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Built on HTML5 and CSS3 support Font embedding/text styling (alignment, colors, etc.)
Fixed layout (proprietary)
SVG support
Accessibility in KF8 Main feature: Backward compatibility on older devices
Emphasis on Wide margins Magnification features
Children’s books and comics
Documentation not as focused
Accessibility opportunities specifically stem from HTML5 and CSS3 Audio and video embedding
Additionally: Kindle for PC Accessibility Plugin
Caveats in KF8 re: accessibility
Text-to-speech feature for the Kindle for PC accessibility plugin requires an external screen reader for use Windows PC only
Caveats in KF8 re: accessibility
These features depend on the device
KF8 is primarily only supported by Kindle Fire (not as pricey as Apple, but…)
Optimal Kindle Paperwhite (eInk — more limited; e.g., no audio) Amazon Kindle apps
By creating accessible EPUB files, we essentially create accessible Kindle files.
However, the devices hold the power.
In other words…Formats can do only so much!
Strategies & Practices
Aim for reflow
Avoid info-as-image — i.e., tables should be in HTML
Think of your reader and what they can do
Think of your content and who is consuming it
Always QA your work
Talk to your outsourcer(s) and develop relationships
The key is awareness
Recommended Reading EPUB 3: Best Practices by Matt Garrish (@MattGarrish)
Readmill #eprdctn reading group
Liz Castro’s EPUB texts (@LizCastro) EPUB Straight to the Point Read Aloud EPUB for iBooks Audio and Video in EPUB (Miniguide) Fixed Layout EPUBs for iPad and iPhone (Miniguide) EPUB 3 book: Coming Soon!
Specifications (grab some coffee) EPUB 2.1 and EPUB 3.0 DAISY