Latest news with #OverDrive
CNET
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Traveling for Memorial Day Weekend? Keep Yourself Busy With This Free Audible Alternative I Swear By
Are you among the heaps of folks out there set to travel this Memorial Day weekend? Whether its a long drive or a long flight, audiobooks are a fantastic option to keep yourself occupied and there's one app that'll get you everything you need for free: Libby. Audiobooks are an addiction I picked up straight out of college, with a newfound need to occupy my brain during commutes to work and on lunch breaks. I was pushed to try them after being mightily embarrassed over my inability to make much progress in Lord of the Rings throughout my undergraduate education. With just a few months of an Audible membership, I had worked through that fantasy bible and was off onto new literary horizons. Audiobooks aren't for everybody -- some people have told me they find it difficult to retain what they hear -- but if audiobooks work for you, Libby can be a great way to save money and get access to lots of interesting titles. With its ease of use and lack of a price tag, I wouldn't blame you if you kept on with it, even though it's back to work on Tuesday. For more, find out how you can get a library card online and check out CNET's best Memorial Day weekend deals. What is Libby? Previously known as OverDrive, the Libby app lets you access digital publications from real library systems. While I might be here to evangelize about its audiobook offerings, you can also borrow ebooks, digital comic books and digital magazines. All of that content won't cost you a dime, but while there might be such a thing as a free lunch, there probably isn't such a thing as a no-effort lunch. All that to say, Libby requires an actual library card to access anything, and while some systems will let you sign up for a card online, in most places, you will eventually have to go to your local library in person to get set up with a card. You'll need to make sure it stays up to date. A small price to pay, if you ask me, for a nearly unlimited supply of free books. Read more: Best E-Reader of 2024 Where can I get Libby? Libby is available through Apple's App Store, the Google Play store and the Amazon App Store. If you've got a phone, tablet or laptop in your pocket or bag, you can get Libby. You can also access the service via a web browser at So how does it work? Once you've created a Libby account and entered your library card's info, all you have to do is search for the title you want and borrow it. If you've ever used Spotify, the Apple Music app or other audiobook apps like Audible or Apple Books, you'll know what to expect with the Libby player. Elsewhere, you can read ebooks in Libby or by exporting them to your Kindle app. (No such luck for non-Amazon e-readers, I'm afraid.) One of Libby's major value propositions is the ability to add multiple library cards. Some library systems will allow you to sign up for a card even if you don't live in its local area. For example, as a resident of New York state, I can access the New York City Public Library in Manhattan, the Queens Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library, as well as my local library, dramatically expanding the catalog I can pull from. Go digging on Google and see if any library systems in your state offer something similar. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:07 / Duration 7:48 Loaded : 10.17% 0:07 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 7:41 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Are there any drawbacks to Libby? As Libby is connecting you with real libraries, you must work within the limitations of library rentals. That means that each title will have a limited number of "copies" that the library can lend at a time, so if the one you're looking for is all booked up, you'll have to place a hold and wait for it to become available. Once you borrow something, you'll only have access to it for a certain amount of time, usually two to three weeks. Maybe reconsider using Libby to check out Infinite Jest or Stephen King's The Stand unless you have a mountain of free time. You'll also notice on Libby, compared to Audible or Apple Books, that the audio quality for audiobooks leaves something to be desired. And unlike Audible, there's no option to choose from higher- or lower-quality files. Certainly, not something that will be a deal-breaker for most people, but something to keep in mind for perfectionists. For more on audiobooks, find out how audiobooks could become another medium shaken up by AI.
CNET
17-05-2025
- CNET
Need Audiobooks for Memorial Day Weekend? I Swear by This Free Audible Alternative
A long holiday like Memorial Day weekend means one thing for a lot of folks: travel. And travel usually means you need ways to keep yourself entertained. If you, like me, turn to audiobooks in times like this, you need to know about Libby. Audiobooks are an addiction I picked up straight out of college, with a newfound need to occupy my brain during commutes to work and on lunch breaks. I was pushed to try them after being mightily embarrassed over my inability to make much progress in Lord of the Rings throughout my undergraduate education. With just a few months of an Audible membership, I had worked through that fantasy bible and was off onto new literary horizons. Audiobooks aren't for everybody -- some people have told me they find it difficult to retain what they hear -- but if audiobooks work for you, Libby can be a great way to save money and get access to lots of interesting titles. With its ease of use and lack of a price tag, I wouldn't blame you if you kept on with it, even though it's back to work on Tuesday. For more, find out how you can get a library card online and check out CNET's best Memorial Day weekend deals. What is Libby? Previously known as OverDrive, the Libby app lets you access digital publications from real library systems. While I might be here to evangelize about its audiobook offerings, you can also borrow ebooks, digital comic books and digital magazines. All of that content won't cost you a dime, but while there might be such a thing as a free lunch, there probably isn't such a thing as a no-effort lunch. All that to say, Libby requires an actual library card to access anything, and while some systems will let you sign up for a card online, in most places, you will eventually have to go to your local library in person to get set up with a card. You'll need to make sure it stays up to date. A small price to pay, if you ask me, for a nearly unlimited supply of free books. Read more: Best E-Reader of 2024 Where can I get Libby? Libby is available through Apple's App Store, the Google Play store and the Amazon App Store. If you've got a phone, tablet or laptop in your pocket or bag, you can get Libby. You can also access the service via a web browser at So how does it work? Once you've created a Libby account and entered your library card's info, all you have to do is search for the title you want and borrow it. If you've ever used Spotify, the Apple Music app or other audiobook apps like Audible or Apple Books, you'll know what to expect with the Libby player. Elsewhere, you can read ebooks in Libby or by exporting them to your Kindle app. (No such luck for non-Amazon e-readers, I'm afraid.) One of Libby's major value propositions is the ability to add multiple library cards. Some library systems will allow you to sign up for a card even if you don't live in its local area. For example, as a resident of New York state, I can access the New York City Public Library in Manhattan, the Queens Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library, as well as my local library, dramatically expanding the catalog I can pull from. Go digging on Google and see if any library systems in your state offer something similar. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 7:48 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 7:48 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. The video connection was lost, please confirm you are connected to the internet Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_NETWORK HLS playlist request error at URL: Technical details : Session ID: 2025-05-17:951610344f5357bca57ebcfd Player Element ID: vjs_video_3 OK Close Modal Dialog Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Are there any drawbacks to Libby? As Libby is connecting you with real libraries, you must work within the limitations of library rentals. That means that each title will have a limited number of "copies" that the library can lend at a time, so if the one you're looking for is all booked up, you'll have to place a hold and wait for it to become available. Once you borrow something, you'll only have access to it for a certain amount of time, usually two to three weeks. Maybe reconsider using Libby to check out Infinite Jest or Stephen King's The Stand unless you have a mountain of free time. You'll also notice on Libby, compared to Audible or Apple Books, that the audio quality for audiobooks leaves something to be desired. And unlike Audible, there's no option to choose from higher- or lower-quality files. Certainly, not something that will be a deal-breaker for most people, but something to keep in mind for perfectionists. For more on audiobooks, find out how audiobooks could become another medium shaken up by AI.
Time Out
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Everything you should know about the changes coming to the Chicago Public Library system
Starting May 1, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) is rolling out some major policy shifts—and you're going to want to bookmark this. First up: eCards are officially being retired. Until now, eCards have allowed both residents and out-of-towners to borrow digital materials, but the CPL claims it's time to prioritize those who actually live (and pay taxes) in the city. So if you're an eCard user, you'll need to head to a library branch by August 1—or whenever your card expires first—and apply for a full access or temporary access card. Getting a full access card is simple, just bring a photo ID with a Chicago address (or an ID plus a utility bill, etc.). Full-access cardholders can check out up to 50 physical items, borrow 10 OverDrive eBooks, stream five Hoopla titles per month, access a Wi-Fi hotspot and receive digital museum passes. (Basically, it's like VIP access to all things library.) If you can't prove your Chicago residency yet, you can snag a temporary access card. It's good for 90 days, but it offers only limited perks: five physical items and no digital downloads. Digital borrowing limits are also being reduced slightly. During the pandemic, CPL bumped up digital checkout caps to meet skyrocketing demand. Now, they're scaling back to keep things sustainable: a maximum of 10 OverDrive checkouts (down from 15), a maximum of five holds (down from 12) and a maximum of five Hoopla titles per month (down from eight). Blame the skyrocketing cost of ebooks—libraries pay way more for them than you do. Finally, some good news: CPL is also eliminating expiration dates for full-access cards. That means once you're in, you're in, with no more scrambling to renew every few years.
Axios
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Exclusive: Overland AI debuts supply-shuttling and drone-launching Ultra vehicle
Autonomy specialist Overland AI is now producing ground vehicles, dubbed Ultra, that are capable of schlepping supplies, amplifying communications and launching drones. Why it matters: U.S. generals and admirals are calling for spilled oil — not blood — on first contact. This is the company's latest offering for that regime. State of play: Chief executive Byron Boots told Axios "several" Ultras are already being tested by the military, and that his team is "looking to build dozens of them by the end of the year." "We've been working with off-road autonomous vehicles for a number of years now," he said, "and we feel like we really know how they work and how they operate." Its autonomy stack, OverDrive, has been used aboard the Textron Ripsaw, General Dynamics S-MET and Polaris RZR. Zoom in: Ultra has been in development for over a year. It's the result of both Army funding and internal dollars. Boots described it as attritable — meaning it's cheap and reproducible enough to not cry about when it gets blown up. It can reach 35 mph, carry 1,000 pounds and cruise for 100 miles. It's also compatible with a range of command-and-control software, including the in-house OverWatch suite and Anduril Industries' Lattice. Fun fact: Ultra works with Bullfrog, the autonomous gun turret made by Allen Control Systems. Flashback: Overland in January raised $32 million. Backers included 8VC, Point72 Ventures and Overmatch Ventures. Joe Lonsdale, the managing partner at 8VC, told Axios at the time that Overland is postured to become "the next great defense prime." What we're watching: If and how this moves the needle for troops in the field.
Broadcast Pro
04-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Grass Valley and Ross Video partner for streamlined live production
The integration underscores both companies' commitment to open and adaptable production workflows, making it easier than ever for broadcasters to modernise their infrastructure without disrupting existing operations. Grass Valley and Ross Video have announced that the Maverik X Production Switcher, powered by AMPP OS (Agile Media Processing Platform), is now fully compatible with Ross Video's OverDrive automation system. This integration enhances flexibility for broadcasters, enabling seamless interoperability between two leading production technologies. The collaboration expands OverDrive's capabilities to include Maverik X, reinforcing both companies' commitment to open, adaptable production workflows. Ross Video continues to extend OverDrive's compatibility with third-party devices, allowing broadcasters to integrate the best tools for their specific needs. Adam Marshall, Chief Product Officer at Grass Valley, added: 'Media organisations today demand the freedom to build systems that match their unique workflows by integrating the best solutions from across the industry. With OverDrive support now available for Maverik X, media organisations can modernise their technology infrastructure while maintaining the familiar OverDrive user experience—minimizing disruption for operators while leveraging AMPP's advanced processing technology for greater agility and flexibility in hybrid deployments.' Marshall continued: 'AMPP OS was designed from the ground up as an open platform, built to enable seamless integration with best-in-class solutions across the industry. The growing adoption of the GV Technology Alliance is a testament to this commitment. We're excited to see industry-leading automation tools like Ross Video's OverDrive now providing direct control over AMPP OS-based solutions like Maverik X. This deep, bidirectional collaboration underscores our mission to deliver unmatched choice and flexibility for customers.' Ross Video's OverDrive is a trusted automation platform for live productions worldwide, offering newsroom integration, intuitive controls and precision execution. With compatibility across more than 220 third-party devices, OverDrive enables producers to streamline operations and manage high-pressure broadcasts with confidence. Jeff Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Ross Video, added: 'Automation is no longer just a nice-to-have — it's essential to producing more with less, and doing it reliably under pressure. We're pleased to see this integration with Maverik X, further expanding OverDrive's reach within today's dynamic, multi-vendor environments.' This partnership represents a major step toward greater interoperability in live production. Grass Valley and Ross Video plan to expand OverDrive's control capabilities across additional AMPP-powered solutions, empowering broadcasters with more efficiency, flexibility, and innovation in their workflows.
