Real Book With Hyperlinks: the Best of Both Worlds? or Too Little Too Late?
June 9th, 2010
A company called Ubimark released a version of the Jules Verne classic Around the World in 80 Days. Unlike other printed books, the Ubimark version has QR codes, the square ones that are frequently used as bar codes. This time the QR codes act as hyperlinks. Users need a mobile phone with a camera, a browser and a QR code reader to access the linked content.
The hyperlinks lead to additional content like pictures, audio clips or even video. There are also other hyperlinks that lead to forums where you can discuss the book with fellow readers. Here’s a demo:
While the idea may not be mind-blowing, I still think it’s a neat concept. The content in the hyperlinks add to the experience but they’re not necessary, so you can still enjoy the book even when you don’t have your phone with you. However, as e-book readers and tablets become cheaper, I think that this concept will be swallowed whole by digital versions. But that’s just me. You can order Ubimark’s version of Around the World in 80 Days at createspace for $18 (USD).
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Categories: Computing Interactive Just Plain Fun Mobile Tech Strange + Wonderful Technology
I’m not sure there’s any reason to bother with this if you already have an iPhone or iPad. Seems to me a digital version of the book with these features already built in would be a much better – and less gimmicky – experience.