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According to a press release, “Access to Research will provide licensed online access to over 1.5 million journal articles and conference proceedings through library terminals. With 8,400 journals included in the initiative at the moment, this will make content in the fields of Health and Biological Sciences (20%), Social Sciences (18%) and Engineering (14%) available to the public for the first time. Users will also be able to read a wide variety of articles in the fields of Art & Architecture, Business, Environmental Science, History, Journalism, Languages, Politics, Film, Philosophy and Religion, Mathematics and Physics.” Over 8,700 different journals will have content included in the initiative, content that is published by ALPSP, Bloomsbury Publishing, Cambridge University Press, Dove Press, Elsevier, Emerald, IOP Publishing, Nature Publishing Group, Oxford University Press, Portland Press, SAGE Publications, Science Reviews 2000 Ltd., Springer, Taylor & Francis, Versita, Wiley, Wolters Kluwer Health. A number of library and publishers associations are also invested in the project, which will run for two years in pilot stage to gauge the use and interest from the public. While students, small businesses, and independent researchers are expected to be the major consumers of these mountains of content, this is a bold first move in helping civic leaders, publishers, and citizens see the value of open access, an often hotly contested topic especially where government funded and published research findings are concerned.
Access to Research Initiative Makes Journal Research Free to Public is a post from: E-Reader News |
Monday, February 3, 2014
Access to Research Initiative Makes Journal Research Free to Public
Ryanteck motor controller now available on Adafruit
| Ryan Walmsley is one of our favourite people. Towards the end of last year he had a successful fundraising effort on Tindie for his RTK-000-001 low-cost motor controller kit. As part of his ongoing campaign of world domination (seriously, how many seventeen-year-olds choose a product namespace with a million possible entries?*), the kit is now available for sale on Adafruit’s website. If you’re in the US, want a low-cost way to drive a couple of DC motors from your Pi, and aren’t afraid of a bit of soldering, this could be the board for you.  Ryanteck motor controller board, fully assembled * Assuming that number is in decimal. What if it’s hex? Yikes! |
University Degree in Self-Publishing Is New Sign of Lessened Stigma
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Now, a university in the UK has taken this level of acceptance even farther by offering a degree in self-publishing. The University of Central Lancashire now offers an MA in Self-Publishing, offering insight from industry professionals and successfully self-published authors. According to the course website, the purpose of such as a degree is broader than just being an individual author who wants to publish his own books, but rather is looking to further the dynamic change already at work in the industry. “We aim to develop publishing professionals who are independent thinkers and doers and give them the practical skills to be a self-published author.” The university has already offered an MA in Publishing, with its graduates going on to careers in international publishing and with major publishing houses. At this time, UCLan is interested in reaching out to those professionals who may have been disheartened by the traditional publishing industry, or are interested in fostering even more change in the industry. Programs such as this one will also hopefully make a tremendous impact in the near future on bookselling and libraries, two distinct entities within publishing that are facing increasing challenges to operation.
University Degree in Self-Publishing Is New Sign of Lessened Stigma is a post from: E-Reader News |
What Could Rowling Do With Harry and Hermione?
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Over the weekend, news broke that Rowling has had second thoughts about the way her series ended. In an interesting aside, it was actress Emma Watson (Hermione) who conducted the interview with Rowling, only to be told the the author now thinks Harry and Hermione should have ended up together, rather than Ron and Hermione. The plot as it was published made room for a secondary character, Ron’s sister Ginny, who may have become unexpectedly loved by the fans to still play a major role in the outcome of the direct seven books in the series. According to the finished published titles (spoiler alert), Ron and Hermione marry, and Harry and Ginny marry. In what is possibly one of the most interesting yet not-widely-known facts about the entire book series, the author retained her digital rights when the original contracts were signed back in the 1990s. For this reason, Rowling sells and controls all of the ebooks in the Harry Potter series, despite having a traditional publisher for her print titles. That means that Rowling would be free to publish “alternate ending” editions of her ebooks, if she chose to do so. While Rowling herself has disparaged fan fiction and has taken legal action against titles that use her characters, Rowling herself could write and publish what would essentially amount to fan fiction of her own work. The characters can be who she envisioned throughout the process, and she can right the romantic wrongs of the original series. Rowling would do well to investigate the options that so many self-published authors have already benefited, namely opting for complete literary control over their work.
What Could Rowling Do With Harry and Hermione? is a post from: E-Reader News |
Rare Malayalam Books Added to Wikimedia Free Library, Wikigrandasala
| Some of the rarest of Malayalam literary works has transcended the physical barrier and have started a new life in the digital era, all thanks to the active participation of more than 200 Wikimedia users from around the globe. This has been part of a digitization contest organized by Malayalam Wikimedia to celebrate a decade of Wikisource. This has led to the successful completion of creating digital copies of 52 rare and extremely valuable Malayalam books that can now be found online from Wikigrandasala, the free Wikimedia library. This no doubt will provide the newer generation a glimpse of literary works, most of which were written well over a century ago, titles which would have wilted away into oblivion without the digitization efforts. Among the books that were digitized include Keralabhasha Vyakaranam (1877) by Vaidyan Pachumoothatu, Gangavataranam (1892) by Kodungalloor Kunjikuttan Thampuran, Malayazhmayude Vyakaranam (1863) by Rev George Mathen. Also featuring in the list are books such as Sampshepavedartham (1772), which happen to be one of the oldest known Christian works written in Malayalam language, Hastalakshanadeepika (1892) along with magazines such as Rasikaranjini and Mangalodayam.
Rare Malayalam Books Added to Wikimedia Free Library, Wikigrandasala is a post from: E-Reader News |
Daily Deals & Freebies – February 3
| Kindle Daily Deals Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante A stunning first novel, both literary and thriller, about a retired orthopedic surgeon with dementia, Turn of Mind has already received worldwide attention. With unmatched patience and a pulsating intensity, Alice LaPlante brings us deep into a brilliant woman's deteriorating mind, where the impossibility of recognizing […] |
There is a Big Problem with Free eBook Samples
| Book discovery has been a hotbed issue for the last two years as digital books become more prevalent in our society. Unlike real books, you cannot download the entire novel to read samples, instead an algorithm extrapolates the first ten or twenty pages and delivers them to your e-reader. The exact number depends on whether you are shopping with Amazon, Kobo, or Barnes and Noble. One of the biggest problems right now with eBook samples is you only get less than a chapter to determine if you like the book, in some cases you only have a single page to read. When you are shopping in your favorite bookstore, it is quite common to pick up the book, read the jacket and flip through it. It is quite easy to pull up a chair and read the entire chapter if you wanted to and if it was compelling enough, purchase it. Some people go to the store on their break and complete an entire book in a few days, some would say they are bucking the system, others participating in the culture. This is the way bookstores have always functioned. When you are on the fence about buying an eBook, often the only thing you can do is download a free sample. One of the big problems with this approach is the number of pages included in the sample. If a book has a large table of contents, a forward, likely you won’t even get to read the first chapter. I took a look at a title "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box," by the Arbinger Institute. The entire first half of the sample chapter for this book is nothing but promotional testimonials — the kind of blurbs you'd see on the back cover of a paperback. Then follows the cover art and front matter. Finally, at the very end, you get to the actual content: barely what would fit on a single printed page, and just 4% of the total sample chapter file. It's a brief introduction that indicates almost nothing of the substance and style of the book. Barnes and Noble and Kobo also deliver samples to you and normally comprise of less than 10% of the book and most publishers actually have a say in how many pages of a book can be available in a chapter. If you self-publish with Nook Press or Kobo Writing Life, there is a difference in how many sample pages are available for the reader, then your average mega title published by Penguin. I have basically given up on downloading samples of any kind of eBook these days. I have been burned too many times downloading a sample for the purposes of reviewing a new Kindle e-Reader or a new Android tablet. Instead, I am usually forced to buy a book because its nearly impossible to get a few pages into the first chapter, before the sample ends. eBook samples need to eliminate the table of contents and all of the other superficialis data, and start directly at chapter one. There is a Big Problem with Free eBook Samples is a post from: E-Reader News |
Apple Experimenting with Different Charging Technologies for iWatch
| Apple has long been rumored to be developing a smartwatch device, although all of their efforts seem to have stagnated at one point, battery issue. While the California company strives to offer a superior smartatch experience, there are several options that are being deliberated so far as powering the device is concerned. Induction charging is one such method that is being deliberated upon that won't require the device to be physically connected to a charging unit. Instead, placing them on a charging plate is all that would be required to charge the smartphone, a technology that is already in use with some smartphone devices. Other options being explored include adding a solar charging layer which can be added either to the glass cover or the watch face which will act to charge the device when used in sunlit conditions. Motion based charging too has been doing the rounds, a technology that is in use in several watch devices. However, what seems evident is that a definite approach to charging the smartwatch seems to have eluded Apple boffins who are keen for an iWatch device that can be used for several days before requiring a recharge. The above deliberation have also brought to the fore a key aspect that is dogging the tech scene for some time now, that of battery technology that is lagging the development in other key areas, that of processing, storage, display and so on. As such, the way things stand right now can be like this, we may have mobile devices with the most vivid of displays, have considerable amount of processing power at disposal along with enough of storage to boot though almost all of the feats have been nulled to some extent at least by a limited power source. Watching videos, listening to the music or playing games coupled with a few hours of web surfing can drain the battery in no time.
Apple Experimenting with Different Charging Technologies for iWatch is a post from: E-Reader News |
Sunday, February 2, 2014
eBook Review: Just One Night by Kyra Davis
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This book points out many of the things that are wrong with the romance genre. First, back up and understand that the popularity of a book such as this is the supposedly real-life scenario of a woman informally engaged to a man whom she’s been dating for six years (longer than many marriages last these days) who seizes the opportunity to have a wild one night stand with an insanely gorgeous wealthy (aren’t they all, these days?) man. The story line speaks to readers whose own lives are certainly no 50 Shades, but thrusts them into Kasie’s wild-but-temporary adventure. Unfortunately, Kasie makes just about as many stupid decisions as she possibly can, and it almost felt like an insult that the readers are expected to identify with her and cheer for her. Not only does she stay with her fiance long after he begins emotionally and verbally abusing her for her (skanky) indiscretion, but she cannot bring herself to decide what it is she wants out of life. While billed as sizzling compliment to one very famous work of erotica starring a billionaire control freak, hasn’t that story line been done to death? Even the fans of the genre have cooled in their pursuit of inexplicably wealthy, unattached, youngish men, mostly because the genre just keeps feeding them the same story lines. What is actually interesting about the book is its long journey to publication. It was written originally as three digital-only stories that have been woven together and made available in print, displaying the power of readers to make a bestseller out of an e-series prior to the publisher investing in paper. Just One Night was a perfectly pleasant, although tired, read, and is available now.
eBook Review: Just One Night by Kyra Davis is a post from: E-Reader News |
Amazon Removes Self-Published Title Due to Offensive Content, Internet Reaction
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Now, however, Amazon has removed a title from its virtual shelves amid internet outrage over what many have termed a book on how to rape women. It shouldn’t be shocking, despite Amazon’s generally liberal stance on what constitutes offensive, despite its history of removing titles such as the alleged pedophiles’ guide that it removed several years ago. Despite the fact that most readers wouldn’t have a problem with removing a book on how to rape unwilling, non-consenting partners, some authors still see this as dangerous ground. After all, isn’t the point of self-publishing the ability to have control over one’s own work and make books available to larger audiences without having the approval of the “gatekeepers?” Not so, say several ebook distributors. While self-publishing does afford authors the ability to write and publish any level of content they wish, the retailers are under no obligation to sell the material on their websites. Amazon removed Vincent Vinturi’s title, LMR Exposed: How to Overcome Her Last Minute Resistance to Sex, Turn No into Yes, and Get the Lay under the premise that it violates their terms of use, terms that many retailers have revisited since last fall.
Amazon Removes Self-Published Title Due to Offensive Content, Internet Reaction is a post from: E-Reader News |
New $840M Claim Against Apple for eBook Price Fixing
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Last week, a new lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers in 33 states, and this one seeks the full amount allowable under the law, or triple the amount that consumers presumably lost due to the collusion to overcharge for ebooks. This amount, if approved by the judge, would be well in the range of $840 million dollars. That is a big if, however. A number of class action suits have been filed on behalf of consumers in this case, and this latest suit may be too little too late to sway Cote in her ruling. If the attorney who filed the suit, Steve Berman, has his way, though, one of his chief witnesses is prepared to demonstrate how much the consumers were overcharged with metrics from an economist based on the 18% rise in ebook sales as a result of artificial price fluctuations.
New $840M Claim Against Apple for eBook Price Fixing is a post from: E-Reader News |
Daily Deals & Freebies – February 2
| Kindle Daily Deals Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson We were going out stealing horses. That was what he said, standing at the door to the cabin where I was spending the summer with my father. I was fifteen. It was 1948 and one of the first days of July. Trond's friend Jon often appeared […] |
Visionect Launches New ePaper Devices and DIY Software Platform
| Some interesting news crossed my desk this morning about a new way to design and develop epaper products. Visionect, a Slovenia based company, has launched a new do-it-yourself type of platform that lets anyone develop an epaper-based product, and not just ebook readers, but other types of devices such as restaurant menus. Then Visionect’s V-Platform […] |
Google Preparing an Onslaught of Smart Devices
| With consumer focus shifting towards smart wearable devices, Google that has already made a head start in this segment with the Google Glass device is now keen to build up a sizeable presence in this segment. the above assertion stems from the search giant's recent decision to acquire Nest Labs in a deal worth $3.2 billion. Nest labs right now can boasts of just smart devices in the ir product portfolio, a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm device and a thermostat, which makes us wonder what direction Google is believed to be charting towards to fuel their 'smart' aspirations. Worth mentioning here, Google had earlier acquired Deep Mind Technologies for $550 million. In contrast to Nest, Deep Mind deals with artificial intelligence and the development of general algorithm that would make it easier to imitate human intelligence and behavior. However, the generality of the company's area of expertise again makes us wonder what smart device can be expected from Google next. It can be anything from a smartwatch which happens to be the current craze among tech companies to showcase their futuristic ambitions or even the next gen version of Google Glass. A smart health monitoring system can't be ruled out either, another segment that is beginning to gain prominence off late as people become increasingly health conscious. However, what seems certain is that smart device does seem to be the future with plenty more activity to be witnessed here in the coming days. Keep watching!
Google Preparing an Onslaught of Smart Devices is a post from: E-Reader News |
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Simon & Schuster Calling for Submissions for New Publishing Contract
| Simon & Schuster is organizing a writing contest aimed at students and it will be orchestrated by their Simon451 imprint. The company is calling for science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatral fiction, superhero fiction, utopian or dystopian fiction, apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic fiction, or alternate history in literature. They are only looking for full-length novels only and not short stories or novellas. The contest is basically aimed at the college and university crowd and the winner will receive a full publishing contract. The winner will also get an all expenses paid trip to New York for the Comic On. The submission period runs from February 1, 2014 – March 15, 2014, during which entrants are asked to provide a 250-word synopsis and the first fifty pages of their novel via the online entry form. Ten finalists will be chosen and contacted by April 15, 2014, at which time they will be asked to submit their complete novels for consideration. After that, a winner will be selected. Simon & Schuster Calling for Submissions for New Publishing Contract is a post from: E-Reader News |
Indie Developers Revolting Against Candy Trademark
| Indie game developers are up in arms regarding the Candy Crush trademark on the word “Candy.” King was awarded a UK trademark and they are apply for one in the United States. The game studio is not looking to sue anyone who uses the word Candy, just protect their IP. Many people are up in arms about this and submitting hundreds of apps to iTunes and Google Play with different combinations of the words “candy,” “saga,” “scroll,” “apple” and more. The nexus point to the Anti-King movement is the Candy Jam website, which is coordinating the efforts. The websites mandate is to disrupt Apples role in taking down any app with the word Candy in it. Candy Crush Saga has had over 500 million downloads and 1 billion people who have played it on the web. The game rakes in a staggering $771,000 in daily revenue and customers are all too happy to reach into their pockets.
Indie Developers Revolting Against Candy Trademark is a post from: E-Reader News |
Get Android 4.4 Kitkat Free on Nook Color, Tablet and Nook HD/HD+
| I’ve seen a number of news stories this past week in regard to an email the folks at N2A sent out about them releasing an update to their N2A cards to bring Android KitKat v4.4 to the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, and Nook HD+. That’s all fine and dandy for those of you […] |
Daily Deals & Freebies – February 1
| Daily Deals Google Nexus 7 – The latest 16GB Nexus 7 for $189, which is $40 off the regular price. Kindle Keyboard (refurbished) – A4C has the old school Kindle 3 with Wi-Fi and 3G wireless for just $39.95. $239 Kindle Fire HDX – Staples has the 7″ 32GB HDX on sale for $30 off […] |
N2A Card’s KitKat Upgrade for B&N Nook Tablets
| For Nook device users, here is some good news from N2A Cards: they can now be made to run the latest, most hassle free version Android KitKat in both downloadable form or preloaded micro SD card. This applies to the entire Nook tablet lineup, which includes the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, and Nook HD+. Also, an inherent benefit of installing Android KitKat via N2A Card is that users will have the option to dual boot their Nook devices with the stock B&N software that the devices come pre-loaded with. As for the price, the micro SD cards pre-loaded with Android Kitkat can be ordered from the company site for $30, or can be downloaded directly for only $20. This is ideal for those who have dealt with N2A Cards before. Overall, this is an easy option to explore Android KitKat on Nook devices, with the liberty to come back to the default B&N software installation as needed.
N2A Card’s KitKat Upgrade for B&N Nook Tablets is a post from: E-Reader News |
Archos Announces Three Budget Tablets in Neon Line
| Archos has announced up three new tablets in its budget-conscious lineup. However, given the French company's history of producing relatively cheap Android tablets, the new Neon range of tablets aren't expected to break the bank either. The three tablets, the 90 Neon, 97 Neon, and 101 Neon come with 9 inch, 9.7 inch and 10.1 inch display. Among the similar aspects of the three Neon tablet versions, they are all powered by quad core chips clocking at 1.4 Ghz mated to 1 GB RAM and 8 GB of storage. Thankfully, there is a micro SD card on all three versions that run Android 4.2 and have official access to the Google Play Store. However, the display can be a cause for concern, with the Neon 90 coming with a 800 x 480 pixel display. This can look quite pixelated even in a 4 inch smartphone, which means paltry visuals on a 9 inch tablet. The 9.7 inch Neon 97 offers a slightly better 1024 X 768 pixel display, while the top of the line Neon 101 offers a 1024 X 600 pixel display. The tablets aren't light, as they weigh anywhere between 1 and 1.5 pounds for the Neon 90 to the Neon 101. What remains to be seen is how much the tablets will cost when these hit streets.
Archos Announces Three Budget Tablets in Neon Line is a post from: E-Reader News |
