>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>New York, January 8, 2003
>
>Time Warner AudioBooks (a division of AOL Time Warner Book Group), AFB
>Talking Books (a department of the American Foundation for the Blind)
>and Dolphin Computer Access partner to produce the first commercially
>available audio e-book.
>
>Best selling author James Patterson will release his new novel, The
>Jester, as an audio e-book in conjunction with its standard print, audio
>and e-book releases.
>
>This new technology offers many features that allow people to enjoy
>books in a unique and exciting way. Readers can display the text of the
>book on the computer screen, fully synchronized with the audio of a
>professional narrator, or they can switch back and forth between the
>text and the audio. The ability to 'toggle' between print and audio
>versions of the same work increases the functionality and accessibility
>to consumers. There is particular broad appeal for travelers and
>commuters who may wish to read the text and listen to the audio
>independently or simultaneously depending on their environment. Those
>who are blind, visually impaired, or dyslexic may access the text via
>audio or on screen in large print or in braille. Additionally, the
>user's experience is enhanced with features such as the search function,
>in which the entire text and audio may be searched for keywords and
>phrases.
>
>This audio e-book will be available on an additional CD included in the
>unabridged CD audiobook version of The Jester, available from Time
>Warner AudioBooks in March of 2003. The book will also be displayed at
>the Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from
>January 9 - 12 of 2003 (located at the Convention Center in the South
>Hall, Upper level, Booth #35225).  Dolphin's EaseReader software uses
>the synchronization technology to play and display the audio e-book
>through a player with an expanded screen, accessible on desktop and
>laptop PCs.
>
>"I am pleased to release The Jester as an audio e-book," said James
>Patterson. "'On-the-go' consumers will welcome the chance to read or
>listen to the book on their laptops. I'm especially excited to know that
>people who are blind and visually impaired will benefit from this new
>technology."
>
>Patterson is the phenomenal author of 20 best selling books and has over
>1,000,000 audiobooks in print as well.  He is the creator of the
>renowned Alex Cross Series and the Women's Murder Club Series, and his
>books have been adapted for the television and movie industries. The
>thrillers Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider became major motion
>pictures starring three-time Academy Award nominee Morgan Freeman.
>
>Maja Thomas, VP Time Warner AudioBooks commented, "Innovative and
>efficient, the audio e-book is a perfect example of how universally
>designed technologies can benefit both companies and consumers. This
>format will be a unique resource for the publishing community and the
>reading public."
>
>"We are proud to have produced the first commercial release of an
>accessible audio e-book for Time Warner AudioBooks," said American
>Foundation for the Blind President and CEO Carl R. Augusto. "This new
>technology opens up a world of possibilities for people who are blind or
>visually impaired, while simultaneously offering new options to sighted
>readers."
>
>The prototype for this audio e-book, also produced and released by Time
>Warner AudioBooks in association with Intellectual Properties
>Management, Inc. (IPM) and AFB Talking Books, was "I Have a Dream" from
>A Call to
>Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This
>audio e-book was demonstrated to former President Bill Clinton on
>September 21, 2000.
>
>Time Warner AudioBooks, Dolphin Computer Access and AFB Talking Books
>produced The Jester in this new format, developed through the research
>of the DAISY Consortium. The DAISY Consortiums' mission is to develop
>the International Standard and implementation strategies for the
>production, exchange, and use of Digital Talking Books, with special
>attention to integration with mainstream technology, to ensure access to
>information for people with print disabilities.  Time Warner AudioBooks
>has partnered with Dolphin Computer Access and AFB Talking Books to
>develop unique multimedia solutions for audio, publishing, and
>accessible technology industries.
>
>http://www.mytimewarneraudio.com
>
>http://www.twbookmark.com
>
>http://www.jamespatterson.com
>
>http://www.afb.org/talking_books.asp
>
>http://www.dolphinuk.co.uk
>
>CONTACT:
>Jessica Cardillo
>Time Warner AudioBooks
>212.522.7334
>[log in to unmask]
>
>Jim Veltman
>AFB Talking Books
>212.502.7648
>[log in to unmask]


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