Econtentserv

Children’s eBooks

Fixed-layout eBooks are a popular format for eBooks today, especially for children’s picture eBooks and for complex non-fiction like cookbooks and textbooks. Unlike standard reflowable eBook files, fixed layout eBooks can keep the same page layout and design as their print book counterparts, and can sometimes contain enhancements that make them more interesting and interactive. Fixed Layout eBooks are not PDFs, and they should never be created from flat images of every page. They are fully-functional HTML-based eBook files in every way; however, the specific styles and layouts used in these files are not re-flowable like standard eBook files.

In the information below, we will discuss the specifics of children’s picture eBooks. If you are interested in learning about non-fiction fixed layout eBooks. Also, for more information on creating apps instead of actual eBooks.

An Overview
Children’s eBooks are a popular topic right now in the publishing world, not only among publishers, but also among independent authors. While it is difficult to gain any traction in the children’s print book market, eBooks are a more level playing field. Many independent authors are writing and illustrating their own books and obtaining good sales rankings right alongside the major players

This interest in children’s eBooks has been driven in large part by the enhancements that are possible in many of the children’s eBook formats. Audio narration and animations can add a lot of flair to a children’s eBook and bring a better sale price.

The eBook marketplace changes very rapidly, so being up-to-date on everything is hard to do. Just so you know where things stand right now, let’s cover the basics of what is possible with the different children’s fixed layout formats.

Apple Fixed Layout
Apple developed a solution for children’s eBooks not long after the iPad was released, adding some functionality that allows a standard ePub2 file to be displayed in a fixed layout. A variant of this functionality was implemented as the fixed layout component in the newer ePub3 standard. Apple still supports the ePub2 fixed layout format, and most children’s eBooks for sale in the Apple iBookstore are in that format.

Here are some of the key features that are available in children’s eBooks in iBooks:

Full-page zoom: While other fixed layout formats do not allow the page to zoom in or out, iBooks allows the reader to zoom into the page to see image detail better or interact with smaller enhanced elements.
Single-page view: Zooming allows readers to view only one page at a time instead of the standard two page spread.
Orientation rotation: Readers are also able to rotate the orientation of the book to landscape or portrait. If you prefer, that feature can also be manually set in the code.
Embedded media: Fixed layout files are regularly enhanced with video and audio content.
Animations and interactivity: There are some really great options for animations and interactivity in iBooks. See more about this topic {LINK-enhancements page, animations subpoint}here.
Narration overlays: This integration between text and narration are currently almost completely limited to fixed layout files, and we recommend this functionality be added to all children’s eBooks if possible. iBooks also allows you to make the text change color in time with the narration.


A note about iBooks Author: In addition to the ePub2 and ePub3 fixed layout formats, Apple’s iBooks platform also supports another format called iBooks Author. Now, the naming of this can be confusing, so just remember that “iBooks” is the app on the iPad/iPhone that you use when reading eBooks, and “iBooks Author” is the Mac program you can use to create eBooks. iBooks Author is a tool for creating non-fiction fixed layout eBooks. It is not intended for children’s eBooks, and is not the best option for these files. We recommend sticking with ePub fixed layout files for all children’s eBooks in the Apple platform.

Children’s eBooks

Fixed-layout eBooks are a popular format for eBooks today, especially for children’s picture eBooks and for complex non-fiction like cookbooks and textbooks. Unlike standard reflowable eBook files, fixed layout eBooks can keep the same page layout and design as their print book counterparts, and can sometimes contain enhancements that make them more interesting and interactive. Fixed Layout eBooks are not PDFs, and they should never be created from flat images of every page. They are fully-functional HTML-based eBook files in every way; however, the specific styles and layouts used in these files are not re-flowable like standard eBook files.

In the information below, we will discuss the specifics of children’s picture eBooks. If you are interested in learning about non-fiction fixed layout eBooks. Also, for more information on creating apps instead of actual eBooks.

An Overview
Children’s eBooks are a popular topic right now in the publishing world, not only among publishers, but also among independent authors. While it is difficult to gain any traction in the children’s print book market, eBooks are a more level playing field. Many independent authors are writing and illustrating their own books and obtaining good sales rankings right alongside the major players

This interest in children’s eBooks has been driven in large part by the enhancements that are possible in many of the children’s eBook formats. Audio narration and animations can add a lot of flair to a children’s eBook and bring a better sale price.

The eBook marketplace changes very rapidly, so being up-to-date on everything is hard to do. Just so you know where things stand right now, let’s cover the basics of what is possible with the different children’s fixed layout formats.

Apple Fixed Layout
Apple developed a solution for children’s eBooks not long after the iPad was released, adding some functionality that allows a standard ePub2 file to be displayed in a fixed layout. A variant of this functionality was implemented as the fixed layout component in the newer ePub3 standard. Apple still supports the ePub2 fixed layout format, and most children’s eBooks for sale in the Apple iBookstore are in that format.

Here are some of the key features that are available in children’s eBooks in iBooks:

Full-page zoom: While other fixed layout formats do not allow the page to zoom in or out, iBooks allows the reader to zoom into the page to see image detail better or interact with smaller enhanced elements.
Single-page view: Zooming allows readers to view only one page at a time instead of the standard two page spread.
Orientation rotation: Readers are also able to rotate the orientation of the book to landscape or portrait. If you prefer, that feature can also be manually set in the code.
Embedded media: Fixed layout files are regularly enhanced with video and audio content.
Animations and interactivity: There are some really great options for animations and interactivity in iBooks. See more about this topic {LINK-enhancements page, animations subpoint}here.
Narration overlays: This integration between text and narration are currently almost completely limited to fixed layout files, and we recommend this functionality be added to all children’s eBooks if possible. iBooks also allows you to make the text change color in time with the narration.


A note about iBooks Author: In addition to the ePub2 and ePub3 fixed layout formats, Apple’s iBooks platform also supports another format called iBooks Author. Now, the naming of this can be confusing, so just remember that “iBooks” is the app on the iPad/iPhone that you use when reading eBooks, and “iBooks Author” is the Mac program you can use to create eBooks. iBooks Author is a tool for creating non-fiction fixed layout eBooks. It is not intended for children’s eBooks, and is not the best option for these files. We recommend sticking with ePub fixed layout files for all children’s eBooks in the Apple platform.

5 reasons why an iPad is an excellent gift for kids

A recent raging debate has been if an iPad is a child’s best toy or is it an electronic gizmo which is a waste of time and money.

Lot of parents fear an iPad for two reasons :

1. An iPad can halt a child’s creativity. It is addictive and will lead to children wasting their time over a gadget. A wasteful exercise.
2. Who in their right minds will spend 500$ for a ‘toy’.

To answer that and a few more queries, our argument on why an iPad is a good investment is as follows:

* An iPad is an excellent way to keep your kids engaged. Many findings prove that kids are more disciplined and attentive when they have an iPad or iPhone for that matter.And for most parents who are wary of TV and its ill effects on children, ipad is an excellent alternative.

* The appstore is one of the main reasons that makes the iPad a great buy. With a plethora of educational apps, its the best way to have your child grasp a few basics. It helps explore and develop new interests.

* It is discrete, it is compact enough and is serves as a good book reader when indoors(when outdoors the glare is too much to handle). But it is very handy for older children- to read and flip, in fact it can cultivate a habit for reading.

* You will not outgrow an iPad. One of the rare gadgets which will be appreciated by children from the age of 2 till they become teenagers. Plus an iPad is a family product and should be seen in that perspective. It has something for everyone. It is a 500$ toy with utilities which far exceed any other toy. Thus the benefits of an iPad should be seen in totality.

* Last but not the least, it helps your kids get ‘computer-ready’. They will be savvier when it comes to notebooks and computers more than what we ever were.

An iPad can serve the above mentioned purposes if used judiciously. It is recommended that parents use the iPad and guide he kids through them, till they become old enough to figure it out. It shall also avoid an overuse or excess.

5 reasons why an iPad is an excellent gift for kids

A recent raging debate has been if an iPad is a child’s best toy or is it an electronic gizmo which is a waste of time and money.

Lot of parents fear an iPad for two reasons :

1. An iPad can halt a child’s creativity. It is addictive and will lead to children wasting their time over a gadget. A wasteful exercise.
2. Who in their right minds will spend 500$ for a ‘toy’.

To answer that and a few more queries, our argument on why an iPad is a good investment is as follows:

* An iPad is an excellent way to keep your kids engaged. Many findings prove that kids are more disciplined and attentive when they have an iPad or iPhone for that matter.And for most parents who are wary of TV and its ill effects on children, ipad is an excellent alternative.

* The appstore is one of the main reasons that makes the iPad a great buy. With a plethora of educational apps, its the best way to have your child grasp a few basics. It helps explore and develop new interests.

* It is discrete, it is compact enough and is serves as a good book reader when indoors(when outdoors the glare is too much to handle). But it is very handy for older children- to read and flip, in fact it can cultivate a habit for reading.

* You will not outgrow an iPad. One of the rare gadgets which will be appreciated by children from the age of 2 till they become teenagers. Plus an iPad is a family product and should be seen in that perspective. It has something for everyone. It is a 500$ toy with utilities which far exceed any other toy. Thus the benefits of an iPad should be seen in totality.

* Last but not the least, it helps your kids get ‘computer-ready’. They will be savvier when it comes to notebooks and computers more than what we ever were.

An iPad can serve the above mentioned purposes if used judiciously. It is recommended that parents use the iPad and guide he kids through them, till they become old enough to figure it out. It shall also avoid an overuse or excess.

Students With iPad

Recent study reveals iPad-based students score higher than peers.

During the social research on the impact of mobile devices on student performance conducted by Abilene Christian University, a group of freshmen has been equipped with iPad touches. They were supposed to use the device in their studying and eventually have shown better results than their iPadless peers. Namely, they’ve scored 25% higher on questions concerning information transfer.

Tracking the first all-digital class researchers noted that the iPad teaches students to manage their time more efficiently and promotes “learning moments”. At the end of the experiment, the control group was 95% successful in the online iPad-based coursework.

The Apple’s new touch has been quickly adopted into the learning process. A large number of American schools have begun implementing the iPad, from middle and high schools up to medical colleges. With the introduction of the tablet in Chicago, public pupils have increased their performance in math and science by 50-60%. The company offers to furnish every middle-school student with an iPad and upload all the necessary books onto the wi-fied system for $500 a year per child. The suggested educational program is also supposed to include teacher training. State Senator Tommie Williams is still considering this project.

Apple provides volume educational discounts for iPad applications hoping to increase its popularity among American establishments. According to recent reports, total audio and video downloads of school lectures and courses have topped 600 million.

The company keeps upgrading the tablet to fit into school programs. As it highlighted in the iPad 2 presentation, the new version will be autism-oriented and will help students to interact with content in their own special way.

iLearn by iPad, say students

Amazon Kindle vs Nook vs iPad [e-Readers Comparison & Review]

The e-reader movement has swept across the world adding a good number of devices to help develop the e-book market. Today, the most famous brands in the e-reader market include Barnes and Noble’s Nook, Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad with Samsung and iRobot slowly catching up but the first three dominate the market.


If you are interested in purchasing an e-reader and do not have an idea about the differences between them, then this comparison is definitely for you. Let us look at the various competitive features on Kindle, Nook and iPad respectively. We are going to take a different approach in comparison based upon usage experience:

Look and Feel

The look and feel of all the devices is different. The Kindle, has a button based keyboard on the bottom or simply a physical keyboard. The keyboard is clunky and I have learnt from many Kindle users that they hardly use the keyboard and it takes up a lot of interface screen space.

There are two versions of Nook on the market, Nook 1 and Nook 2. Nook1′s design has a 3.5′ inch LCD Touch screen beneath the main screen that gives a scrollable interface with links to the library, collections, search, view your e-books by scrolling through the covers but is very small interface. On the other hand, Nook2′s screen is larger than Kindle but iPad beats both of them to it. Secondly iPad has a full screen display.

Kindle’s readability of its type through E-Ink Technology which makes the on-screen type crisp and easier to read with no back-lit screen that reduces eye-strain. E-book pages can be turned quickly with the next button. The Kindle display is equal to the size of many paper back books. You can also read on the Kindle in the sunlight.

Usage Analysis and the iBooks on iPad experience

Kindle turns on faster, the pages turn quicker, the downloads are quicker, the syncing is quicker. The Kindle also has more applications for the PC, the MAC, the iPhone and iPad while allowing these devices to also sync with the Kindle. The benefit of this feature is that if you were reading something on your iPhone or MAC and you switch on your Kindle, it will know exactly where you left off reading on your previous device and load the same page on Kindle. That is pretty neat for people that read a lot!
The iBooks application for iPad takes full advantage of its approximately 10 inch large screen with full color display, quick ebook and document loads enabled by virtual page modes that gives the full feature of page curls while turning pages like a real book supported by a single page and double page display. This mimics both a single page display and a regular book fold. iPad’s screen size remains twice the size of Kindle’s and Nook’s screens and this enables lesser page turns on the iPad and less stress on the fingers!

iPad’s display also gives real book like life to any e-book document with its rich color and the ability to hold it close to you or a bit further. iPad enables the most visually rich e-book experience but its App store lacks the amount of ebooks and publications that Amazon offers through its Kindle store but this is countered by loading Amazon Kindle Application for iPad from the App Store. This is the same for loading books from Barnes and Noble as almost every famous publisher in the industry has created a free iPad application making it available through the App Store.


Displays

iPad : 9.7 inches with a 1024 x 768 LCD in full color
Kindle 3: 6 inches with a 600 x 800 E Ink display in 16 shades of gray
Kindle DX:9.7 inches with a 1200 x 824 E Ink display in 16 shades of gray
Nook2: 7 inches with a 1024×600 display in full color
Kindle’s Sleep Display
The Kindle has a sleep display when its turned off and it can show a e-book cover picture or so without using the battery.

Weight

The Kindle is lighter than the Nook. The Nook is heavier at 12.1 ounces than a Kindle that weights at 10.2 ounces whereas iPad is heavier than both weighing around 1.5 pounds for the Wifi and 1.6 pounds for the 3G verion.

3G and WiFi

All of the three devices come with Wifi but Nook1 came with 3G and Wifi whereas Nook2 only has Wifi. Kindle also carries 3G and iPad comes with three models carrying only Wifi and 3 seperate models carrying both Wifi and 3G.

Operating Systems

Nook’s responsiveness is slower than the Kindle as Nook uses the Google Android OS that causes frequent waits for tasks to open or close or respond. Nook’s touchscreen is not very responsive and one may have to tap it a couple of times to get stuff done or just to wake it up from sleep mode. Kindle is using its own OS which is quicker in responsiveness to the Kindle. iPad on the otherhand is really faster than both the Nook and Kindle as the device comes with a very fast processor and remarkably responsive interface.

Supporting Book Stores

As all three devices interface with their manufacturer or company’s bookstore. Barnes & Noble e-book pricing was initially more expensive than the Amazon Kindle Book store but they gradually reduced their prices to compete with Amazon. Barnes and Noble still stands the leader in having the largest number of e-book and electronic publications offering. Though, the Amazon’s Kindle store hosts one fourth of what Barnes and Noble does but still it is quicker to access and browser than the e-book through Nook on Barnes & Noble’s store. This is where the Kindle keyboard tends to be handy.

On the other hand, iPad tends to run content from both book stores of Kindle or Nook and then its own App Store increasing the amount of options for the user so you get to buy from everywhere for iPad. Nook’s store content samples are available in larger amounts of information than Kindle’s. iPad offers on-device features such as web browsing, multimedia, and App Store integration and support as is with iPhone unlike the other e-Readers. Barnes & Noble still leads with the amount of titles it has available to all three competing devices with more than 500,000 free e-books that that also include various newspapers, magazines plus a variety of free daily content.

Web Browsing

Both the Kindle and Nook1 provide limited basic web browsing. Though Nook2 gives the ability to browsing in color, the iPad still beats all of them with rich color and content based web browsing through both Safari and third party web browsers.

Lending Books

In Kindle and iPad, you cannot lend your content by default to other Kindle and iPad devices. Nook carries a lend feature whereby you can lend e-books to Nook, iPad, iPhone, PC or Mac. You can lend books to other people with a Nook and vice versa for up to two weeks.

Customization

On the Nook2 and iPad, one can save custom backgrounds with user created images and photos whereas this is not possible in Kindle to personalize your device’s background environment.

Storage Capacity

iPad ranges from 16GB, 32GB and 64GB internal and not expandable
Kindles give 4GB of internal storage and are not expandable.
Nook ranges from 2GB to 8GB enabled with expandable storage
Battery life:
iPad 10 hours on Wi-Fi, 9 hours on 3G
Kindle: 1 month wireless off; 3 weeks Wi-Fi; 1 week 3G
Nook 8 hours wireless off
Costs
(prices vary in different countries)

The iPad ranges between $499-$829 and comes in different storage size versions with either only Wifi or both Wifi and 3G AT&T Dataplans so six versions of the same device. The Kindle comes in two models, Kindle 3 and Kindle DX with the prices rangig between $139 and $189 for Wifi only while $489 with both Wifi and 3G AT&T Dataplans. Nook2′s price is $249 respectively with no 3G as Nook1 only comes with both Wifi and 3G.

Why should you buy a Kindle, iPad or Nook?

There is no Flash playback in all the three devices. However iPad has a Youtube application that plays all the videos on the Youtube website.
If you want a standard and cheap e-book reader, purchase a kindle and it has free 3G. Despite the fact that Kindle started the e-Reader or e-book reader movement around the globe. It costs around $139 making it the most cheap e-Reader on the market today.
If you want to use a single multifunction device to read your e-books, compose, browse and exchange emails, create documents on the fly, communicate on the go, surf web pages, listen to music or watch videos in with good quality, play games, use interactive publications like magazines and newspapers etc, then go for an iPad. Remember, the iPad can jump alot in price with its 3G Dataplan, its third party accessories and application purchases. I have the $499 simple Wifi and 16GB version that has already cost me over $1000 due to all the stuff I bought with it.
For the traveller kind of business or professional, travelling light is recommended!
Only iPad carries numerous third party applications that can be bought or downloaded and installed for free.
The Nook remains out of the list because it really doesn’t add up for its price and comparisons to Kindle and iPad.

‘Read Aloud’ Fixed Layout Books

One of the amazing ways to download and read the books is through iBooks app which alters the simple piece of reading into something purely delightful. You can go through your digital library on a beautiful bookshelf, tap on the book which you want to open, spin through the pages with a swipe, and bookmark your favorite passages.

An extension to the fixed Layout ePub format of the books for the iBookstore is Read Aloud Books. They permit publishers to synchronize the text of their Fixed Layout ePub converted book with a narrative audio file. Readers can now listen to the books as they read. The text will get highlighted as the audio file will read the book aloud and turns the pages automatically for the readers. This can be very beneficial for children’s books to improve their reading, speech and language learning.

Converting a book into a Read-Aloud Fixed Layout ePub for iBooks, for sure, can turn a book in a spectacular and exciting experience. Unfortunately, creating a Read-Aloud ePub is not for the inexperienced or novices, as it necessitates precise HTML and CSS coding, and involve a much more detailed format, and complicated processes and workflow.

What’s new about ‘Read Aloud’ Fixed Layout Books?

iBooks 1.3 have added some new features in its Fixed Layout ePub Format. Take a look:

It helps your children in enhancing their learning and reading skills with the new read-aloud feature.
The read-aloud feature uses a real speaker to read the books for you. It also highlights the text as it reads along. Parents can modify these settings, e.g., they can set them to turn manually to as per the requirement of their children.
The read aloud feature makes iBooks more responsive, especially to young readers, engaging them with complex, classical books.
These enhanced books now can play audio and video automatically with the book.
This new feature fixes the bugs that make some books to open the same page twice.

SunTec Digital specializes in creating Read Aloud Content in Fixed Layout ePub Format for iBooks , with special focus on Read Aloud Feature User Interface, Media Overlays Structure, Marking Start and End Times in Audio Files, Embedding and Styling Read Aloud Controls, etc.

If you are a publisher or an author planning to create or convert your books into Read Aloud iBooks, please get in touch, or write to us.

This entry was posted in Read Aloud Fixed Layout Books and tagged Read Aloud Content in Fixed Layout ePub Format, Read Aloud Fixed Layout Books, Read-Aloud Fixed Layout ePub. Bookmark the permalink.

What Should You Be Reading?

Ever since eBooks were introduced to the public, the debate of how they are compared to actual books started and even now with their continuing popularity the comparison continues. The question lingers, are eBooks going to make books eventually obsolete?

The number one advantage of reading eBooks, or having an eBook reader such as ipads or any other tablet pcs, is the inherent portability of the medium. Students don’t have to carry around heavy bags full of textbooks. Travelers find an easy solution to space and weight issues. Most of the time you are just limited to carry two to three books when on holiday, but with an eBook reader, you can have as many books as you want to leisurely read during your vacation. However, actual books don’t need power to function compared to the six to eight hours of battery life from an eBook reader.

Most eBook readers now have internet connectivity, which means that you can easily purchase or borrow eBooks in seconds. You can basically have some books to read in mind and then have them in your hands almost instantaneously without having to leave your bed. The ease of owning eBooks though is countered by how you can easily lose them. Note that there have been news of Kindle users whose books were all wiped out by Amazon.

The issue of cost or savings has been pointed out but it is actually relative to a person if this is a pro or a con. An eBook reader may have a one-time payment investment of a few hundred dollars but in the long run it could pay for itself. There are hundreds of free eBooks, which spells savings especially for avid readers of the classics, for example. However, you can’t sell this point to those who love hunting for cheap books at second hand bookshops or those who like going to the library and borrow books. Also, as some readers have discovered, dropping, scratching the cover, or spilling coffee on a book is not as painful on your pocket as it would be on an eBook.

Another boon from eBooks is that the industry has opened up new avenues for creating and distribution of books and ideas, much like the way how mp3 files and players have altered the landscape of the music industry. However, actual books won’t go the way of cassettes or CDs though. Unlike CDs and cassettes that need a specific player for you to hear the music recorded in them, you don’t need another device to enjoy a book.

An actual book can be read in direct sunlight or at high noon. Compare reading an actual book while sunning yourself on the beach versus an eBook – which one is gentler on your eyes? Manufacturers have come up with an answer to this as eBooks have certain features to avoid eye strain such as zoom in and font resizing functions. In this case, this could be a matter of preference.

Lastly, reading eBooks is said to be more environmentally friendly as no trees were killed in their creation. However, eBooks do contribute to e-waste. Just like most of the consumer electronics we have now, eBooks may also fall victim to planned obsolescence. This means that no matter how you take care of it, your eBook reader may still end in the trash bin in a few years when it will not be able to read new eBook files or formats.

Best Android ePub Reader: Top Three

Did you know that you can use your android device to read e-books? There are many apps that let you read e-book. The epub format is the most common format in android e-readers. If you are a book lover then you should take a look at all the e-readers available and find the best android epub reader for your needs.


Why should I read e-books on my phone?


If you like reading books then you have probably faced situations where you wished you had a book with you but were unable to fulfill that wish because you did not bring any book with you. That’s why having an e-reader makes a lot of sense.
With an e-reader, you can carry your entire library in your pocket wherever you go and start reading whenever you feel like it! That’s why you should get the best android epub reader to make the most of your device’s book reading capabilities.


What are best android epub reader apps?


Some of the popular epub readers for android are; Aldiko, Moon+ Reader and Mantano Reader. All of these apps have their paid and free versions. Choosing the best android epub reader among these three can be difficult as they all have their pros and cons. Aldiko has an attractive interface but it has a clumsy in book control system. Mantano reader allows you to keep a detailed catalogue of all your e-books but it takes too long to load on older phones. Moon+ Reader is a very functional and good looking e-reader but there are no sync options.


So which one is the best android epub reader?


Of the three e-readers listed above, the best one is Moon+ Reader. It has a lot of customizable options and animations and countless other helpful features. It has a good catalogue system for e-books and compared to the other two, it is the best android epub reader.