iBooks to get notes, bookmarks, PDF support
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Mon June 7, 2010
Update coming later this month
One of the first announcements to come from Steve Jobs' WWDC keynote is a forthcoming update of iBooks, the e-reading app for the iPad. Due later this month, the update should add three important features. The most essential of these is support for PDF files, a common component of other e-readers. A separate bookshelf loads by tapping a "PDF" button at the top of the screen.
Aiding with reading are the additions of bookmarks and notes. Bookmarks let people automatically jump to different pages, and can be browsed from a new listings page. On the same page are links to notes, which can now be added to parts of a book as commentary.
It is not yet known if the changes will be applied to the iPhone and iPod touch version of the app.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Why?
One has to ask how come the initial app didn't have such obvious features as bookmarks to begin with.
And why do PDFs need a separate book shelf? Do people actually think "Hmmm, I need to read that manual. Oh, yes, it was a PDF, not an eBook, so I'll find it over here."
I've grouped books by genres, by author, maybe even height. I can't say I've grouped them by 'Paperbacks go in that bookcase, hardcovers go in this bookcase".