Apple Launches iBooks Author Via iTunes:  Now anyone can create stunning iBooks textbooks, cookbooks, history books, picture books, and more for iPad. All you need is an idea and a Mac. Start with one of the Apple-designed templates that feature a wide variety of page layouts. Add your own text and images with drag-and-drop ease. Use Multi-Touch widgets to include interactive photo galleries, movies, Keynote presentations, 3D objects, and more. Preview your book on your iPad at any time. Then submit your finished work to the iBookstore with a few simple steps. And before you know it, you're a published author.  Caveat: Books may only be sold through the iBookstore; additional terms and conditions apply. Comment: We hoped it would also publish standards-complient ePub formats for wider (read: non-Apple) distribution. But, we're downloading and about to give it a run through. Image: Template chooser when launching the iBooks App.
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