iBooks 1.3 brings read-aloud, auto-play options
updated 02:00 pm EDT, Tue June 7, 2011
May reduce need for dedicated book apps
Apple has released iBooks 1.3, an update of its reading app for iOS devices. The main feature of the upgrade is a "read-aloud" option, which on supporting books will let readers hear a narrator, and in some cases see words highlighted as the speech progresses. Similarly books can now automatically play audio or video, which should diminish the need for dedicated apps in the App Store unless a title requires interactive elements.
Two glitches have meanwhile been addressed under the surface. The app should now be more responsive when opening long books, and an error involving duplicate pages has been eliminated. iBooks is a free download, and runs on any device with iOS 3.2 or better.
