Libraries in all over the world are undergoing a digital renaissance as major publishers have firmly committed themselves to the concept of making e-Books available. Today, we look at some of the biggest trends facing libraries in Canada, US and United Kingdom.A recent report by the Library Journal has stated that 95% of all US libraries have an e-book collection. That’s up … [Read more...] about Digital Library Trends for 2015
Archives for December 2014
Visual Novels Find a Home on Steam
Steam is one of the most popular game distribution and sales platforms. The biggest budget games of 2014 have found a home on the service, as well as indie titles. Steam isn't just for games anymore, anime infused visual novels have also been able to leverage steam to reach an international audience.Unlike graphic novels or manga, A visual novel is an interactive fiction … [Read more...] about Visual Novels Find a Home on Steam
Windows Phone to Support Android Apps: Maybe, Probably
Microsoft has started to finally enjoy a little mobile marketplace success in the form of app development, but they are still circling the drain when it comes to creating a must-have smartphone or tablet. This isn't to say they have given up: Windows 10 promises to be truly innovative and exciting (whenever it actually hits the streets). Too little, too late? Perhaps... but … [Read more...] about Windows Phone to Support Android Apps: Maybe, Probably
Microsoft Replacing Internet Explorer with a New Browser
After all the pain Internet Explorer caused Microsoft years ago, it seems strange they would ever consider offering anything other than their flagship web browser. Of course, the tech giant of yester-year may also be starting to realize that their antiquated ways of thinking may just mean their demise... so as part of the new Microsoft, Windows 10 will feature a sparkly new web … [Read more...] about Microsoft Replacing Internet Explorer with a New Browser
Crunchyroll Streaming Service is Down
The Crunchyroll streaming service has been down the last few days as the company is a victim of a massive DDOS attack. This is the same type of Distributed Denial of Service that plagued Sony and Microsoft gaming networks for approximately three days around Christmas.The online media service Crunchyroll is likely the largest company in the world that exclusively shows … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Streaming Service is Down
Top 10 Best Manga of 2014
In Japanese culture, Manga is quintessentially apart of everyday life. It is ridiciously easy to buy one on the way to work and read it in a single day. Here in North America, things become a little bit more difficult, as bookstores often have a very paltry selection. This has given rise to digital distribution as an avenue for explosive growth. Viz, Crunchyroll, Manga Rock and … [Read more...] about Top 10 Best Manga of 2014
Apple Designs a New Stylus that Digitizes Notes Drawn on Paper
Apple has designed and patented a new stylus that will digitize drawings and notes drawn on physical paper. This will appeal to authors who prefer to write their novels or designers who have a brilliant idea while jotting something down on a napkin.The new patent Apple was awarded will translate notes written down on papers to an iPhone or iPad. It also details various … [Read more...] about Apple Designs a New Stylus that Digitizes Notes Drawn on Paper
Europeans Have Two Weeks To Return Apple iBooks
Apple has quietly amended their return policy for iBooks purchased in the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and many other EU countries. Readers now have up to two weeks to get a full refund, no questions asked through an automated feature.Apple has maintained a policy that users in European countries did have the right to cancel purchases that were defective or before digital … [Read more...] about Europeans Have Two Weeks To Return Apple iBooks
Hotels Demonstrate a Willingness to be Tech Savvy
Hotels these days are embracing technology in order to appeal to the seasoned traveler. Instead of having a wake-up call, new touchscreen devices wake you with with melodic sounds. Room keys are a thing of the past, as smartphones are becoming the new norm and when guests enter a room, the curtains open and music plays while climate control switches on.A Chicago hotel … [Read more...] about Hotels Demonstrate a Willingness to be Tech Savvy
New Kobo e-Reader to Have a Wacom Display
Sony was legendary in the e-reader business because the vast majority of their e-readers had touchscreen displays and came with a stylus. This appealed not only to casual readers, but people who needed to make highlights and annotations with pinpoint precision. Now that Sony has exited the consumer sector, there is now a void to be filled, and Kobo is aiming to rise to the … [Read more...] about New Kobo e-Reader to Have a Wacom Display
National Digital Library to Launch in Russia
Russia has unveiled new plans to launch a National Digital Library in 2015. The Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky said that the new initiative will transform local libraries into modern information and cultural hubs, adding that citizens’ access to the service will be via the internet with a single electronic library ticket.“Next year we will launch a national … [Read more...] about National Digital Library to Launch in Russia
Wattpad Releases New eBook Cover App
Wattpad is one of the largest fan-fiction websites on the internet with over 40 million users and 80 million stories. Indie authors know the value of cover art, its normally the first thing readers see and first impressions really matter. This has prompted the Canadian company to release a brand new app called Covers by Wattpad.Covers by Wattpad allows authors to upload … [Read more...] about Wattpad Releases New eBook Cover App
Dark Horse Bids Farewell to Star Wars
Dark Horse is bidding a fond farewell to the Star Wars universe. The comic book publisher has printed hundreds of comics and is holding a fire sale. For the rest of 2014, all Dark Horse Star Wars comics are 50% off, and you can buy every single comic — 28,353 pages — for $300, or 80% savings.In early 2015 the rights to the Star Wars comic book series will be transferred to … [Read more...] about Dark Horse Bids Farewell to Star Wars