Mostly good news from Overdrive


Overdrive sent out a PLA preview to its customers that says they will soon begin offering MP3 downloads as well as their usual DRM WMA fare. Also that they are going to provide a Mac version of their Console application to download those MP3s. The downside is that their titles from Random House will continue to be WMA, PC only, no-iPod garbage, which isn't their fault, but Random House's.

I think it's great that Overdrive is working to expand their range. Our consortium will probably lean heavily toward buying the MP3 titles, and shunning the WMA stuff, hearing the news. We're serving a niche market with the WMA's as it is. Once we can offer downloadable audio for folks with iPods, the floodgates are going to open for Overdrive. Good for them, and good for public libraries. Until Random House Audio opens up their model, I recommend that public libraries avoid buying their downloadable audio. Stick to buying their CDs and tapes.

Posted: Wed - March 19, 2008 at 08:29 AM      

©