Problem with OverDrive audiobooks for iPhone/iPod/iPad users
What's the problem?
eAudiobooks in .wma format downloaded from our OverDrive service cannot be successfully transferred to Apple devices. The file names show up as numeric strings, and iTunes returns a message saying that the files cannot be synced.
What devices are affected?
- iPod Touch
- iPhone
- iPad
What is causing the problem?
The problem appears to be related to an incompatibility between OverDrive Media Console and iOS 5 (the newest version of the operating system for Apple mobile devices, which was released on October 12) and/or the latest version of iTunes (version 10.5, released on October 11).
When and how will this be fixed?
OverDrive has not provided an estimate of the time it will take to fix the problem. When they have a solution, they will release an update to the OverDrive Media Console. Watch for updates from the app store when you sync your device in iTunes.
What can I do in the meantime?
If you have a regular (non-Apple) MP3 player or a Blackberry, Windows, or Android device, you can listen to your eAudiobooks from OverDrive on that.
You can also try using MP3 audiobooks from OverDrive. (The problem only affects .wma audiobooks.)
We apologize for the inconvenience and hope this issue will be resolved very soon.
18 thoughts on “Problem with OverDrive audiobooks for iPhone/iPod/iPad users”
Come on.
Dara of all people knows full well that iOS will not play a WMA file. Nor has that ever been possible. Why should an Apple device play a proprietary Windows format? Most supported audio formats on iPods and the like are those with published standards, like MP3 and AAC. There are very few truly proprietary formats, like Apple Lossless Compression and Audible (a corporate client of Apple’s).
Did TPL really believe, at any time, that WMA audio files play just dandy on iPods?
Come on.
Dara of all people knows full well that iOS will not play a WMA file. Nor has that ever been possible. Why should an Apple device play a proprietary Windows format? Most supported audio formats on iPods and the like are those with published standards, like MP3 and AAC. There are very few truly proprietary formats, like Apple Lossless Compression and Audible (a corporate client of Apple’s).
Did TPL really believe, at any time, that WMA audio files play just dandy on iPods?
Hi Joe, This was working for Windows users who use Apple reading devices up until the release of iOS5 last week.
You are quite right but only when the user is a Mac computer user. It has never been possible to listen to WMA format files on Apple devices if you are also a Mac computer user.
As noted above, Overdrive is going to release a new version of their console for PCs to remediate this issue.
Thanks for your comment.
Hi Joe, This was working for Windows users who use Apple reading devices up until the release of iOS5 last week.
You are quite right but only when the user is a Mac computer user. It has never been possible to listen to WMA format files on Apple devices if you are also a Mac computer user.
As noted above, Overdrive is going to release a new version of their console for PCs to remediate this issue.
Thanks for your comment.
While they’re working on fixing OverDrive, might want to call in to SirsiDynix about the problems with their BookMyne app for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad and get that fixed as well. I know TPL is paying for the service, so you have the right to ask for an upgrade: read the most recent reviews for a summary of issues. The main problem with the current version occurs right at the start, when you download from the app store. The app prompts users to download an “upgrade” of library locations near them, but this screen blocks the permissions screen below it, which needs to be clicked first to allow the iPhone to use GPS for the app. So you need to cancel the upgrade, then click “Allow” to let BookMyne use your current location. Then there is no further prompt for the locations upgrade, so no libraries appear in your list. You have to close out of the app altogether, open it again, and try a few more times to download library locations near you. This often gets stuck at 50%, and will crash if you try to leave the screen or open another app. Eventually it works well, and the GoodReads integration is a great idea, but it is seriously buggy right from the get go, which probably makes a lot of users just delete it immediately, which is too bad. Please contact SirsiDynix and ask them to issue a new version that addresses these issues.
While they’re working on fixing OverDrive, might want to call in to SirsiDynix about the problems with their BookMyne app for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad and get that fixed as well. I know TPL is paying for the service, so you have the right to ask for an upgrade: read the most recent reviews for a summary of issues. The main problem with the current version occurs right at the start, when you download from the app store. The app prompts users to download an “upgrade” of library locations near them, but this screen blocks the permissions screen below it, which needs to be clicked first to allow the iPhone to use GPS for the app. So you need to cancel the upgrade, then click “Allow” to let BookMyne use your current location. Then there is no further prompt for the locations upgrade, so no libraries appear in your list. You have to close out of the app altogether, open it again, and try a few more times to download library locations near you. This often gets stuck at 50%, and will crash if you try to leave the screen or open another app. Eventually it works well, and the GoodReads integration is a great idea, but it is seriously buggy right from the get go, which probably makes a lot of users just delete it immediately, which is too bad. Please contact SirsiDynix and ask them to issue a new version that addresses these issues.
Hi Pipes,
BookMyne is in “Beta” release. I’m sorry you’re having difficulty with it. It will remain in “Beta” until these issues are resolved.
It is our understanding that SirsiDynix will release a new version before the year is out so look for updates to it on your device. In the meantime please use the TPL website on your device as an alternative. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Pipes,
BookMyne is in “Beta” release. I’m sorry you’re having difficulty with it. It will remain in “Beta” until these issues are resolved.
It is our understanding that SirsiDynix will release a new version before the year is out so look for updates to it on your device. In the meantime please use the TPL website on your device as an alternative. Thanks for your comments.
This problem is SO SO frustrating. I have been riding around with my OLD laptop in my car just to listen to the books that I downloaded. This used to work just fine (although it did take a ridiculously long time to convert to a file that my iphone could read.) I did get a “fix” from Overdrive where they said to download the new version from their site and that it would now create a playlist for my book instead of showing up in books. But, although the playlist is created, it is empty and the fix doesn’t work for me yet. I have spent seriously about 15 hours working on this problem (downloading, redownloading, etc). I am TIRED of having to do this just to listen to a flippin’ library book. I wish there was a better selection of mp3s at my library, but alas the wma’s have all the books I want to read.
This problem is SO SO frustrating. I have been riding around with my OLD laptop in my car just to listen to the books that I downloaded. This used to work just fine (although it did take a ridiculously long time to convert to a file that my iphone could read.) I did get a “fix” from Overdrive where they said to download the new version from their site and that it would now create a playlist for my book instead of showing up in books. But, although the playlist is created, it is empty and the fix doesn’t work for me yet. I have spent seriously about 15 hours working on this problem (downloading, redownloading, etc). I am TIRED of having to do this just to listen to a flippin’ library book. I wish there was a better selection of mp3s at my library, but alas the wma’s have all the books I want to read.
Is Overdrive any closer to a patch??? This is so frustrating. My husband’s older ipod touch works great for WMA books, but my 6 month old ipod is pretty useless for audio books unless they are MP3, but those books are few and far between. And, I just found out today that it was an Overdrive problem. I thought this whole time that we set it up wrong somehow. Have done various resets, etc. Thank goodness for Apple’s(Ellery’s) help in finding this information.
Is Overdrive any closer to a patch??? This is so frustrating. My husband’s older ipod touch works great for WMA books, but my 6 month old ipod is pretty useless for audio books unless they are MP3, but those books are few and far between. And, I just found out today that it was an Overdrive problem. I thought this whole time that we set it up wrong somehow. Have done various resets, etc. Thank goodness for Apple’s(Ellery’s) help in finding this information.
Testing it with the latest version of Overdrive Media console seems to work with transferring WMA audiobooks to an Apple device with iOS5 from a PC. I would give it a try, also using the latest version of iTunes.
Testing it with the latest version of Overdrive Media console seems to work with transferring WMA audiobooks to an Apple device with iOS5 from a PC. I would give it a try, also using the latest version of iTunes.
I just downloaded all the latest updates for Overdrive (3.2.2.0), iPhone (5.1.1), and iTunes (10.6.1.7) and I am still having issues with the conversion of audiobooks. It shows up in search, so guess that will have to do for now. Frustrating.
I just downloaded all the latest updates for Overdrive (3.2.2.0), iPhone (5.1.1), and iTunes (10.6.1.7) and I am still having issues with the conversion of audiobooks. It shows up in search, so guess that will have to do for now. Frustrating.
I just downloaded the upgrade for Overdrive on my pc. I have downloaded e-books from the Midwest Collaborative Library to Overdrive for several years. I have used my Apple Nano as the device to transfer from Overdrive. I have never had a problem listening to wma format. After I downloaded the upgrade for Overdrive, I can’t transfer either mp3 or wma formats to the Nano. What is happening????? I can download books to my friends iPod Touch, but not my Nano. I love the Nano and want to know what I can do to get this fixed. Can I get the old version back. I only downloaded it because it said it would make transfers to an Apple Device easier.
Hi Barbara,
We have not heard of other users having difficulty transferring eaudiobooks after upgrading to the new version of OverDrive and unfortunately don’t have a Nano we can’test with. I am going to refer you directly to OverDrive in hopes that they will be able to help. You can contact them via our online form here: http://frontline.overdrive.com/?Lib=Toronto%20Public%20Library
Please let us know if they are not able to help.