Deseret Bookshelf

Deseret Book recently released an iOS application, Deseret Bookshelf, which provides access to LDS ebooks on iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch devices.

According to their promotional website:

The Bookshelf App itself is absolutely free. When you download the app, you’ll receive the scriptures, LDS study materials, and eight popular eBooks published by Deseret Book free of charge. At that point, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase additional titles through Deseret Book.

What about my Kindle?:

Kindle owners: Don’t despair! If you prefer Kindle, you will notice that we offer over 1200 of our books for the Kindle format via the Kindle store on Amazon.com.

It appears there are plans to release Deseret Bookshelf for Android, and if the rumors are true, you may be able to have it on the anticipated Kindle-tablet which would run off an Android platform.

However, I really wish they were able to deliver a Kindle e-ink/LCD hybrid as referenced (and shot down) in this article.

Finally, if you want the latest news on Deseret Bookshelf, check out their Facebook page or their site at DeseretBook.com

Update:
For those who own the Kindle Fire, be sure to check out instructions for installing Deseret Bookshelf [LDS Apps] from MormonLifehacker on your tablet.

Update 2:
The same process applies to the free Deseret Bookshelf app; however, you'll need to locate the .apk file.  This lifehacker post explains how to search for .apk files and also the risks associated with them.


Update 3:
Lifehacker suggests that appbrain.com is a good alternative to the Android Marketplace.  They have the most recent version of Deseret Bookshelf available for download.


Update 4:
On a related post, we have an update from our LDS Kindle readers:
"Go to androiddev.orkitra.com and search for deseret bookshelf. I was able to download and install it on my Kindle Fire easily from this site. Thanks for heading me in the right direction!"


Update 5: 
Desert Book has published an .apk here: http://deseretbook.com/misc/bookshelf/android.apk.  See full instructions here: http://www.facebook.com/notes/deseret-bookshelf/getting-deseret-bookshelf-on-a-kindle-fire/350273821686564 

Is the iPad a Kindle-killer?

I patiently awaited the arrival of Apple's new tablet device and part of me wondered if the Kindle would suddenly become obsolete.  Short answer so you can stop reading here: No.

For the casual reader, a webpage here and an email there is no problem on a bright, backlit screen.

For the casual Internet-surfer, perusing the New York Times or reading your favorite blog will be pretty exciting on a handheld device.

However, when it comes to books, there is something magical about reading text on a page.  I will be the first to admit that the thought of owning a Kindle was downright silly when it first came out... and then I held one.

I enjoy sitting down, distraction free, and experiencing a plot unfold.  A book is an escape, and it's just not the same on a computer.  Somehow, Amazon managed to capture the essence of the experience.

I have scanned many an iPad reaction only to question if some people had ever touched a kindle.  Sure the iPad will have a book distribution method and supports the ePub standard (why are you holding back Amazon?), but I have concluded that Apple has a different target audience.

Apple will sell millions of these oversized iPod Touches, but they have cheapened the experience, and I would not be surprised if consumers purchase a standalone reader after they are left wanting.

Why I was worried? I wondered if Apple had developed a device that successfully merges active content with an easy-on-the-eyes ereader.  No, but soon enough, someone will.  Next generation Kindle?