The New OverDrive

The latest version of the Overdrive Media Console (OMC) app – version 3 – allows you to sync different devices under one account. This means you can now sync e-book or audio book progress across multiple devices. So when you start an audio book at home on your iPad you can pick up where you left off during your commute to work using your phone.

I’m currently using OMC to read The Wise Man’s Fear on my iPad. When I want to read but do not have my iPad with me – say during my lunch break at work – I log in to my OverDrive account on my phone, tap the book’s cover and get this message:

When I tap Yes I’m sent to the point in the book where I stopped reading at home on my iPad.

In addition to this feature the new OverDrive account also syncs bookmarks across devices as well as favorite libraries.

It is important to note that only devices capable of running version 3 of the Overdrive Media Console app can use these features. Devices that support OMC 3:

• Android v4.0 (or newer). This is the operating system on:
• New Android phones and tablets (like Nexus and Samsung Galaxy devices)
• Nook HD and NOOK HD+
• Kindle Fire HD and HDX
• Kobo Arc and Arc HD
• iOS v6.0 (or newer). This is the operating system on newer Apple iPhones and iPads.
• Windows 8. This is the operating system on newer Windows tablets.

Devices that do not yet support OMC 3:

• Dektop/laptop computers with older operating systems.
• Older Nooks (Nook Tablet and Nook Color)
• Sony Readers
• Older Kindles (Kindle 1st generation)
• Windows Phone devices
• Blackberry devices

Create Your OverDrive Account

If your device supports OMC 3 follow the steps below to create your OverDrive account. This account is different than the Adobe ID that you created when you first installed the app.

Open the OverDrive app on your device and then tap the menu button in the top left corner of the screen. Tap on Account from the menu of options. If you do not see Account then you may need to update your version of OMC. If you have updated or have the most recent version then your device is not compatible.

Tap on Sign Up to create your OvderDrive account.

You may log in using your Facebook account if you wish. Otherwise create an account using a valid email and password.

If you do this on each of your devices then syncing happens automatically. So when you get to your car and want to continue your audio book simply open the app, go to your Bookshelf and tap on the book's cover image it will begin playing right where it left off from your iPad.

Note: it’s also important that each device is registered to the same Adobe ID account. If the devices you would like to sync different Adobe IDs then it will not work properly. To change Adobe IDs tap on the menu button in the top left corner of the OverDrive app; then tap Settings.

To read more about these features and the new OverDrive visit the FAQ section of their website.

Happy Reading,
Brett