Weekly eHighlights: Adult Audiobooks Edition

We have nearly two hundred new audiobook titles worth considering for your end of the year budget. Click here for the Marketplace cart of the title below and more.   No Introduction Needed: Top Authors David Baldacci – The Escape – Blackstone – read by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy Maeve Binchy – Maeve's Times: In Her Own Words – Books on Tape – read by Kate Binchy Suzanne Brockmann – Undercover Princess – Dreamscape Media – read by Erin Yuen Suzanne Brockmann – Gone Too Far and Into the Night (Troubleshooters series) – Blackstone – read by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank George W. Bush – 41: A Portrait of My Father – Books on Tape – read by the author Lee Child – Not a Drill (a Jack Reacher short story) – Books on Tape – read by Dick Hill Deepak Chopra – The Future of God – Books on Tape – read by the author Mary Higgins Clark & Alifair Burke – The Cinderella Murder – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by Jan Maxwell Andy Cohen – The Andy Cohen Diaries – Macmillan Audio – read by the author Michael Connelly – The Burning Room – read by Titus Welliver Bernard Cornwell – The Winter King (Warlord Chronicles #1) – HarperAudio – read by Jonathan Keeble Bernard Cornwell – Enemy of God (Warlord Chronicles #2) – HarperAudio – read by Jonathan Keeble Bernard Cornwell – Excalibur (Warlord Chronicles #3) – HarperAudio – read by Jonathan Keeble Bernard Cornwell – Gallows Thief – HarperAudio – read by Jonathan Keeble Patricia Cornwell – Flesh and Blood – HarperAudio – read by Lorelei King Clive & Dirk Cussler – Havana Storm – read by Scott Brick Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg – The Job – Books on Tape – read by Scott Brick Richard Paul Evans – The Mistletoe Promise – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by January LaVoy Michael Faber – The Book of Strange New Things – Books on Tape – read by Josh Cohen Tess Gerritsen – Under the Knife – Dreamscape Media – read by Erin Yuen William Gibson – The Peripheral – Books on Tape – ready by Lorelei King Christopher Golden – Sons of Anarchy: Bratva – Macmillan Audio – read by Peter Berkrot Mark Greaney – Tom Clancy Full Force and Effect – Books on Tape – read by Scott Brick John Grisham – Gray Mountain – Books on Tape – read by Catherine Taber Laurell K. Hamilton – Jason – Books on Tape – read by Kimberly Alexis Stephen King – Revival – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by David Morse Ann Lamott – Small Victories – Books on Tape – read by the author Jeff Lindsay – Dexter by Design – Books on Tape – read by Nick Landrum James Luceno – Tarkin (Star Wars)- Books on Tape – read by Euan Morton Phillip Margolin – Woman with a Gun – HarperAudio – read by Hillary Huber George R. R. Martin, et al. – The World of Ice and Fire – Books on Tape – read by Roy Dotrice and Nicholas Guy Smith John McCain & Mark Salter – Thirteen Soldiers: A Personal History of Americans at War – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by John McCain Haruki Murakami – The Strange Library – Books on Tape – read by Kirby Heyborne James Patterson – Hope to Die – Blackstone – read by Michael Boatman and Scott Sowers James Patterson – Private India – Blackstone – read by Ashwin Sanghi Jodi Picoult – Leaving Time – Books on Tape – read by Rebecca Lowman, Abigail Revasch, Kathe Mazur, and Mark Deakins Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child – Blue Labyrinth – Blackstone – read by Rene Auberjonois Anne Rice – Prince Lestat – Books on Tape – read by Simon Vance Lisa Scottoline – Betrayed – Macmillan Audio – read by Maria Bello Brook Shields – There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me – Books on Tape – read by the author Martin Short – I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend – HarperAudio – read by the author David Foster Wallace – The David Foster Wallace Reader – Blackstone – read by various, including the author Jennifer Weiner – Disconnected (short story) – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by Jess Weixler   Fiction Gabriel Chevallier – Fear – Blackstone Audio – read by Clive Chafer This World War I novel was published by a soldier in France in 1930 and was a sensation. Now in the Centennial year of the War, it is available for the first time in the United States. Booklist & PW starred reviews. Barbara Cleverly – Enter Pale Death – Blackstone – read by Matthew Brenher In 1933, Scotland Yard detective Joe Sandilands investigates the death of Lady Lavinia Truelove, who was crushed to death by a horse in what evolves into a expertly crafted locked room mystery. PW starred review. Nathan Filer – The Shock of the Fall – Dreamscape Media – read by Bruce Mann Ten years ago Matthew and his older brother snuck out in the middle of the night while on vacation with their parents. Only Matthew came back. Now he thinks if he goes off his meds he can bring his brother back. Booklist: "The story Filer tells is deeply affecting and insightful in its account of mental illness. And Matthew is a character the reader won't soon forget." Winner of the Costa Award and the Betty Trask Prize. Charles Finch – The Laws of Murder – Macmillan Audio – read by James Langton It's 1876, and Charles Lenox gives up his seat in Parliament to form his own private detective agency. A Charles Lenox Mystery. LJ PrePub Alert, Romantic Times 4 stars. Assaf Gavron – The Hilltop – Dreamscape Media – read by Tavia Gilbert Funny and entertaining, this is the story of Othniel Assis, who sees a perfect plot of land on which to grow vegetables. Before he knows it, he is joined by others, and the small West Bank plot of land becomes a settlement which the government says doesn't exist, the military says must be protected, and when a reporter arrives, becomes an international diplomatic scandal. Booklist & Kirkus starred reviews. Winner of Israel's prestigious Bernstein Prize. Lynne Hinton – Sister Eve, Private Eye – Blackstone – read by Hillary Huber A Harley driving nun takes a leave from the convent in order to care for her father, a private investigator who is recovering from surgery in New Mexico when they are drawn into the investigation of a murder. PW starred review. Romantic Times 4 stars. Lindsay Hunter – Ugly Girls – Blackstone – read by Kathleen Early The poignant and hilarious first novel by an author whose short stories were called "mesmerizing," "exquisite," "visceral," and "incredibly urgent." Two high school girls with terrible home lives put on a tough act and constantly dare each other to try dangerous things like joyriding. But when they agree to meet their Facebook friend Jamie in person, they realize that the creepy reality is more than they bargained for. Denis Johnson – The Laughing Monsters – Macmillan Audio – read by Scott Shepherd Already named as one of Amazon's best books of the year, this literary thriller by the National Book Award winner takes us to Sierra Leone. K'Wan – Revelations – Blackstone – read by Cary Hite After vowing to give up street life forever, Animal is confronted by Red Sonja, his former lover, who reveals that he fathered a daughter, and that someone is trying to kill them both. Third in the Animal series. 50,000 print run. Mark Leibovich – Citizens of the Green Room: Profiles in Courage and Self-Delusion – Books on Tape – read by Joe Barrett Leibovich is the author of This Town, the bestseller that showed the muckraking tell-all about Washington, D. C. He's not back with a new book with interviews and observations of notable political and media personalities including Glenn Beck, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, and many others. Kirkus called it "humorous, incisive, and very droll." Cixin Liu – The Three-Body Problem – Macmillan Audio – read by Ken Liu English speakers get their first chance to read a work by the beloved Chinese science fiction author. Set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution, this first in a trilogy is epic in scope and vision, as a secret military project sends signals into space to contact alien beings. Nebula Award winning Chinese author. Kirkus & PW starred reviews. Sarah MacLean – Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover – HarperAudio – read by Justine Eyre In 1830s England, Lady Georgiana Pearson would just as soon not marry, but, unfortunately, after giving birth out of wedlock, her reputatin is ruined. She makes a deal with a publisher of newspapers to help revive her image, to make sure her daughter is accepted into society. Rules of Scoundrels series. Booklist, Kirkus, and PW starred reviews. RITA Award winning author. C. B. McKenzie – Bad Country – Blackstone – read by Mark Bramhall A debut mystery set in Arizona and starring a rodeo cowboy turned private detective. Winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize. Kirkus starred review. Lydia Millet – Mermaids in Paradise – Dreamscape Media – read by Cassandra Campbell A hilarious novel about the discovery of real mermaids at a resort beach. When corporations move in to exploit them, the vacationers (including a Navy SEAL who loves explosives) rally to protect the mermaids from being confined in a theme park. By a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Bradford Morrow – The Forgers – Mysterious Press-Highbridge Audio – read by R. C. Bray A look into the rarified world of literary forgers, as told by a "reformed" member of their ranks who is investigating the murder of his girlfriend's brother, a rare book dealer. But is the narrator completely reliable? PW starred review. Imogen Robertson – The Paris Winter – Macmillan Audio – read by Rebecca Night Three young women friends become embroiled in a criminal plot in 1909 Paris. Expected to be a top pick for book clubs. Full of personality and rich historical details. Kirkus and LJ starred reviews. Patrick Taylor – An Irish Doctor in Peace and at War – Macmillan Audio – read by John Keating Ninth book in the popular series about Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly of the Irish village of Ballybucklebo. *LJ *says "Think James Herriot without the animals." LJ starred review. Ashley Weaver – Murder at the Brightwell – Dreamscape Media – read by Billie Fulford-Brown This debut novel by a Louisiana librarian is for fans of plucky sleuths. Set in 1930s England in a posh seaside hotel, young, beautiful, and wealthy Amory Ames tries to save her ex-fiancee who is accused of murder. Kirkus: "A spunky heroine, a tense romance, and red herrings galore make Weaver's debut a pleasant read."   Nonfiction Peter Ackroyd – Rebellion: The History of England from James I to the Glorious Revolution – Blackstone – read by Ralph Cosham Beautifully written, this is the third in a projected six-volume history of England, and covers the Stuart dynasty of the 17th century. Ackroyd not only tells the history of what happens, but also the story as it might have been viewed at the time. Kirkus & Booklist starred reviews. Karen Armstrong – Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence – Books on Tape – read by the author By the renowned and bestselling author of A History of God, this unique book looks at violence and religion–not just in discrete chunks like jihad or the Crusades, but by comparing the major religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Booklist, Kirkus, LJ, and PW starred reviews! Russell Brand – Revolution – Books on Tape – read by the author The British comedian hilariously lacerates the 1%, the media, politicians, and others, while offering, with the help of experts, his vision of a fairer, sexier society that's fun and inclusive. Paul Brannigan – Into the Black: The Inside Story of Metallica, 1991-2014 – Blackstone – read by Ray Porter Volume 2 of a two volume portrait of the band. 60,000 print run. James Carroll – Christ, Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age – Books on Tape – read by the author Carroll, a former Catholic priest, believes that to understand Jesus today, we must first understand him as a Jew. New York Times bestselling author. Luke Dormehl – The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems…And Create More – Gildan Audio – read by Daniel Weyman A technology writer takes a look at the many ways that algorithms already affect our lives without our being aware of it, and asks himself whether everything is fair game for "algorithmization." His answer, for now, is no. Positive reviews. Kirstin Downey – Isabella: The Warrior Queen – Books on Tape – read by Kimberly Farr Draws on new scholarship to portray the life of Isabella of Castile, who sponsored Columbus's voyage to America, pushed Muslims back into North Africa after 24 generations, and established the Spanish Inquisition. Pultizer Prize winning author. LJ PrePub Alert, Kirkus starred review. Bartow J. Elmore – Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism – Blackstone – read by William Hughes Coke's secret to success has been more than its formula and advertising. Instead, the company produces only syrup and offloads the rest of its production costs, including recycling, to its bottlers and franchisees. In a world of abundance this worked well. In a world of scarcity, society is bearing the costs: 79 billion gallons of water to dilute the syrup annually, 8 trillion gallons more to produce the bottles and agricultural products, and its significant contribution to the worldwide obesity epidemic. Booklist & Kirkus starred reviews. Martin Greenfield – Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to the Presidents' Tailor – Blackstone – read by Stefan Rudnicki The founder of America's premiere custom suit company who dresses presidents, and celebrities, tells the story of his life from the 15-year-old terrified boy who learned to sew in Auschwitz to sweeping floors at a New York clothing factory, to becoming the owner of Martin Greenfield Clothiers. Ranked No. 12 at Blackstone. Mireille Guiliano – Meet Paris Oyster: A Love Affair with the Perfect Food – Blackstone Audiobook – From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of French Women Don't Get Fat comes a memorable look at the French appetite for oysters, the characters who harvest and serve them, and the compelling reasons why we should all enjoy them. Anjelica Huston – Watch Me – Simon & Schuster Audio – read by the author The second and final volume of the celebrated actress's memoir covers her on again, off again love affair with Jack Nicholson, her happy marriage to sculptor Robert Graham, and her devastation at his death. LJ PrePub Alert, LJ starred review. Simcha Jacobovichi & Barrie Wilson – The Lost Gospel: Decoding the Sacred Text That Reveals Jesus' Marriage to Mary Magdalen – Blackstone – read by Bob Souer In the British Library is an ancient manuscript, at least 1,450 years old and possibly older. The authors have translated the text into English and claim that it shows that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and they had two children. By the star of the television show The Naked Archaeologist. Boris Johnson – The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History – Books on Tape – read by Simon Shepherd On the fiftieth anniversary of Churchill's death, the mayor of London, who began his career as a journalist, gives us this biography of the extraordinary man. LJ PrePub Alert. Timothy Keller – Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – Books on Tape – read by Sean Pratt Christians are told to pray, but few are really taught how. Keller explains, and offers some prayers of his own for different occasions. New York Times bestselling author. Gary Krist – Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans – Dreamscape Media – read by Robertson Dean After the Civil War, New Orleans elites wanted to downplay the worldly reputation of their city, and compromised by pushing much of the vice into the 18-block area called Storyville, which also became the center for the best music. Richly detailed and full of colorful anecdotes. LJ and PW starred reviews. Shawn Levy – De Niro: A Life – Books on Tape – read by Mark Deakins Levy had access to De Niro's personal research and production materials, and has used it, along with interviews with friends and colleagues to write what Kirkus called the definitive biography. Kirkus starred review. Carine McCandless – The Wild Truth – HarperAudio – read by the author Carine's beloved brother Chris gave away his possessions, hitchhiked to Alaska, walked into the wilderness by himself and starved to death. His story was immortalized by Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild. But here is the true story about the dysfunctional family behind what really happened. 125,000 print run. Kelly McEvers – NPR Driveway Moments Love Stories – HighBridge – read by various You know what this is…when the book is so good you don't want to go into the house! Bill Nye – Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation – Macmillan Audio – read by the author Bill Nye the Science Guy on not just evolution, but also genetically modified food, the search for alien life, and more. Mark Owen – No Hero: The Evolution of a Navy SEAL – Penguin Audio – read by Paul Michael The follow up to the multimillion bestselling No Easy Day which told the story of the killing of Osama bin Laden. Owen, which is a pseudonym shares more insider information on Navy SEALS. LJ PrePub Alert. Andrew Roberts – Napoleon: A Life – Books on Tape – read by John Lee Roberts uses the recent publication of 33,000 Napoleon letters, and personal visits to 53 battlegrounds to inform his massive one volume history of Napoleon. LJ PrePub Alert, LJ starred review. Wendy Ruderman and Barbara Laker – Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love – HarperAudio Two reporters at the beleaguered, nearly bankrupt Philadelphia Daily News are approached by a terrified police informant who is in fear of his life. They eventually uncover a corrupt narcotics department whose members stole, faked evidence, and assaulted victims. All the while, the two try desperately to balance motherhoos with their work lives as they infuriate the FBI and the police department. Ruderman and Laker won a Pulitzer Prize for their newspaper coverage of this true story. Booklist starred review. Carlos Santana – The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light – Blackstone – read by Jonathan Davis Howard Schultz – For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice – Books on Tape – read by Rajiv Chandrasekaran Written by the CEO of Starbucks, who, until he visited West Point, said he was embarrassed at his disconnect with the military. This book is full of inspiring stories of veterans and aims to highlight their abilities in hopes of encouraging more companies to hire them on their return. Mark Schultz – Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold – Penguin Audio – read by Stephen Mendel J. J. Virgin – J. J. Virgin's Sugar Impact Diet – Blackstone – read by Tara Ochs A two week plan to cut sugar from your diet to retrain taste buds. TV tie-in. 200,000 print run. Nick & Kanae Vujicic – Love Without Limits: A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All – Books on Tape – read by David Franklin, Tara Sands, and Nick Vujicic Nick Vujicic, an evangelical speaker, was born without arms and legs. He and his wife tell the story of their marriage and how they make it work. 100,000 print run. Andreas Wagner – Arrival of the Fittest: Solving Evolution's Greatest Puzzle – Gildan Media – read by Sean Pratt An award winning biologist with a great knack for explaining technical concepts for the layperson argues that evolutional mutations are more than just random luck. Wagner argues that there is a set of laws that allows nature to discover new molecules and mechanisms in much less time than random variations would take. Kirkus starred review. Kim Zetter – Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon – Books on Tape – read by Joe Ochman Wired journalist Zetter is a cybersecurity expert, and here tells the thrilling true story of the U.S. virus that destroyed Iran's nuclear efforts–not just the software, but the hardware as well. PW starred review, LJ PrePub Alert.   Holiday Books Collen Coble – All Is Calm: A Lonestar Christmas Novella – Oasis Audio – read by Pam Turlow Bluebird Ranch pairs abused children with abused horses, and Brendan, a Special Ops/Intel man who has always considered it a little piece of heaven, thinks it's the perfect place to recover from his wounds. Then he meets Lauren, who had been at the ranch when she was younger, and he knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Jeaniene Frost – Home for the Holidays – HarperAudio – read by Tavia Gilbert They were just looking forward to a normal holiday–at least as normal as it gets for vampires. Night Huntress World series. Sarah Jio – The Look of Love – Blackstone – read by Julia Whelan and Cassandra Campbell By the author of Goodnight June. Jane Williams was born during a Christmas blizzard and has the rare gift of literally being able to see love. But she must identify the six types of love before the full moon following her thirtieth birthday or be immune from love forever. When she falls for a man who doesn't believe in love, she fears that her fate is sealed. Joanne Huist Smith – The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle – Books on Tape – read by the author How a random act of kindness transformed the lives of a family submerged in the bleakest time of their lives.   Click here for the Marketplace cart of the title below and more. Geographical rights may vary by title

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Jolla Successfully Funds the First Crowdsourced Tablet

A year after their first smartphone was introduced, Finnish technology company Jolla has successfully funded their IndieGogo project aimed to create a tablet. Looking to raise $380K, supporters have already pledged over $865K (and the campaign doesn’t end until December 9, 2014). Jolla’s tablet should take specific aim at Apple’s iPad Mini and the recently announced Nokia N1 (though it will not be as thin or have an aluminum-bodied shell), featuring a 7.9-inch display with 2,048 x 1,536 resolution, a quad-core Intel processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage… only it will not run iOS or Android –this device will take advantage of the startup’s Sailfish 2.0 operating system (which is able to boast 9 updates, 350 new features, and over 13,000 bugs fixed since their initial release; not to mention compatibility for Android apps). Several incentives for supporters are being offered, though several have sold out, including among the first to receive a Jolla tablet (for a contribution of $204 USD as long as you live in one of the supported regions: EU, Norway, Switzerland, USA, India, China, Hong Kong, or Russia). For those with less to spend, $10 USD will get your name on the Jolla First Ones webpage. Until the second quarter of 2015 when these little beauties are expected to ship, we will have to satiate ourselves with the product video created by Jolla. Jolla Successfully Funds the First Crowdsourced Tablet is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/jolla-successfully-funds-the-first-crowdsourced-tablet

Nintendo Launches Free Digital Magazine

Nintendo Extra is a new digital magazine that was designed to appeal to a younger audience. The first issue includes an introduction to The Legend of Zelda by producer Eiji Aonuma, basic tips for Mario Kart 8, a Captain Toad comic, Pokemon Alpha Sapphire & Omega Ruby features, and the first episode of the ‘Cat Mario Show’. The new magazine is completely free and is primarily available through the Nintendo official website. There is no word yet if the publication is planned to launch via a series of apps for iOS or Android.Last month we saw the closure of Official Nintendo Magazine and this new endeavor is likely a second attempt to help market core Nintendo properties and appeal to a new demographic. Nintendo Launches Free Digital Magazine is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/digital-magazine-news/nintendo-launches-free-digital-magazine

Weekly eHighlights: Bonus Adult Fiction Edition

There were so many blockbuster authors who had new titles published in our November 6 edition of eHighlights, that we decided to publish a bonus edition to feature some of the other great titles available in time for the Holiday shopping season. In addition, Stephen King, Lisa Scottoline, and others have new books just available, so don't miss any of these excellent titles. Click here to view the Marketplace cart of these titles and more. H. G. Adler – The Wall – Random House eBook – PW: One of the best books of the year. Isabella Alan – Murder, Served Simply – Penguin eBook – Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. Donna Alward – Treasure on Lilac Lane – Macmillan eBook – Jewell Cove series. Keri Arthur – Darkness Falls – Penguin eBook – Dark Angels Series. Jo Baker – Offcomer – Random House eBook – By the acclaimed author of Longbourne set against the background of the Troubles in Ireland. Juliet Blackwell – Keeper of the Castle – Penguin eBook – A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery starring reluctant ghostbuster Mel Turner. Bestselling author. Mike Blakely – A Song to Die For – Macmillan eBook – Booklist starred review. Award winning author. Kirkus: "Topnotch mystery." Steven Brust – Hawk – Macmillan eBook – Fantasy/Thriller; Vlad Taltos series. Lucy Burdette – Death with All the Trimmings – Penguin eBook – A Key West Food Critic mystery set at Christmas time. Andrea Camillieri – The Brewer of Preston – Penguin eBook – From the author of the Commissario Montalbano police procedurals comes a comic novel set in 19th Century Sicily. 50,000 print run. Joanna Carl – The Chocolate Clown Corpse – Penguin eBook – Chocoholic Mystery series. Diane Chamberlain – The Silent Sister – Macmillan eBook – Riley was told that her older sister committed suicide. Now it seems that she may be alive. Kirkus: "compulsively readable." Brock Clarke – The Happiest People in the World – Workman Publishing – "A whiz-bang spy satire." PW starred review. Barbara Cleverly – Enter Pale Death – Random House eBook – PW starred review. Cleo Coyle – Once Upon a Grind – Penguin eBook – Coffeehouse Mystery series. Lauren Dane – Broken Open – Harlequin eBook – Romantic Times: 4 stars, Tessa Dare – Say Yes to the Marquess – HarperCollins eBook – Castle Ever After series. Ted Dekker – A. D. 30 – Hachette eBook – Christian thriller – LJ Starred Review, Romantic Times: 4 stars. Anita Diamant – The Boston Girl – Simon & Schuster eBook – From the bestselling author of The Red Tent. 85-year-old Addie Baum tells her granddaughter her life story. Keith Donohue – The Boy Who Drew Monsters – Macmillan eBook – Literary horror from the bestselling author of The Stolen Child. Eileen Dreyer – Twice Tempted – A Drake's Race Regency. Romantic Times: 4 stars. Charles Finch – The Laws of Murder – Macmillan eBook and audiobook read by James Langton – A Charles Lennox mystery. Romantic Times: 4 stars. Christopher Fowler – Bryant & May and the Bleeding Heart – Random House eBook – Think Grumpy Old Men meets CSI. 11th in the series. Abbi Glines – You Were Mine – The latest in the Rosemary Beach series by the bestselling author. Molly Gloss – Falling from Horses – Houghton Mifflin Harcourt eBook – Kirkus starred review. Christopher Golden – Sons of Anarchy: Bratva – Macmillan eBook – Based on the hot TV series. 100,000 print run. Yannick Grannec – The Goddess of Small Victories – Random House eBook – A historical novel based on the life of Kurt Godel, the famous logician. Booklist starred review. Andrew Grant – Run – Random House eBook and Books on Tape audiobook read by Jon Lindstrom – Taut thriller for fans of Harlan Coben or Joseph Finder. Shelley Shepard Gray – Snowfall – HarperCollins eBook – Days of Redemption Amish series Christmas novel. Timothy Hallinan – For the Dead – Random House eBook – Poke Rafferty thriller series set in Bangkok. Booklist starred review. Robin Lee Hatcher – Love Without End – Thomas Nelson eBook – Can two single parents get together and risk loving again? Christian fiction by the well known author. King's Meadow series. Peter James – Want You Dead – Macmillan eBook – Detective Superintendent Roy Grace British mystery series. Sophie Jordan – An Heiress for All Seasons – HarperCollins eBook – A Debutante Files Christmas novella. Stephen King – Revival – Simon & Schuster eBook and audiobook read by David Morse – Classic King horror novel spanning five decades. LJ & PW starred reviews. Rosalind Lauer – A Simple Charity – Lancaster Crossroads Amish series. T. C. LoTempio – Meow If It's Murder – Penguin ebook – A Nick and Nora Mystery. Nora Charles is an investigative reporter who shares a name with the famous sleuth, but in this case, Nick is her cat. Charlie Lovett – First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen – Penguin eBook and Books on Tape audiobook read by Jayne Entwistle – From the bestselling author of The Bookman's Tale. James Luceno – Tarkin – Random House eBook – Star Wars series. Sarah MacLean – Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover – HarperCollins eBook – Rules of Scoundrels Series. G. M. Malliet – A Demon Summer – Macmillan eBook – Max Tudor mystery series. Agatha Award winning author. Phillip Margolin – Woman with a Gun – HarperCollins eBook – Thriller by the bestselling author. Juliet Marillier – Dreamer's Pool – Penguin eBook – A Blackthorn & Grim novel. Magical healer Blackthorn is freed from the executioner and sent on a quest, but she must give up her thoughts of revenge. Galley Chat featured book. Award winning author. Melania G. Mazzucco – Limbo – Macmillan eBook – An injured Italian soldier returns home just before Christmas to recuperate, review, and try to make sense of her life. LJ & PW starred reviews. Jack McDevitt – Coming Home – Penguin eBook – Alex Benedict Science Fiction/Mystery. Monica McInerny – Hello from the Gillespies – Penguin eBook – When an Australian woman writes a truthful Christmas letter instead of the usual platitudes she's sent for the past 33 years, her husband hits "Send" before she can revise it and the family has to cope with the truth. Humorous and charming. Lindsay McKenna, et al. – Coming Home for Christmas – Harlequin eBook – Three military heroes come home for a romantic Christmas. Jenn McKinlay – On Borrowed Time – Penguin eBook – Library Lover's Mystery series. Richard K. Morgan – The Dark Defiles – Random House ebook – Final book in A Land Fit for Heroes trilogy. Bleak dystopian fantasy by one of the best. David Nicholls – Us – HarperCollins eBook and audiobook read by David Haig – Booklist, Kirkus, LJ starred reviews. Shelly Oria – New York 1, Tel Aviv 0 – Macmillan eBook – Fresh new voice from FS & G. Tony Park – The Delta – Macmillan eBook – A fast moving thriller set in South Africa with a female mercenary as the protagonist. Kirkus & LJ starred reviews. Arturo Perez-Reverte – The Siege – Random House eBook – Just as Napoleon's army lays siege to Cadiz in 1811, bodies of dead women begin turning up and Police Comisario Rogelio Tizón has been assigned the case. Hannah Pittard – Reunion – Hachette eBook – A family reunites after the death of the father. Award winning author. Ruth Rendell – The Girl Next Door – Simon & Schuster eBook and audiobook read by Ric Jerrom – Six decades after a group of children dug a secret tunnel, a tin box is found inside it containing the skeleton hands of a man and a woman. Multiple award winning author. Booklist starred review. Imogen Robertson – The Paris Winter – Macmillan eBook – Three young women in 1909 Paris become embroiled in a criminal plot. Kirkus & LJ starred reviews. Renee Rosen – What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age – Blackstone audiobook read by Kirsten Potter – By the acclaimed author of Dollface. In 19th Century Chicago, retail tycoon Marshall Field makes his fortune. Lisa Scottoline – Betrayed – Macmillan eBook – Scottline returns to her popular Rosato & Associates series after several years of writing standalones. Bestselling author. Kazuaki Takano – Genocide of One – Hachette Digital eBook – The internationally bestselling author from Japan is back with a new thriller. PW starred review. Lalita Tademy – Citizen's Creek – Simon & Schuster eBook – The story of a little known time in American history: Tom is sold as a slave to an Indian chief. By the bestselling author of the Oprah Pick Cane River. Sheri S. Tepper – Fish Tails – HarperCollins eBook – By a science fiction master. What happens when the waters rise enough that a planet has no land left? Paige Tyler – Her Lone Wolf – Sourcebooks eBook – a paranormal military romance. Fred Venturini – The Heart Does Not Grow Back– Macmillan eBook – From a new voice in literary SF about a small town nobody who develops a superpower in the wake of tragedy. Elaine Viets – A Dog Gone Murder – Penguin eBook – Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper series. By the Agatha and Anthony Award winner. Urban Waite – Sometimes the Wolf – HarperCollins eBook – This thriller got starred reviews from Booklist and LJ. Charles G. West – Trial at Fort Keogh– Penguin eBook – An easy going ranch foreman finds himself targeted by crooked lawmen in this Western. Dennis Wheatley – The Fabulous Valley – Bloomsbury eBook – A devious patriarch leaves his family a valley of diamonds in the Kalahari. Now they just have to find it. F. Paul Wilson – Fear City – Macmillan eBook – New entry in the Repairman Jack series. Geographical rights may vary by title

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Amazon Fire Stick Launches Today and Discounts Kindles

Amazon is gearing up for the holidays by slashing some of the prices on their tablets and also positioning themselves to push lots of Fire TV sticks. The Fire TV Stick is a cheap alternative to the Fire TV system that launched earlier this year. In essence, the $39 stick connects to the HDMI port on your HDTV for instant access to movies, TV shows, music, photos, apps, and games. It features a dual-core processor, 2x the memory of Chromecast, dual-band, dual-antenna (MIMO) Wi-Fi, and exclusive features like ASAP for instant streaming. Plus, it comes with a remote control for simple and easy navigation. You can also use the free Fire TV Remote App for Fire phone, Android phones, and coming soon to iPhone to search using just your voice. The Amazon branded stick is shipping today, but new orders might be a bit delayed, due to the sheer amount of people opting to try out this new system. Amazon is also discounting some of their tablets. The new Fire HD 7 normally costs $139 and is now on sale for $119, also the variant released last year, the seven inch HDX is only $179.99. Also, if you are thinking of subscribing to Amazon Prime for the first time or renewing your membership you can get a $40 discount on the new Basic Touch 2014 model. Simply start/renew your membership and then add the product to your cart for the free voucher. Amazon Fire Stick Launches Today and Discounts Kindles is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/amazon-fire-stick-launches-today-and-discounts-kindles

B&N Nook Glowlight Now $99

The Barnes and Noble Nook Glowlight is the only e-Ink based reader the bookseller is currently marketing. It normally costs $119.99, but starting November 21st, it will be discounted to $99.99 and this price point seems to be locked in stone for the rest of the year. Barnes and Noble is also having a “Discovery Week” sale this weekend where lots of things are being discounted store wide in order to get a jump start on buying gifts for the holidays. In a limited time promotion from November 21 to November 23rd the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK devices have new low prices. You can pickup the seven inch version for $149.99 (after a $50 instant rebate) or purchase the 10.1 inch variant for $249.99 (after a $100 instant rebate). B&N Nook Glowlight Now $99 is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/bn-nook-glowlight-now-99

B&N Launches Nook Audiobooks App, Comes With 2 Free Audiobooks

Barnes and Noble has announced the release of a new audiobook app for Android phones and tablets called NOOK Audiobooks. B&N claims that their audiobook catalog consists of over 50,000 titles, with free samples available on a wide selection of them. B&N is emphasizing a no-commitment type of selling environment, unlike Audible.com’s monthly subscription plans […]

URL: http://feeds.the-ebook-reader.com/~r/feedburner/cmWU/~3/a2iuI6RmYCI/

B&N Drops Nook GlowLight to $99; Weekend Sale on Nook Galaxy Tablets

Barnes and Noble released a press release today announcing a permanent price drop on the Nook GlowLight and a weekend sale on Nook Galaxy tablets. The Nook GlowLight turned one year old this month. Since its release it has sold for $119, the same price as the base Kindle Paperwhite. As of November 21st, the […]

URL: http://feeds.the-ebook-reader.com/~r/feedburner/cmWU/~3/z3BKeaB8dds/

A collection of Pis

Liz: Today’s guest post comes from Alex Eames, who runs the rather wonderful RasPi.TV. He’s been furtling through his drawers, and has discovered he owns a surprising number of Raspberry Pi variants. Thanks Alex!  Now we have the A+, I thought it'd be a good time to celebrate its 'birth' by having a rundown of the various mass-produced models of Raspberry Pi. I had a look through my collection and was somewhat surprised to see that I have 10 different variants of Raspberry Pi now. There is one I don't have, but more about that later. Here's the family photo. You can click it for a higher resolution version. Rev 1 Model B In row 1, column 1 we have the Rev 1 model B. Although I was up early on 29th February 2012, I didn't get one of the first 10,000 Pis produced. This was delivered in May 2012. It's a Farnell variant (I have an RS one as well, but it does full-time duty as my weather station). This was the original type of Pi to hit the market. It has 256 Mb RAM and polyfuses on the USB. Rev 1 Model B – With Links In row 1, column 2 you'll see a slightly later variant of Rev 1 model B. This one has 0 Ohm links instead of polyfuses. It helped to overcome some of the voltage drop issues associated with the original Rev 1, but it introduced the "hot-swapping USB devices will now reboot your Pi" issue, which was fixed in the B+. Rev 2 Model B (China) Row 2, column 1. Here we have an early Rev 2 Pi. This one was manufactured in China. It originally had a sticker on saying "made in China", but I took it off. This one was bought some time around October 2012. The Rev 2 model B has 512 Mb RAM (apart from a few early ones which had 256 Mb), mounting holes and two headers called P5 and P6. Rev 2 Model B (UK) Row 2, column 2. This is a much later Rev 2 Pi, made at SONY in Wales, UK. Chinese Red Pi Rev 2 Model B Row 3, column 1. This is one of the Red Pis made especially for the Chinese market. They are not allowed to be sold in the UK, but if you import one yourself that's not a problem. It is manufactured to a less stringent spec than the ones at SONY, and is not EMC tested. Therefore it bears no CE/FCC marks. Limited Edition Blue Pi Rev 2 Model B Row 3, column 2. I'm not going to go into how I got hold of this. Suffice it to say it was not at all easy, but no laws were broken, and nobody got hurt. RS had 1000 of these made in March 2013 as a special limited anniversary edition to use as prizes and awards to people who've made a special contribution to education etc. I know of about 5 or 6 people who have them. (At least two of those people traded for them.) They are extremely hard to get. They come in a presentation box with a certificate. I have #0041. Other than their blueness, they are a Rev 2 model B Pi. Model A Row 1, Column 3 is a model A. The PCB is identical to the Rev 2 model B, but it has only one USB port, no ethernet port, no USB/ethernet chip and 256 Mb RAM. The $25 model A was released in February 2013. On the day I got mine, the day after launch, I made a quick and dirty "I've got mine first" video, part of which ended up on BBC Click. The model A sold about 100k units. Demand for it was outstripped by the model B, although at one point CPC was offering a brilliant deal on a camera module and model A for £25 (I snagged a couple of those). Compute Module Row 2, column 3 is the Compute Module, sitting atop the Compute Module development board. This was launched 23 June 2014 as a way to enable industrial use of the Pi in a more convenient form factor. The module is made so it fits in a SODIMM connector and is essentially the BCM 2835, its 512 Mb RAM and 4 Gb of eMMC flash memory with all available GPIO ports broken out. It costs $30 when bought by the hundred. Model B+ Row 3, column 3 is the model B+. This was launched on 14 July 2014 and was a major change in form factor. Rounded corners, corner mount holes, 40 GPIO pins, 4 USB ports, improved power circuitry and a complete layout redesign. The B+ was announced as the 'final revision' of the B. So it would appear that it's going to be with us for some time. Model A+ In row 4, all by itself we have the shiny new Raspberry Pi A+, launched 10 November 2014. It's essentially the same as a B+ with the USB end cut off. It's the smallest, lightest, cheapest, and least power-hungry Pi of all so far. It's 23g, $20 and uses just half a Watt at idle. So Which One Don't I Have? I don't have a Rev 2 256 MB variant. If you have one and would like to trade or sell it to me, I'd be happy to hear from you (alex AT raspi.tv). I believe there is also now a red Chinese B+ I've not got one of those, but it's only a matter of time. I wonder if there will be a red A+ at some point too? We Just Don't Know!

URL: http://www.raspberrypi.org/a-collection-of-pis/

Barnes and Noble Puts a Priority on Audiobooks

Barnes and Noble has formally unveiled their Nook Audiobook app for Android. The Nations largest bookseller is putting a company wide priority on the audio experience. This is the first time they have ever got serious about it and they intend on marketing it towards the types of people who buy books on a regular basis or have never listed to one before. There are over 50,000 audiobooks from major publishers available to purchase and the vast majority of them have free samples that range between two and four minutes in length to preview. As part of the launch promotion every week there will be five free audiobooks and new users to the platform can download two for free. There is no signup required or credit card needed for the account in order to take advantage of this promotion. The titles were exclusively vetted to span multiple genres and picked especially for the overall quality of the narration. During the first week the following titles will be available; Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, Ender’s Game (Ender Quintet #1) by Orson Scott Card, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Heist (Fox and O’Hare Series #1) by Janet Evanovich and Seabiscuit by Lauren Hillenbrand. Kashif Zafar, Vice President of US Digital Content at NOOK Media told Good e-Reader exclusively “The mission of the design was to be very crisp and engage the broad mainstream audiobook customer. This was one of the first apps we built from the ground up and we feel it provides a user friendly experience. Barnes and Noble is sourcing their compete audiobook collection from Findaway World via their Acoustik imprint. This is the same organization that powers the vast majority of libraries digital catalogs. This is not the first time the bookseller has got involved in audiobooks. For the last few years they sold them exclusively online and the titles were provided by Overdrive. When customers purchased an audio edition they had to download the Media Console app and had to register an account. Kashif mentioned that this distracted from the overall user experience and was quietly killed a few months ago. The Nook Audiobook app will be made available via a firmware update for the Nook HD, Nook HD+ and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 7 and 10.1 inch models in the coming weeks. Kashif made it very clear that the marketing efforts behind the app is simply not pushing it out to the devices and hoping for the best. “We are implementing a marketing program across all of our bookstores to really drive home the fact we are serious about audiobooks. We also encouraging our publishing partners to advertise it across their own networks.” I got a chance to play around with the final release version of the Android app as apart of the soft-launch program. I actually found it really intuitive to use, it doesn’t bog you down with advanced features, but makes listening and purchasing new content really easy. The main store features the aforementioned free content any user can download. There are a few sections that are curated by the new Nook Audio team and there will be seasonal themes and update provided every few weeks. There is also a featured audiobook of the week, which offers a tremendous discount. When you listen to an audiobook, you don’t have the advanced features that Audible has. You can’t adjust the speed of the playbook to read faster or slower, you are stuck with the default setting. This isn’t all bad, as much I as do use the iTunes and Audible Players I have never adjusted the narration speed, but some people do, so it bears mentioning. You also are limited to two simultaneous downloads at a time, but once the first chapter is is complete you can listen to the book as its downloading. The Nook Audiobook App is available as a free download from Google Play but is only available for US customers. You can download it from our own Good e-Reader App Store if you live outside the US. I found that living in Canada you can buy and listen to audiobooks, so there seems to be no geographical restrictions on content. Kashif also wanted to make clear that an iOS version should be available by the end of the year and a Windows 8 iteration might be launched sometime in the new year. There is no timeline for official expansion into the UK. The entry into the audiobook market is perfect timing for Barnes and Noble. It perfectly rounds off their Nook Media catalog so they now sell everything a reader could possibly want. Apps, eBooks, comics, graphic novels, magazines, music, newspapers, and video. Barnes and Noble Puts a Priority on Audiobooks is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/barnes-and-noble-puts-a-priority-on-audiobooks

Amazon Silk Browser gets Private Web Browsing Feature

The Amazon Silk Browser is fairly innovative because it can buffer in advance websites you visit on a regular basis, to cut down on the load times. One feature that has sorely lacking is private browsing, so you can cut down on the footprint you leave online and avoid some of the cookies that tend to follow you around. Today, Amazon has announced that this critical feature is now available. In a statement issued on the official Silk Blog the lead developer said “In response to customer feedback, we are excited to announce support for Private Browsing. With Private Browsing, you can surf the web without saving a record of your visits. For example, if you use Private Browsing while researching travel destinations for a surprise trip or shopping for presents, these sites will not show up in your browsing history when someone else uses your device. Private Browsing is now available on our 2012, 2013, and 2014 Amazon Fire tablets as well as the Amazon Fire phone. Pages you view during a Private Browsing session do not remain in your browser's history, cookie store, or search history after the session is over.” In order to download the new update for your Amazon tablet or phone you have to download the largest update. This is normally pushed out via WIFI, but if you want to get it right away see the Software Updates page on the Fire & Kindle Support site. Amazon Silk Browser gets Private Web Browsing Feature is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/tablet-slates/amazon-silk-browser-gets-private-web-browsing-feature

Sony Digital Paper Now on Display at Two US Store Locations

The Sony Digital Paper is the first large screen E Ink device aimed at business professionals and a stark departure from consumer e-readers.  The product up  until this point has only been available through key Sony partners and sold online, prospective owners have not got a chance to try it out to see if its the right fit for them, until now. Sony executives have announced that the DPT-S1 Digital Paper is now on display  at Sony Stores to "touch and feel" the device, especially to realize the lightness and also the fluid handwriting.  It is currently available at the Sony Store at Stanford University in Palo Alto and the 550 Madison Avenue Store in New York.If a customer likes way they see, these locations have plenty of units in stock for $999.99. Not to mention that people from overseas have another option if they, a relative or colleague is in the neighborhood! Sony has also confirmed they are engaging in direct advertising for the first time “We're running some ads in the The Stanford Daily digital edition.  There's been considerable interest from individuals in the Stanford community, and from the Bay Area in general.” I think being able to give the Digital Paper a test drive is tremendous. Up until this point if you wanted to check it out, you had to watch one of our extensive YouTube Videos, which demonstrates the full user experience. Actually being able to hold one in your hands and play with it for awhile is likely the best way to actually push more device sales. Sony Digital Paper Now on Display at Two US Store Locations is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/sony-digital-paper-now-on-display-at-two-us-store-locations

MagPi issue 26

I’m in a bit of a rush today; we’re all at the factory in Wales where the Raspberry Pi is built to show the team that works in Cambridge how to make a Pi. So I’ll hand over to Team MagPi, who have just released their 26th edition of the free monthly Raspberry Pi magazine, written by Raspberry Pi fans for Raspberry Pi fans. Editor Ash Stone says: This month's Issue is packed with hardware and programming articles.  We are pleased to present the first article in an OpenCV (open source computer vision) image recognition software series by Derek Campbell.  The robot that Derek used to test the software configuration is shown on this month's cover. Expanding the I/O possibilities of the Raspberry Pi is often a first step of electronics projects.  This time, Dougie Lawson presents a review of the Arduberry board from Dexter Industries.  This little board provides an ideal microcontroller interface for more complicated electronics projects.  This month's hardware articles are rounded off by Karl-Ludwig's third BitScope article, which includes examples of preamplifier circuits and associated test and measurement. The Raspberry Pi provides the opportunity to run many different software applications.  Voice over IP (VoIP) allows telephone calls to be carried over an internet connection.  Walbarto Abad continues his mini-series by describing how to setup an Asterisk VoIP server. The second application article this month continues the discussion of git (distributed version control system).  Git was originally produced for Linux kernel development, but is now a mainstay of many different development projects and has been adopted by several schools too.  Alec Clews leads us through his second tutorial on the subject. This month's programming article demonstrates how to build an arcade game using FUZE BASIC.  Jon Silvera includes instructions, code and images to build a horizontally scrolling game. We are on the look out for more articles at all levels and on all subjects.  If you are interested in submitting an article, please get in touch with us by emailing articles@themagpi.com. If you have any other comments, you can find us on Twitter (@TheMagP1) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/MagPiMagazine) too.

URL: http://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi-issue-26/

Nokia Launches Their First Android Tablet, Aluminum-Shelled N1

The Slush conference in Helsinki brought news that Nokia hasn’t been twiddling its thumbs in the seven months since their devices and services unit was sold to Microsoft (for a cool $7.2 billion). It appears the company was hard at work preparing to deliver the N1: a 7.9-inch, aluminum-shelled, Android tablet (running Lollipop OS). It looks a lot like Apple’s iPad Mini (complete with the placement of the camera, buttons, and headphone jack), but will sell at a far more attractive $249 price-point. Luckily (and cleverly) for Nokia, the sale to Microsoft may have included a ban on making smartphones or handsets for 30 months –but other devices, including tablets, were not included in that agreement. Nokia’s head of devices Sebastian Nystrom indicated that the N1 is targeted toward users who have yet to find the Android tablet of their dreams (meaning those out there who love the classy look of an aluminum-bodied tablet, but would prefer not to buy an iPad). Other specifications for the N1 include the use of Gorilla Glass 3, a weight of 318 grams, an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, 2048 x 1536 screen resolution, and Wi-Fi (only) network connectivity. Nokia’s reveal video is linked below, offering an excellent overview and visual guide to the N1. The initial launch of the N1 will be limited to China and is expected around the Chinese New Year (February 19, 2015), with delivery to Russia and select European countries shortly afterward. There is no word yet on when we might see Nokia’s new tablet in North America, but I suspect that will depend greatly on how is is received following the initial release. Nokia Launches Their First Android Tablet, Aluminum-Shelled N1 is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/nokia-launches-their-first-android-tablet-aluminum-shelled-n1

Path Talk Launches in UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand

In my line of work, I have the opportunity to test drive a lot of apps –many good but more that aren’t; every now and then, my mind is blown and I feel a little mad that I didn’t create it myself. Path Talk falls into that last category, quickly becoming one of my favourite apps of all time since it’s launch earlier this year. Having been available in the US and Canada for several months now, lucky users in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand can finally experience my joy. Those that know me are well aware that I hate phone calls: I hate answering them and I hate making them. Path Talk makes it possible for me to accomplish many of the tasks that used to require a voice call all with in-app text messages. My first inquiry determined that the restaurant around the corner from my home accepted debit cards for deliveries, but that is only where I began. It may seem lazy, but I prefer to think of it as convenient –turn to Path Talk when you wouldn’t otherwise be able to make call. Ask the Path agents to make you a haircut appointment just before you walk into a meeting or have them check to see if an item is in stock at your local retailer before you make the trip. In the end, the purpose of Path Talk is to give business the opportunity to provide amazing customer service –not entirely unlike the ‘chat live’ options seen on many websites over the years, only the legwork is being done on your behalf… no more waiting for the next available agent (who might actually be a robot) to assist you. No matter how you use Path Talk, it is exactly the kind of app that really makes your life easier; though I’m not going to lie, I would like to see the database of things these Path Agents have been asked to inquire about. If you haven’t given Path Talk a try, you should download it now for your Android device. Path Talk Launches in UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/path-talk-launches-in-uk-ireland-australia-and-new-zealand

Facebook Hard at Work on Enterprise Collaboration Tool

Most offices have been working diligently to find ways of keeping Facebook out of sight and mind for their employees while on the job –but the social media giant may be finding ways to make inroads of their own into the enterprise market. While technically still in the rumours stage, the ‘Facebook at Work’ initiative is all but confirmed and could roll out in the next few months. Think of this product as a shortcut to having a corporate Intranet, in many cases replacing e-mail or IM as it pertains to communication between colleagues. In addition, Facebook at Work is likely to make it very easy to collaborate on documents, share files, and communicate important news. Knowing how securely Facebook dominates the social media category, already-established competitors are readying their defenses. One of the first is Salesforce.com, whose Chatter product already provides much of the same functionality that Facebook at Work is likely to offer; but even if it’s better, they (along with other likely suspects like LinkedIn, which can be quite expensive for their subscribers) lack overwhelming brand recognition and curb appeal. Love it or hate it, just about everybody is already familiar with Facebook. This familiarity likely means that the success of Facebook at Work will depend heavily on their ability to adapt the same interfaces and layout that users are already used to; recognizing that corporate citizens hate change even more than most. Facebook at Work is expected to be a completely separate product to the existing Facebook apps and website… but few details are known. While the current system is supported by a sophisticated ad network, enterprise would likely be willing to pay a little for corporate branding and a lack of external advertising. While central hosting provided by Facebook is a possibility, my best guess is that the app will be available for installation inside existing corporate networks (meaning security can remain a top priority and the upgrade and update schedule can be determined by each organization). Either way, I’m sure Facebook is busy hammering out all of these final details. Facebook has not commented officially at this stage, but sometimes silence speaks volumes. Facebook Hard at Work on Enterprise Collaboration Tool is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/facebook-hard-at-work-on-enterprise-collaboration-tool

Samsung Plans to Make Fewer Smartphone Models in 2015

Profits are down, so Samsung is making plans to streamline their product offering in an effort to get the company’s financials back on track. Selling fewer smartphone models will be Samsung’s primary cost-cutting measure, reducing their current line-up by 25%-30% overall. This news comes on the heels of the heads up given to investors that the upcoming financial results will show a considerable 74% drop in mobile profits during the third quarter of this year. While it may seem like a huge loss, it’s actually about time (with a seemingly endless array of available devices, like their flagship Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5 Active, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy S5 Mini, Galaxy Alpha, and more)! If successful, Samsung will find its way back to a double-digit percentage margin: “After maintaining smartphone operating-profit margins above 15% for 10 consecutive quarters, Samsung’s margins from its mobile and information technology business were squeezed to just 7% in the third quarter ended September—the lowest level since the end of 2008, before it launched its first Galaxy smartphone. Acknowledging the slide in margins, Samsung executives said during an earnings call last month that its new goal is to maintain a sustainable double-digit percentage margin starting in the new year. They reiterated that pledge during this week’s investor day meeting.” Less hardware diversity means being able to share more components across devices (particularly in the mid-to-low-end models), allowing Samsung to maximize profits while they “further leverage economies of scale.” Fewer smartphones should also make it easier for consumers to decide which device they want (not to mention making it more clear when their existing device is out of date and in need of an upgrade). Now before people worry too much about Samsung as a whole, don’t forget that they have a lot of other irons in the fire. Samsung Plans to Make Fewer Smartphone Models in 2015 is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/samsung-plans-to-make-fewer-smartphone-models-in-2015

Twitter Co-Founder Launches SUPER Social App

Biz Stone may have helped to create Twitter, but he didn’t stop there. His new company, Jelly Industries, just released another social app called SUPER. It serves virtually no purpose and barely qualifies as actually being social (because the things you create and share are only available within SUPER and cannot be shared outside of the app); all the same it is fun and chances are good you will come out a few giggles ahead once you play with it. The idea is pretty simple: SUPER makes it quick and easy to share your thoughts. Beginning with an opener (selecting a phrase such as: ‘The Worst’, ‘I Love’, or ‘Check Out’), add your text, and finish by signing it and adding in a random background image chosen based on context the best the app is able and then edited automatically using a randomly applied filter (unless you prefer to add in a photograph of your own). Mostly, the app is brightly coloured and adorable –but it’s a formula that has worked very well for could-be competitors like SnapChat. It is terribly easy to use and get the hang of, which definitely helps. It also makes you feel a little like a modern-styled graphic artist of sorts, which I can definitely appreciate. More than anything, apps like SUPER tell us that social networking is here to stay and demonstrate that there is a demand for innovation in that arena. Feeling like you haven’t tried enough social networking apps? Download SUPER for Android! Twitter Co-Founder Launches SUPER Social App is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/spotlight-on-android/twitter-co-founder-launches-super-social-app

Liberio Embraces eBook Creation with Media from Vine and Soundcloud

Liberio is a eBook publishing startup and has been quite vocal about embracing the cloud. The company launched with being able to tap into your documents on Google Drive to create your own eBooks.Authors have more options with the ability to integrate material from Dropbox, Github, OneDrive, SoundCloud and Vine into the platform. Using Liberio's custom file picker, you can import documents, cover images, and media files from these additional sources free of charge. If you created an eBook in the past with the system, you can edit it to add new media content or just create a new one from scratch. No other self-publishing system currently enjoys the flexibility to be able to create enhanced books with tons of media content from around the web. The eBooks created with Liberio are 100% compliant with the types of formats major eBook stores require, such as Amazon, Google Play Books or the iBooks Store. I think this is a bold move on the part of Liberio to embrace popular media channels such as Soundcloud and Vine. Frequently these platforms are employed by rising young internet stars and suddenly its quite viable to harvest your own material for publishing their own eBooks. Liberio Embraces eBook Creation with Media from Vine and Soundcloud is a post from: Good e-Reader

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/digital-publishing/liberio-embraces-ebook-creation-with-media-from-vine-and-soundcloud