When we launched almost a year ago, the idea of videos in e-books was practically unheard of. Now, thanks to the iPad, most publishers are ready to experiment with multimedia books, the New York Times reported today.

Julie Bosman writes:

“The new multimedia books use video that is integrated with text, and they are best read — and watched — on an iPad, the tablet device that has created vast possibilities for book publishers.”

She also notes that these “enriched” e-books were “pioneered” by Vook. Now, traditional publishers see the many ways that video and images can expand story-telling possibilities. The elegant functionality of the iPad makes these experiments even more appealing.

As Vook founder Brad Inman told Bosman, ““Everyone knows now that they’ve got to put their toe in this water.”

Read the full article, “E-Books Fly Beyond Mere Text” here.

Related posts:

1. E-Books Killed the Video Star?
2. The Future of Digital Books?
3. Vook is on the iPad!

Tom Peters has a wealth of advice on how to achieve excellence in business–in fact, he knows 163 ways to do it.

Now, we’ve taken his print book, “The Little Big Things: 163 Ways To Pursue Excellence” and broken it down into five Vooks, each devoted to one essential element of success: Strategy, Leadership, Excellence, Enterprise and of course,You.

With these Vooks, you can learn about each Little Big Thing in digestible chunks–and experience them wherever and whenever you want on your iPhone, or iPad.

Here’s a video of The Little Big Things: Strategy.

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2. Give Your Children the Essential Skills They Need
3. Appetite for iPhone: The Reckless Road App is Live on iTunes

What do you get when you hand 22 of the world’s greatest thriller writers one plot and let them run wild? The same thing that happened when books went digital — a gripping, totally enthralling ride.

Which is why we loved turning Watchlist into a Vook — the invention that went into creating the story echoed the invention that’s going on in digital publishing today. Watchlist probably has a better storyline though — it’s a fast paced thriller envisioned by those 22 devious authors, including such writers as Lee Child, Joseph Finder, Lisa Scottoline and Jeffrey Deaver.

Now it’s available for the iPhone, iPod and the iPad. Check out the story today with Watchlist I: The Chopin Manuscript and Watchlist II: The Copper Bracelet.

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1. E-Books Killed the Video Star?
2. Vook is Nominated for a Webby Award: Best Use of Mobile Video!

We think that a Vook is like a fine wine: you should taste it before you buy it.

That’s why we’re creating “Lite” versions of our apps–a few chapters you can sample for free before experiencing more.

We’ve started with McLean’s 8 Step Golf Swing Lite. It has the first three chapters of McLean’s 8 Step Golf Swing #1 for you to try. If you get hooked–and we think you will–we’ve got seven more steps ready and waiting for you.

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1. Jim McLean’s 8 Step Swing
2. Vook It: Karen Armstrong’s Charter for Compassion

Every day at Vook, we work to make our product more exciting, more accessible and just plain smarter. But to do that, we need your help. After all, who knows our Vooks better than the people reading them?

We’ve created a short questionnaire that will help us to shape the future of your user experience. If you would take a few moments to share your thoughts, we’d really appreciate it.

Click here to take the Help Improve Your Vook survey.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Team Vook

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3. Vooking in a Grand Tradition

If done correctly, dieting doesn’t have to be about deprivation.  Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a weight loss specialist and author of the revolutionary diet book, Eat to Live, offers a simple calculation for healthy eating: Health= Nutrients/Calories.

Wondering how to choose wisely? Here are four ways to introduce nutrient-rich food.

1. Rethink Salad Dressing. Dr. Fuhrman explains that the fat we eat goes directly to our waistlines–and that includes the “healthy” fat in olive oil-based salad dressings. However, a salad dressing that is high in fiber and nutrients will be more filling and prevent fat storage.

2. Reduce Fruit Juice. Even though the sugar in juices are natural, juice is lower in fiber than fruit and less nutrient-filled. Instead of drinking juice, Dr. Fuhrman recommends using it in small portions to flavor dressings and sauces.

3. Go Raw. Some nutritionists say that vegetables must be cooked and prepared with some fat in order for nutrients to be absorbed. Dr. Fuhrman explains that this isn’t true. He recommends eating four whole fruits and several large, raw salads every day. Not only do raw vegetables help prevent cancer, but they also contain enzymes that prevent digestive diseases. Start thinking of salad as a main dish.

4. Follow the 90 percent rule. Many diets emphasize the importance of lean meats that are high in protein. But Dr. Fuhrman notes that plant foods have more protein than we think. Dr. Fuhrman recommends that only 10 percent of what you eat is a processed food or animal product. If the other 90 percent is coming from unrefined plant foods, you can eat as much as you want without fear of disease or obesity. Ready to Eat to Live? Dr. Fuhrman’s Vook has videos, recipes and more guidelines to help you lose weight fast–and live longer.

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2. VITAL JUICE GETS INTO VOOK

Summers can be hectic. We kick it off with Memorial Day, scramble for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and in a few short weeks, we’ll be throwing a party for America’s birthday. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a day for You?

We think so. So we’re declaring June 23rd “You Day.” To celebrate, we’re making four of our iPad apps free.

The Autobiography of Ben Franklin
Franklin wrote the most popular autobiography in history, and it’s even more awesome with expert commentary in videos.

Dracula’s Guest
Dracula’s Guest is the short story that Bram Stroker wrote before Dracula made him famous. And it will show you just how powerful his imagination always was.

The Three Little Pigs
One of the greatest and most retold stories in history comes to life with images and narration. Guaranteed to blow your house down.

The Sherlock Holmes Experience
With this app, you can do your own investigation along with literature’s greatest  detective. Read the stories, and watch videos about Holmes’s London.

We hope you enjoy these apps. Happy You Day!

Related posts:

1. Introducing Vook’s iTunes Apps
2. It’s Free Vook Tuesday!

Whenever the Vook staff comes across an idea or message that is truly powerful, compelling, or just plain awesome, our first reaction is always: Vook it!

We can’t think of a better message than the one in Karen Armstong’s Charter for Compassion. Armstrong, one of the world’s leading religious thinkers, started the Charter based on the belief that we can change the world if we simply start living guided by the Golden Rule: Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do to You.

Armstrong’s Vook, A Compassionate Life in 12 Steps, is a practical how-to guide that teaches us how to be compassionate in our daily lives. With 13 videos featuring Armstrong and real-life people living according to the principles of the Charter, it has the energy and insight we all need to start making a difference every day.

Take your first step towards a compassionate life by watching the trailer below:

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1. Can You Be Spiritual in the Digital Age?
2. Reckless Road: Anything Goes
3. Vook Goes Lite!

If you visited Vook.com on Sunday, you might have noticed that it was not the same Vook.com you’ve been visiting since our launch in October 2009. Then, we only had a few titles, and a lot of ideas.

Fortunately, our ideas panned out. A year and a half later, we’ve got an expansive library of titles in an array of genres. We’ve worked with some of the most impressive leaders, thinkers, artists and authors of our time. Our new site makes it easy for you to find what you’re looking for and explore our ever-growing list of new titles.

Join Vook on this next exciting phase of its life–and check out the new site!

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Vook is growing in leaps and bounds every day, and now we’re looking to hire an iPhone/iPad App Designer to join our team. If this is you or someone you know, check out the job description below.

iPhone/iPad App Designer

Job Description

Vook publishes mixed-media digital books – combining text, video, images, illustrations and interactive content into one innovative reading experience. Vook launched in October 2009 to tremendous success and has established itself at the forefront of digital publishing.  We are looking for an iPhone and iPad APP DESIGNER to join our creative and energetic team.

The APP DESIGNER will provide creative vision for Vook’s enhanced digital book applications – helping to create a killer interactive UI that integrates video, animation, graphics, as well as games, audio, music—in short, whatever intelligent functionality a savvy, smart and talented designer can bring to the table.

If you’re motivated, smart, creative and flexible- and want to work on an exciting new product in digital publishing in a true start up environment (small team, proven success, huge upside) then send us your info!

What You’ll Do:

* Conceptualize and provide creative direction for development of a new reading, watching and interacting experience for Vook mobile applications (iPhone and iPad).
* Design and develop user interface enhancements that will delight readers and establish Vook as the leader in enhanced digital book technology.
* Collaborate closely with Vook’s creative team and engineers to continually adapt new experiences for effective Vook applications.
* Develop large quantities of ideas and concepts for mobile app design and be able to communicate them clearly and effectively.
* Be informed on latest products and developments in the mobile app and digital book space and know how to adapt newly developing technologies to Vook content.

What We’re Looking For:

* Undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. Focus on visual, graphic, interaction design
* Have had previous experience in designing functional UI/UX
* You know HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT/ jQuery, PHP, ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE 4
* You have working knowledge of HTML5, video post-production processes, animation
* Meticulous attention to detail, able to work under tight deadlines. You thrive under pressure!
* Highly organized and a self-starter ability to set priorities and work independently in a fast paced environment.

We are a Mac environment

This is a full-time position.

Please send your cover letter and resume to matthew@vook.com and include ”APP DESIGNER” in the subject line.

Related posts:

1. Vook is Hiring An iPhone/iPad App Developer
2. Vook is Hiring an Illustrator/Animator
3. Vook is on the iPad!