Libraries exclude ipods

Libraries across the US are offering downloadable audiobooks in Windows Media audio format with copyright protection, leaving iPod owners to fend for themselves. The chosen format because Apple's Fairplay DRM software is incompatible with Windows. Steve Potash, chief executive of OverDrive said about 1,000 libraries have signed up for OverDrive's audiobook service since its debut late last year, according to the Associated Press. iPod users can still listen to audiobooks purchased through Apple's iTunes Music Store and audible.com, however the library services currently only cater to computers and devices that support Windows Media audio files. OverDrive files can be burned to CDs and converted to iPod friendly formats, but this produces an extra step required by iPod owners, and not all of the audiobook providers support this.

by MacNN Staff