OverDrive and iPod news

OverDrive has released version 3.0 of their media console. This version will be compatible with the iPod DRM free titles that are coming later this summer.

(See below for more details)

Version 3.0 also includes a new improved wizard that makes burning CDs easier. For titles that allow CD burning, all patrons need to do is to click the ‘Burn’ button and the burn wizard (ooh he sounds scary doesn’t he? ‘Hey lookout here comes the burn wizard!) will launch which guides the patron through the burn process. The burn wizard makes the whole process a seamless experience for the patron, since the Windows Media Player is completely bypassed.

Version 2.1(the one most of you already have on your desktops) will continue to be supported but all new registrations are going to be installing the new version. This could mean that a patron might call you for help and be looking at a different screen than you are, to avoid this you may wish to replace version 2.1 with the new version of the OverDrive Media Console (OMC).

Read the OverDrive press release for more detail.

OverDrive Media Console OMC v.3.0 now available at your digital library website, offers many features that your patrons have been anticipating.  You and all your users are invited to upgrade to the new OMC v.3.0.

In response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from our Transfer Wizard, we have added a Burn to CD Wizard.  With OMC v3.0, patrons no longer need to launch Windows Media Player to burn to CD.  Instead, in just a few clicks, patrons can burn WMA audio titles through OMC.  Clicking the ‘Burn’ button launches the Burn Wizard, which guides the user through this simple and straightforward process.  For your audiobook users who burn titles to CD, they will be excited to learn that the new Burn Wizard splits OverDrive’s Audiobook parts into tracks (based on the existing MediaMarkers), allowing users to more easily navigate content they have burned to CD.

As announced and covered in the press, OverDrive will introduce the new OverDrive MP3 Audiobook (compatible with iPods).  OMC v3.0 supports the new MP3 format.  When OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks are available (coming Summer 2008).  Windows users who have already installed OMC v3.0 will be able to use titles in this format.  Users of earlier versions will need to upgrade to OMC v3.0 to enjoy OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks.  To learn more about OverDrive MP3 Audibooks, read the press release and Library Journal’s coverage of this exciting news.

OverDrive is grateful for your feedback and suggestions that have allowed us to release this exciting new version of the OverDrive Media Console.  If you have any questions, please contact your Project Manager or the OverDrive Support Team.