Desperately need audio book solution

[Gunghoray]

I've purchased the Bookdroid software for the Droid. It works without blowing up, but for the life of me, I cannot make it find a song or book to play. I've copied mp3 files to the download folder on my droid, but the software doesn't give me any option to "browse" for a file. Here's a paragraph from an earlier post...

"Interface takes some getting used to. You add a book to the library manually entering the name, then browse for the files that are part of that book. The advantage to this is that it keeps all of those files associated with that book."

I can enter a new book name, but get no options to browse for files. Can you help?

Prof Ray
Recovering Storm Abuser

 

[atomicwedgie]

When you add the audio book, it will bring you to a screen where you have to add files. On the right is a column of icons. There is one that looks like a piece of paper with a + on it. That will bring you to the browse area.

Make sure you click on the files to be added in order as that is the way it plays them.

 

[Gunghoray]

Bummer

Thanks for your quick response. I finally figured out how to navigate to the Find File screen earlier tonight and the app went to a forced close. I rebooted the phone to the same thing. I did a battery pull and the same thing.

Now I've got an app that when I click on Library it force closes. I've sent a msg to the developer, but its late in Finland plus starting a weekend. Not sure we'll hear from them anytime soon.

I'll keep you posted as I fix this problem. I'm a huge Audible fan, although I'm not at all impressed with their support of BB or Droid.

Prof Ray
Recovering Storm Abuser

 

[atomicwedgie]

I just found another one in the app store called Ambling Bookplayer. Thing is, it's $8.99 and not cheap to test it out but the reviews on it are all positive.

It handles books in a similar manner as well.

 

[Droider]

I just found another one in the app store called Ambling Bookplayer. Thing is, it's $8.99 and not cheap to test it out but the reviews on it are all positive.

It handles books in a similar manner as well.

I agree that $9 is not cheap to test an app but at least the Market has a 24 return policy for a full refund.

 

[cuesport]

Just got a Droid the other day. Was using a Palm Treo. I use Tunebite to convert to mp3. Once converted, I just copy into my music folder on the SD card. As long as you don't switch to music or another book, it picks up where you left off. I get all my audio books from Boston Public Library (free).

 

[tnlimey]

Try WATTPAD. Lots of free books; on the Storm you could download for later reading, I'm not sure if you can on the Droid.

 

[Gunghoray]

Just traded two emails with the Finland Developers of BookDroid. INCREDIBLE response time. They're answering emails on Saturday morning and asking for feedback on their suggested solutions.

BookDroid works well. It'll play MP3 or MP4 files and hold bookmarks to resume playing. This is the audible book issue for most of us bookhounds.

I'm on a Mac Air, so I downloaded MacSome software (paid $25) to convert my books to MP4 files. It is good software that does NOT require a virtual CD player, converts at 5X speed of the book, and copies nicely to the BookDroid Downloads folder on the SD.

Although it's a bit cumbersome, the process does work.

Get a book from Audible.com, start the conversion using your conversion software (I user MacSome) and let it run in the background for 1/5 of the time the book would take to play. Copy the resulting MP3 or 4 file to your Droid.

BookDroid takes it from there. Open the Library. Add a book. Name it. Click on the icon with the plus sign next to a text page. Maneuver to the folder you copied the MP3 or 4 file to from your computer. Click on it. Done.

From there, click Library, click your book, click Play, and enjoy the Audible.com experience just like you could using Audible Manager.

Prof Ray
Recovering Storm Abuser

 

[atomicwedgie]

I downloaded the free version of Ambling... I have to admit the interface is a little better although the free version does not allow you to use books you already have. I am considering a purchase to really see what it has.

 

[stephanie714]

My Audible.com/Droid solution

I have been using Tune4Mac which costs $39.95. At first glance it seems pricey, but it converts my iTunes Purchases as well so I can listen to them on my Droid too. There is a Windows version as well, but I haven't used it. Directions on how use Tune4Mac are at the link below.

Public Object: Audible on Android (and other devices)

On my Droid I downloaded Ambling BookPlayer ($8.95 I think) which does have bookmarks and holds your place.

I suggest everyone who uses audible.com and Droid call or email audible, maybe we will get a easier solution a lot more quickly.

 

[biggrizzly]

I just downloaded BookDroid this morning and figured out how to navigate to a Mp3 file on the droid. However my issue is that every time it closes it asks me for the registration code. I entered my code one time and now it still asks for it each time. Although, I don't have to enter it to get the player to work. It is just irritating because it has a countdown timer before the application begins. Am I missing something that I need to to do, to lock in the registration?

 

[atomicwedgie]

I've found several issues with Bookdroid and emailed the developer this morning the following.

I downloaded your app and we've been discussing it via http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-applications/651-desperately-need-audio-book-solution-3.html

There are several issues I feel need attention.

1. When a call comes in, the book does not pause. The Droid will only let me answer or ignore the call. If I answer, the book continues to play while I try to have a conversation.

2. Whenever a notification sound plays the book does not pause.

3. Portrait mode would be an asset.

Let's see where it goes from here.

Biggrizzly... I didn't have that issue so my suggestion would be to contact the developer. Absent Mobile

 

[atomicwedgie]

Wow this guy is awesome! He answered my email within 15 minutes of sending it.

Hi!

The portrait mode is coming with 1.1, and the call pause feature also.

Playback will pause if there is incoming call and resume it afterwards.

Best regards,
Santtu Syrjälä

 

[Gunghoray]

That's a problem I haven't had. The app works PERFECTLY for me when it works. I've got a few issues about copying new books to my library, but am getting closer to running right every day. The developer's email is [email protected]. He is unbelievably responsive. I've never waited more than 16 hours for a response (Finland time zone.)

 

[Corinacakes]

hi people thanks for the info on using soundtaxi to convert my audible .aa books to work on my droid..i'm trying it now :icon_eek:

the app i'm using to listen to my books (not from audible YET) is called Astro Player and i REALLY like it. just FYI

UPDATE: soundtaxi worked!! i now have my audible files on my droid!! yay!! thanks !!