Vooks

I would like to introduce a new word to you: vook. Ever hear of it? A "vook" is a book and video combined. It is the next "new and improved" invention utilizing technology. In an article in last week's New York Times, the author explains exactly what a vook is: "It... intersperses videos throughout electronic text that can be read — and viewed — online or on an iPhone or iPod Touch."

So how would this work? Here is an example the article uses to explain this new technology:

"Jude Deveraux, a popular romance author who has written 36 straightforward text novels, said she loved experimenting with “Promises,” an exclusive vook set on a 19th-century South Carolina plantation in which the integrated videos add snippets of dialogue and atmosphere. Ms. Deveraux said she envisioned new versions of books enhanced by music or even perfume. “I’d like to use all the senses,” she said."

Wow. Imagine reading a book and smelling the roses that are being discussed in the text. Or reading a biography of Mozart and hearing his music in each chapter of the book.

I find it hard to evaluate such an invention. The vook does not sound all that desirable to me, but I've never been one to envision successful gadgets. I suppose that long ago I might have scoffed at the idea of the Bible on CD as well, although I listen to it all the time now while driving.

I still vote for curling up on the couch in front of a fire with a good book, instead of experiencing a vook on nature with computer generated aromas while waiting in the line at the supermarket. :-)

Any thoughts?