Apple Releases iBooks 1.1 Update
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Along with the release of iOS4 for the iPhone today, Apple also updated iBooks to version 1.1 making it a universal app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The updated version adds several new features to the iBooks reading experience.
New features include the ability to bookmark multiple pages, highlight selected passages and take notes. Readers using multiple devices have the option to sync this information via the iBook Settings (the default setting is “Yes”). The new bookmark feature is located at the top right corner and is used to mark an entire page. Simply tap it and a red bookmark appears to mark your spot. Readers are not limited to one bookmark to save their spot when they stop reading, but rather may place multiple bookmarks throughout a book to remember points of interest.
Another way to remember important passages is with the highlight feature. This new feature appears to take the place of bookmark in the previous version. Readers may highlight a few words, a paragraph or an entire page by touching and holding your finger on a word. A highlighted box then appears on the word and you have the ability to expand the box to cover the area you wish to highlight. Tap “Highlight” and you’re done.
Note-taking works the same way as highlighting but instead of selecting “Highlight”, select “Note”. At that point, a note pad and the keyboard appear on the page so you can type your notes. If you would like to review all the Bookmarks, Highlights and Notes you’ve created, view them by selecting the Table of Contents tab on the top left and then select “Bookmarks”.
Additional features provide readers with the ability to select:
- a sepia or white background
- a new font (Georgia)
- left or fully justified text (done in the iPad Settings for iBooks)
- larger font size
The iOS4 upgrade now allows iPhone users to enjoy the iBooks reading experience too, and don’t worry, Winnie the Pooh is still available as a free download with the installation.
