The most frequent feature request I receive that I’m not able to act on is chapter listings. The iPod/Music app is able to display chapter lists so it would seem obvious that apps like Bookmark should be able to as well. To explain why Bookmark doesn’t support chapters I have to explain a little about how the app works. Starting with iOS 3, Apple provided the ability for developers like me to access the iPod library, with some limitations. All apps have to use the same software to request tracks and information about those tracks from the iPod. The information is fairly complete but it does not contain any chapter info.
Prior to iOS 4, there was an undocumented loophole that allowed apps to determine where chapters were located and several competitor apps took advantage of that loophole. This made it a bit awkward when answering email requests to add chapter lists because customers would point to these apps as proof that it could be done. My response was always the same, that because this wasn’t documented anywhere, I was concerned the capability might go away in a future OS. This is exactly what happened in iOS 4 and now the competitor apps that supported chapter listings have a broken feature and probably some unhappy customers.
You have my word that I will always try to provide a consistent listening experience. Apple did the right thing in opening up access to iPod content which allowed specialized apps like Bookmark to exist. If they ever officially add chapter listing, I promise I’ll incorporate it as a feature.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
So, I usually anm the one putting together the mp3 audiobook. What would be the best format? One big file? I have found that smaller chapters don’t work well and am really tired of this not remembering where u are
If knowing what chapter you’re on is important, I’d recommend one file per chapter. You’ll get the benefit of the correct “Track x of y” listing as well as the chapter title.
I don’t always know what chapter I am on. I don’t watch to see what time it is when I click on save in the chapter. I keep hoping this program will but it keeps missing the chapter and time when started for the trip home.
Can it be fixed? I have the power to re-organize any tag on the mp3 files that make up the book to something the program can deal with but don’t know what it takes to make this program remember where I left off. It also messes up on displaying it’s own time stamp on the saved sections. One would assume that if I have 13 saved, it would display the time stamps chronological but it does not.
Frustrated.
This sounds related to the problem patched in version 1.2.3 which should be available next week (as long as Apple’s approval process is still about a week). Sorry for the inconvenience in the meantime.
Thanks. I’m trying out converting the mp3 files to apple audiobook format (m4b). Initial success and bookmark is easier than the audio player. Would be better if this kept track of file and time mark of mp3 files.
I will see how it works out next week.
Chapters would not be important at all to me if the app can keep track of where I am [left off] and I need to be able to rewind and fast forward from the last position or a bookmarked position. I updated to ios4.0 and wish I hadn’t as I have had more problems for the few benefits. From what I have seen that this app might only limit me from listening and playing a game. I tend to do this when I am sitting and waiting somewhere. Other than that I won’t care as I listen in the car, working in the yard etc.