(H)appy reading
Book apps, riding high on the capabilities of smart devices, give many new options to time-strapped booklovers
Vibha Sharma

Ongoing times are often being referred to as the dawn of tablet era. Mobile/handheld devices do have the charm and wow factor associated with them in terms of their sleek bodies, light weight or the assistance these offer to users through state-of-the-art mobile applications. Mobile world is marching rapidly and is influencing more and more areas with its Midas touch. Books and education could not remain unaffected either.

Mobile (app)lication is a software application designed for a particular purpose to run on smart phones, tablets and other devices. Depending on the device that one possesses, apps can be procured from relevant app stores — Apple's App Store, Android store, Windows Phone Marketplace and many other providers.

Since the advent of printing press, not much has changed in terms of traditional books that still adorn the book shelves in our homes. But digital publishing has been a major breakthrough in extending the reach of literature far and wide. Books metamorphosed into e-books and the written matter danced digitally on screens of computers, laptops and on some specifically designed e-readers.

Book apps

A significant step jump happened with the advent of mobile applications and the books got re-imagined and re-created as book apps riding high on the capabilities of smart devices. With this, the content, which was lying in one format embedded deep in the pages, has now become mobile and portable.

Book apps have not just reached various places, they aim to influence all segments of society too. These have even been designed for babies as young as three months old, which claim to strengthen children's hearing, visual and motor skills.

Here is a market which is still in its infancy and is up for grabs by whosoever shows intelligence, wisdom, creativity and foresightedness to tap it in the right manner at the right time. Writers, publishers, app developers, app vendors, platform owners and device manufacturers, there are roles for each one of them.

Book apps have given a new lease of life to many authors who find it hard to get a nod from the publishers. These authors now have an option to convert their manuscripts to book apps using software made available by many companies. Most of these books are free.

Some of the Indian players who are earning recognition in digital content publishing arena are fliplog, NineApp, MeMeTales and Naavica systems. Some others have joined hands with Indian publishers like Pratham and Tulika to bring out the Indian content on devices.

Lack of resources and limited finances always pose extra challenge in Indian scenario as attempts are made to create jazzed-up apps which can compete internationally. Supporting multi-lingual digital content has wide scope but finding portals for such content is another challenge.

Rashmi Sachan of fliplog says, "The Indian market is uniquely placed on both consumption and supply side. We are starting from low per capita book consumption so there is a huge possibility in growing reader base. Technologically, we can leapfrog and leverage tablet and digital distribution to solve access problem."

Platform providers

Apple, Android, Windows and Blackberry are major platform providers for book apps. However, the former two are dominating the market at this stage. There is no dearth of devices available to host book apps. Apple devices such as iPod touch, iPad and iPhone can run apps written in Apple iOS, Google's Android apps are supported by many, including Kindle and Samsung devices. Windows apps find host in HTC devices and in some Samsung devices. And almost all of these have their presence in Indian market, including Kindle.

Kindle, initially an eReader, has gone through various phases of evolution and now is a safe platform which works as a reader and can host book apps as well. Using free Kindle app, a user gets the functionality to download Kindle compliant books from Amazon. The print versions, which could not be delivered in India through Amazon, have found another route to reach Indian readers. All platforms host some free book apps also which work as crowd pullers for subsequent sale.

Moreover, under Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/, more than 40,000 free eBooks are available which can be displayed on any device.

Each of the platforms for mobile applications has an integrated development environment, to write, test and deploy applications into the target environment. It's a boon for developers as they can create an app from the confines of a cubicle and have it deployed on the app stores.

While some apps are designed for specific platforms, many come with cross-platform compatibility. Eventually, the aim is to arrive at a situation where a user downloads a generic app with specific functionality and then keeps reading the content(books) riding on those base features. For instance a person, who is interested in reading books with dictionary support, should be able to have an app which offers this only. While another person, who wants interactivity, voice, video with the books, should be able to get that app even though the content is same in both the cases. Keeping this in mind, work is underway at three levels — to make book app platforms intelligent and customisable suiting the needs of users, standardising the content format for easy portability across various platforms and having code compatibility for multiple platforms.

Book apps have arrived and they are here to stay. What better way to express the transition from traditional books to apps than in words of Manish Verma, project director, Fidelity Information Services, ASEAN, "Books have died but long live the books".

 

Advantage apps Book apps offer many features ranging from hearing the text narrated in language of your choice, relevant audio and video clips appended with the text, to sound tracks and appropriate sound effects accentuating the impact of the story. Interestingly, book apps are revolutionising the children's book space like never before by providing features which are hard to replicate on a print version like: Record your own voice with the text and be a narrator yourself. Hear the difficult words spell out with their meanings. Personalise the book by adding character names of your own choice. Get involved in plot creation by giving inputs as the story progresses. Re-paint the pictures to give a personal touch to illustrations. Interact through illustrations in the story.

Warm weaves, cool cuts
As temperatures dip, couture wear is available in a mind-boggling array of designs, fabrics and hues to beat the chill
Neerja Bahadur

Every year when the world's foremost designing houses announce their new Fall and Winter collections, fashion breaks all rules. Their new exotic creations are pointers to the world, the way fashion will be shaped in coming times.

Going by leading international haute couture trends, the 2013 wardrobe essentials are going to be tapered trousers, bomber jackets, multi-panelled skirts, crop tops and long flouncy vests. There are plaid shirts, patched jeans, floral dresses, long-john vests and grandpa shirts. For the formals, there are the tuxedos in vibrant cuts and styles. The look is bold yet simple and individualistic.

Classic case

For the winter of 2012-2013, designs are combining aesthetic elements with a hint of classic. These are in sync with the free-flowing and free-thinking attitude. Experimentation is the key for many designers, and so are vibrant colours like yellow, blue, citrus green and deep red. Cuts and styles, too, are coming in for a complete makeover.

The classy colours are shades of black, burgundy, green, slate grey, gold, copper and a rich shade of brown as in bamboo. The fabrics this season range from cashmeres, tweed and corduroys to chic lamb's wool, satin and velvet as also silks and chiffons. In terms of shapes and proportions, it seems to be the season of 'anything goes'.

For the ladies, the range covers the classic pullovers, jackets, long skirts and figure-hugging dresses. Simplicity has been replaced by frills. Once again, skin is the major fashion statement. Adorned by fabric, sectioned by straps, contoured by criss crossing strings, skin has never been more under the spotlight.

Women's ensembles

The ensembles reflect the various facets of a woman — her modern outlook, sensuality, vivaciousness, sobriety, and ethereal beauty. The elements of joie 'd' vivre and funk are very much in evidence in these 2012-13 fall and winter collections.

Top couturiers are making men more outgoing with colourful shirts, tuxedos and tapered trousers reminiscent of an era gone by. Men's suits this winter have a very Italian look. These are less fussy with straight lines, giving a combination of allure and power. The colours are highlighted with designer neckties, which add a dash of wit and offset sombre suits. Party suits are more imaginative with satin lapels and others which are tuxedo-inspired.

The shape of the sweaters has gone back to the basics. Tunic tops to be worn as blouses with long skirts, round neck tops to be coordinated with tights are much in vogue this season. For the fashionably bold, the pullovers come in bottle green, turquoise, red, black, brown and gray and also in geometric patterns.

Breaking free

Fashions are breaking free as far as women's jackets go. These are coming in all shapes and hues. Donna Karan, this season has a crepe jacket with draped asymmetric collar and gathered pleats. It can be worn as part of a sleek ensemble with high heels. Marc Jacob has given a new twist to the jacket with faux fur pockets. Stella McCartney's wool coat has an upright collar and five buttons.

Men's jackets, too, are coming in for experimenting and change. There are the ubiquitous parkas, single and double-breasted suits and winter blazers. But there are also waist-length jackets, down-padded coats made of sheepskin and coats made of fur and various other fabrics. The bomber jacket has made a dramatic comeback with leading designers like Alexander McQueen, Diesel, Gucci, and many more offering their own exquisite versions.

The warm, fuzzy, woollen Scottish fabric tweed is once again a fashion celebrity this winter. It is setting style trends and is fast becoming a wardrobe essential. For long considered an outcast in the fashion world, tweed is making a dramatic comeback and most leading designers are looking at it with renewed interest.

If high fashion is taking new steps into the future, much of its new-found dynamism has seeped in to the leading designer houses of the world. Jackets, trousers and sweaters have gone haute couture. Things, indeed, are heating up this winter with a plethora of colours, fabrics and breathtaking designs.

INDIAN FASHIONS GO GLOBAL

What do international celebrities like Madonna, Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Kate Perry, Anna Hathaway, Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie have in common? The answer is their love for the Indian sari. All of them have worn it on more than one occasion and have expressed their feelings for it.

Global designers like Hermes, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano have been inspired by the saree. Leading British designer Paul Smith did an entire collection based on India- inspired attire and this included men's shirts created out of saris. Zandra Rhodes and Donna Karan, too, have done extensive work with sarees and sari borders.

A number of leading overseas designers and luxury designer houses are being increasingly influenced by the Indian craftsmanship and fabrics which have been adding value to their creations. Indian fashions have worked their magic on global designers like Giorgio Armani, Donnatella Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier to Zandra Rhodes and Donna Karan.

The big names in the fashion industry make a beeline to India whenever they need delicate embroidery. Some time back leading French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier's collection showed India-inspired designs, including models dressed in Sikh turbans, tailored saris, bathing suits encrusted with mirrors and spicy colours such as saffron at the Paris fashion month.

DUCHAMP PAISLEY WINTER SHIRT

The intricately patterned Duchamp Paisley shirt adds a stylish flourish to your formal attire. It has a smart semi-cutaway collar and buttoned cuff. The complexity of the pattern detailing this Duchamp shirt means that it looks best worn open collar. If you want to add a tie, go for a plain one.

Price: Rs 11,275

TOM FORD POLO KNIT

One of the most revered American designers who transformed the Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent brands, Tom Ford has now got his own line of stylish couture. An example is this striking long sleeve knitted polo with button closure at the neckline, chevron placket and rib knit trim.

Price: Rs 31,350

PACESETTER Richa Singh
For her catering is a fine art
To lend an aesthetic edge to the business of catering was what Amritsar-based Richa Singh aspired for. After a lot of hard work, she has managed to carve out a niche for herself
Aditi Garg

Richa Singh, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Amritsar, has redefined the way food is presented and served. During weddings, the focus is on food, after the bride and the groom.

Her diverse educational background equipped her to face challenges. She did her psychology from St. Bede’s College, Shimla, fashion designing from NIFT, Delhi, and a diploma in event management from London. All this helped to steer her career in a new direction. Her break came unexpectedly when she was required to assist her brother when she least expected it. He was unwell and could not see a catering assignment through. She offered to assist. One catering assignment and she was hooked; there was no looking back.

Embracing the gist of all that she had learnt from her courses, she made an effort to give a new dimension to catering. Understanding the psychology of the client, she suggests the best themes to suit the occasion, fashions them with the utmost finesse and manages the whole show with élan. When she is not working, she likes to travel and relieves her stress through dance. With no inclination to join her father and brother’s catering business by the name of ‘Orchid Caterer’, Richa went to London to pursue the event management at the prestigious Fitz William Institute in London for a six-month course and then did her internship with ‘M’. Thereafter, she returned to India with her focus on event management. It has been a fruitful four years since she set up Cater Art.

Says Richa, “When I started in 2009, I gave a new dimension to food by adding design to its presentation. It is no longer a row of dishes, one after the other. Special displays are manufactured and food is displayed like precious art — elaborate and stylised. We do not rent our décor items; rather we purchase them to ensure the highest standard of quality and hygiene. I reach the venue in the morning and manage the layout and design the display and oversee the buffet management during the actual event.”

Their work has found favour with the discerning not just for the wonderful, picturesque quality it brings to the food area, but also for the utmost care taken to ensure cleanliness. From the uniforms of the waiters to the crockery and cutlery, everything is spic and span and according to the latest trends. For Richa, the praise that people shower on her is definitely something that keeps her motivated to outdo herself every time. She fondly recounts an incident where a school teacher was so impressed with her work that she was invited to be a judge at a cookery competition between mothers at the school.

One of the most appreciated displays was the theme where she created a Renaissance-based salad counter with individual salads showcased in frames to give the impression of paintings. This year she is focussing on LED lights being used inside laser-cut acrylic stands for display of food. With a constant urge to reinvent her style, she aspires to be ahead of the competition.

Bling it on

FAT BOB HITS THE ROADS

With the launch of Fat Bob motorbike, Harley-Davidson has given speed enthusiasts in India another reason to hit the road. The 1585cc bike packs a real punch and its hardcore front end comes with twin headlights. It has air cooled, Twin Cam engine delivering 3500 rpm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a Six-Speed Cruise Drive which provides smooth, quiet shifting and reduces engine speed on the highway. With its wide stance and stout styling, the Fat Bob is not just bold but also dripping with attitude.

Ex-showroom price: Rs 12.5 lakh

COMPUTING ON A TABLET

Is it a PC? Is it a Tablet? No, it’s a hybrid. Sony India has launched the next-generation Hybrid Ultrabook PC-VAIO which switches smoothly from a Tablet to a PC for a great computing experience. A surf-slider design transforms the full-function Ultrabook PC into a tablet for an on-the-go computing experience. As a Tablet it allows you to browse the web or enjoy music and videos. When in office, just slide out the keyboard and convert it into a fully-featured touchscreen PC. So go ahead and feel the power of a PC and a Tablet rolled into one.

Price: Rs 89.990

STIMULATING FORMULA

Now this one is a toy for a rich boy. In fact, for an uber rich boy. This Formula-1 Racing Car Simulator has been created by FMCG International, a specialist Formula 1event management and professional motorsport services company. The simulator promises to transform you from a racing car enthusiast to a pro. Fitted with Pirelli F-1 tyres and Brembo brake calipers, it has a complete replica of an F-1 cockpit, three 23-inch TFT screens and a 5.1 speaker system for a total surround sound experience that will bring you chillingly close to the real F-1 racing. So, get ready to challenge Sebestian Vettel by sitting behind the wheel of this simulator.

Price: $1,45,000 (Rs 79.75 lakh)

JEWELS OF A STAR

That she was the performing jewel of Hollywood is an accepted fact. Elizabeth Taylor shone as an actor in the 1950s, 1960s and the 1970s. Now two and a half years after her death, her fabled jewels are shining just the way she did. Her personal collection that went under the hammer recently, included her 33-carat diamond ring, ivory- and-gold necklace, 203-grain, pear-shaped 16th century pearl and also the stunning gold-and diamond snake-shaped bracelet. The crowd at Christie’s in New York was reminiscent of the crowds outside cinema halls whenever one of her new films was released. Only this time the crowd comprised of millionaires and billionaires.

Collection sold out for $116 million (Rs 558.88 crore)

WEARABLE PLAYMATES

What happens when risqué design blends with an iconic adult magazine? The result is a vintage T-Shirt that smacks of class and vintage appeal. In a master stroke, two of the world’s leading designers Dolce & Gabbana have brought out T-shirts that feature epoch Playboy ‘Playmates’ of the 1950s. As expected, they have become a rage in the fashion world. The T-Shirts (obviously for men) have five different models in seductive poses and are worth every penny of their steep asking price.

Price per t-Shirt: $275 (Rs 15,125)

THESE SOUND GREAT

It’s not just the sound of music but the sound of the power of music. The floor-standing speakers Jamo R 909 set new standards for craftsmanship and performance as they are equipped to give you the raw music power from front and back. This is done with the help of a dipolar chassis that mirrors the sound pressure from the front of the speaker to the back. This gives them an awesome bass extension and squeakily clean and sweet mids and tops. They are a feast for the eyes and ears if you don’t mind the price.

Price: $1,300 for a pair (Rs 7.15 lakh)

A CHEER FOR THIS BEER

If you think that the kick is missing from your usual brand of beer then you probably want a Sam Adams Ultra-strong Utopias. The highly coveted limited-edition beer has a unique blend of taste and flavour as it is made from various premium beers of different ages brewed for 20 years. Interestingly, unlike other beers, you can open this bottle, enjoy a glass of beer and close it and put it back in your bar. The froth won’t go out of it for almost a year. But the beer will go out of your reach if you don’t hurry. There are only 20,000 bottles!

Price: $190 a bottle (Rs 10,450)

WRITING IN STYLE

The Internet, e-mail and SMSes may have made writing letters redundant and unfashionable. But not for Louis Vuitton. The French luxury house will bring alive the magic of the written mail when it opens its new boutique in Paris on December 13, devoted exclusively to elegant writing instruments and paper products. The collection features luxury alligator leather-encased pens and pencils while the envelopes have light brass trunk closures on their flaps. There are also small boxes to hold the writing equipment and crystallised inkpots. If you miss writing letters the good old fashioned way, grab this opportunity to go retro.

Price: From $45 for a pot of ink to $2,220 and for an alligator fountain pen (from 2,475 to 1,22,100)

CLARK BATS FOR CHARITY

It’s a big hit by Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke. Given the job by Louis Vuitton to design a cricketer’s travelling trunk, the ace batsman-bowler has come up with a masterpiece. The one-of-a-kind sleek graphite canvas case that stands tall at over four and a half feet in height is large enough to accommodate sporting gear and clothing of a cricketer on the move. The trunk is now available for auction and the proceeds will benefit the Sydney Children’s Hospital. Those interested can pad up for the auction.

Starting auction bid: $1,70,000 (Rs 93.5 lakh)

FLAVOURS OF WATER

Water, we all know, is great for health and also aids slimming. But do you find drinking plain water a boring chore? If yes, then you need an Aqua Zinger water bottle that will add flavour to your life with the help of an attachable food blender. All you have to do is to put fruits of your choice in the blender and coarsely grind them. Attach the blender to the bottle filled with water and let the flavours infuse through the fine mesh separating the two. And lo and behold you will have aromatic water at your disposal.

Price: $26 (Around Rs 1,430)

ASTON MARTIN GOES MOBILE

Had the earlier-day James Bond known about it, he would not just have driven an Aston Martin but talked through it as well. Talked through it? Yes, British car maker Aston Martin has collaborated with luxury mobile maker Mobiado to release a slick smartphone. The Grand Touch Aston Martin is made from anodised aircraft-grade aluminium has a touch-screen display with a 5MP camera. Assuming you have the cash, go check it out. This piece of luxury sports has a body made with 139 carats of sapphire, a white mother of pearl inset, and Aston Martin’s branding on the rear.

Price: Upon request

RECREATING OLD CLASSICS

The video games company Atari on its 40th anniversary is going back to its roots with a little help from Microsoft. The two pioneers are porting classic arcade games to HTML-5 language which makes them compatible to any modern browser. Yesteryear games like Asteroids, Combat, Lunar Lander, Pong, Missile Command, Centipede and Yar's Revenge have all got a new lease of life. You too can travel back in time to the 1960s and 1970s and re-play these iconic games. As of now they are free. But perhaps, not for long!

Price: Free!