5 ms·
I think the author could have gone further with his imagination. Yes, iPad will allow to display the formless content into different layouts, but that's hardly
by greyman 17y ago
I think the author could have gone further with his imagination. Yes, iPad will allow to display the formless content into different layouts, but that's hardly impressive...any e-book reader should be able to do that soon.
Actually, the iPad, or tablet computers in that matter, could open completely new ways of "reading entertainment", since the book could contain not only text and static images, but also other pieces of multimedia or even pieces of software! I am now making up a quick list of what could be possible:
1. iPad books can have video illustrations or sounds embedded.
2. Books can have some taxonomy data. For example, I could see a list of main characters which were presented in the book until the page I have read. I can see their short description, their relationship, or even where are they currently.
3. The text can be "location aware" - for example I am reading some scene, and there can exist an interactive map for that scene, so I will look around myself how it looks like there.
4. There can be some elements of gaming incorporated, like some puzzle or whatever, etc. etc. etc.
The possibilities are really endless here and I am excited to see what the content providers will be able to come up with.
- tl 17y ago2. Books can have some taxonomy data. For example, I could see a list of main characters which were presented in the book until the page I have read. I can see their short description, their relationship, or even where are they currently. You don't even need the book to do this explicitly. Having the app reference Wikipedia based on content read would probably serve as a good 90% implementation.
- cmod 17y agoAbsolutely agree. But the goal of this essay was to lay a foundation for designers and writers to start thinking about content, form and context. I tried my hardest to keep it concise while still touching on all fundamental points. Which was tough because this is such a fun topic. The original piece was almost double the current length. > Yes, iPad will allow to display the formless content into different layouts, but that's hardly impressive...any e-book reader should be able to do that soon. Sure, however the important point is that this is the first device to do this and be of a form factor we will want to spend intimate reading time with. None of the individual technologies in the iPad are unique, but the combination in this form factor, wrapped in Apple's well-considered OS/interface is. This is most definitely not trivial. I'm sure (and very much hope) that Amazon, et al follow up with similarly great devices. The more competition the better our experience (one hopes) as readers.