app is the same as the android app. When you are on the screen the book is played from, click the little circle near the top/right of the screen. Then choose "store to device" from the menu. The book will download.

[silverraven]

For those of us without smart phones or tablets, can you listen/read these books on a pc? Or are they only available on smart phones and tablets?
Thank you
S

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by silverraven

For those of us without smart phones or tablets, can you listen/read these books on a pc? Or are they only available on smart phones and tablets?
Thank you
S

They are available on PC/Laptop as well through your browser.

[pidgeon92]

I do not like the ebook reader on the app. The margins are far too large (and cannot be adjusted), and there is no way to turn off the hyphenation.

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I believe it's a form of javascript (json) and yes it's encrypted.

Thank you. That was what I wanted to know. It's different than Overdrive. Since there is no mention of Adobe on Scribd's website I didn't know how they were downloadable to your PC.

[Atunah]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

I do not like the ebook reader on the app. The margins are far too large (and cannot be adjusted), and there is no way to turn off the hyphenation.

Same issue here. Which is why I can't do the Scribd audio books on my Nexus tablet, I have to keep an older version, 3.6.2 on it. I could not handle the huge margins and the horrible hyphenation. It was in such weird places it threw me out of the book.
Good thing I just got a android phone to do the audio books. I don't read on that small screen so I don't care what the ebooks look like.

I would prefer being able to do audio books on my tablet though as its battery life is much better than my phones. Oh well.

[silverraven]

Originally Posted by Blossom

They are available on PC/Laptop as well through your browser.

Thank you!
S

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by silverraven

For those of us without smart phones or tablets, can you listen/read these books on a pc? Or are they only available on smart phones and tablets?
Thank you
S

You could get a no-contract phone on Black Friday. You should be able to get a pretty good one for under $50 and it would make an excellent media player. Then load up apps like Audible, OverDrive, Scribed, TuneIn Radio, Pandora, etc. These phones are generally Android; but beware, quite a few have poor specs and won't be very smooth or have the shelf life to keep pace with app upgrades.

This is a category I'm tracking in the Black Friday thread. I intend to get one of these phones for use as a streaming audio player - music and audiobooks. So far, I've found one that would make an excellent buy. It'll be a Kmart doorbuster with 2 per store (forget that), plus online sales (best chance). It's the LG Volt and will be selling for $40.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by Atunah

Same issue here. Which is why I can't do the Scribd audio books on my Nexus tablet, I have to keep an older version, 3.6.2 on it. I could not handle the huge margins and the horrible hyphenation. It was in such weird places it threw me out of the book.
Good thing I just got a android phone to do the audio books. I don't read on that small screen so I don't care what the ebooks look like.

I would prefer being able to do audio books on my tablet though as its battery life is much better than my phones. Oh well.

Same here I am staying with the older app on my N7.2 and the new KF6 when I get it. I will use a smaller device for audio books. I have hopes Scribd fixes the Gingerbread issue but I am getting a new phone as hubby really scuffed up mine after I loan it to him for week. Now it has screen scratches and finish is peeling.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I am getting a new phone as hubby really scuffed up mine after I loan it to him for week. Now it has screen scratches and finish is peeling.

He just loves you so much that he scuffed it up on purpose. This way there is reasonable logical excuse to get a new one. You won't feel guilty about spending the money or to abandon your beloved old phone. It is ultimately his fault anyway.