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Oyster alternatives
Oyster offers unlimited access to over 100,000 books for $9.95 a month, with new titles added all the time. We are currently rolling out invitations for iPhone and iPod Touch. We created Oyster to evolve the way people read and to create more of the special moments that only books can offer. From anywhere a mobile device can go—a bustling subway car, a quiet coffee shop, or lost at sea with a Bengal tiger—our mission is to build the best reading experience, one that is both communal and personal, anytime, anywhere. The best Oyster alternative is Scribd
Here are the latest news about Oyster:
2015. E-Book subscription service Oyster to shut down
In a recent blog post, Oyster, the app known as the "Netflix for books" that debuted two years ago, has announced its impending closure in early 2016. Users who have purchased books or subscribed to Oyster Unlimited will receive an email concerning their accounts within the next few weeks. Purchased books will remain accessible and readable indefinitely. Oyster Unlimited, priced at $9.95 per month, initially competed with Scribd upon its launch in September 2013. The competition intensified when Amazon introduced its own e-book subscription service in July 2014. Despite facing the challenge of a dominant player in the industry, Oyster's app stood out from Kindle due to its distinctive features such as user-friendly interface, curated book lists, engaging essays, and an extensive selection.
2015. Oyster adds light-adjusting technology for easier e-reading
Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Lumin to its e-reading platform, which enhances the reading experience for mobile users by adjusting the color and brightness of their screens. This software specifically targets the reduction of blue light emitted by LED screens, as recent research suggests that excessive exposure to blue light can potentially harm readers' eyes in dimly lit environments and disrupt sleep patterns. Lumin aims to alleviate strain during nighttime reading sessions for Oyster users by replacing blue light with a gentler, amber light. While it is commonly believed that backlit e-ink screens are less harsh than those found on smartphones or tablets, Oyster's technology claims to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by both types of devices by at least 50%.
2015. Oyster launches own e-book store
Oyster, often referred to as the "Netflix For Books," is expanding its offerings by launching its own e-book store. This move allows Oyster to provide its readers with a truly extensive selection of books. The interface will undergo minimal changes, but users will notice a significantly wider range of titles. Subscription-based books will be displayed alongside those available for individual purchase. The e-book store is launching with the participation of all the major publishers in the United States, including Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. It's worth mentioning that Oyster's competitor, Scribd, also offers individual e-book sales but maintains a primary focus on the subscription model.
2014. Oyster created author board and online literary magazine
Ebook subscription service Oyster has unveiled two new programs to enhance its offerings. The first program is the Author Advisory Board, which brings together top authors to provide input and feedback on Oyster's business operations. These board members will contribute to product and content decisions, ensuring that the streaming services for books benefit writers, readers, and publishers in the long run. The second program focuses on expanding Oyster's discovery efforts by launching a digital magazine called The Oyster Review. This online publication is accessible to everyone, even non-subscribers of Oyster's ebook platform, and features original writing related to the ebooks available in Oyster's catalog. Many of these contributions come from various authors. While Oyster subscribers won't have exclusive access to additional content, they will enjoy the unique advantage of seamlessly transitioning from The Oyster Review to the books they wish to read within Oyster's platform.
2014. Oyster adds social Book Lists to drive discovery
Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Book Lists, which enables users to create and share personalized collections of titles. This feature is now available to all Oyster subscribers without any additional charges, and it can be accessed through each user's profile page. Users have the flexibility to create lists of any size and selectively share them with other Oyster subscribers or on social media platforms outside of the e-reading platform. The introduction of user-generated recommendations adds a third avenue for Oyster readers to discover new titles, complementing the platform's existing recommendation system, which combines input from an editorial team and an algorithm, as well as the freedom to browse the Oyster catalog. This new feature aligns with the current trend of ebook subscription services refining their discovery mechanisms and emphasizing them as significant advantages for readers. For instance, Entitle, another subscription ebook provider, recently enhanced its recommendation system to enhance users' ability to explore new content.
2014. Oyster launches cross-platform web reader
Oyster, the popular unlimited ebook subscription service, has recently introduced its web and mobile web reader, expanding its accessibility to a wider audience of readers. With the launch of this new platform, Oyster now allows users to enjoy their ebooks on web and mobile web browsers, providing a seamless reading experience. Similar to reading a beloved blog, the web reader enables smooth vertical scrolling of pages. Additionally, users can personalize their reading experience by selecting from five reader themes, which have been well-received by Oyster users on Android and Apple platforms.
2014. Oyster comes to Android, Kindle Fire and Nook tablets
Ebook subscription service Oyster, previously exclusive to iOS, has now expanded its availability to include Android, Kindle Fire, and Nook HD tablets. The new platform enhancements offer additional features such as "read time" for books, similar to the feature found on Kindle e-readers, and the ability to turn book pages using the volume buttons on Android devices. Oyster's subscription model provides unlimited access to over 500,000 book titles from major publishers like HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, as well as a wide range of smaller and medium-sized publishers. This positions Oyster on par with Scribd, another popular e-book subscription service available on iOS, Android, and the web. Both services offer readers unlimited reading for a monthly fee of $9.95.
2014. Oyster Teams up With Spritz to Bring Faster Reading Experience
In an unprecedented collaboration, the ebook subscription service Oyster and text streaming startup Spritz have joined forces to offer a truly unique reading experience. Leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Spritz, Oyster is proud to present the first platform that allows the public to read a complete, copyrighted book using Spritz's speed-reading technology. Interested readers can access this groundbreaking experience at OysterBooks.com/Spritz, where they will find "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," a renowned business title by Stephen Covey that has sold over 20 million copies to date, available for free reading utilizing Spritz technology. Remarkably, this 432-page book can be read in under 2 hours using Spritz's rapid reading method. This collaboration represents an unprecedented venture, and both Oyster and Spritz eagerly anticipate receiving feedback from users regarding this extraordinary reading encounter. Based on the response received, they will evaluate the possibility of bringing additional full-length, copyrighted books to the public in collaboration once again in the future.
2014. Oyster partners with Disney to provide books for kids
Ebook subscription service Oyster has expanded its collection by incorporating approximately 100 titles from Disney and introducing a dedicated section for children featuring an impressive selection of around 10,000 ebooks. In addition to beloved Disney properties like Toy Story, Cars, and the Disney Princesses, this new vertical includes previously available titles on Oyster that were either categorized under "Young Adult" or lacked specific categorization. The introduction of these Disney books and the focused children's section caters to the growing market of children's ebook subscriptions. One such offering is Amazon's Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, which provides unlimited access to a library of children's ebooks, apps, movies, and games on Kindle Fire tablets starting at $2.99 per month. Kindle FreeTime Unlimited boasts a collection of 1,600 ebooks, including approximately 100 Disney titles. It is worth noting that Disney had previously operated its own ebook subscription service but decided to discontinue it.
2013. Scribd and Oyster sing more book publishers
Competing ebook subscription services, Oyster and Scribd, have recently secured partnerships with new publishers to expand the selection of titles available on their platforms. Oyster has collaborated with Perseus, although the specific number of titles to be distributed through the subscription provider has not been disclosed. Noteworthy additions include popular works such as "Friday Night Lights," "Masters of Sex," and "Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage," all of which will be accessible to Oyster subscribers for a monthly fee of $9.95. On the other hand, Scribd has inked a deal with self-published ebook distributor Smashwords, effectively more than tripling its existing catalog. With the inclusion of Smashwords titles, the number of ebooks available through Scribd's $8.99 monthly subscription will surpass 325,000. Additionally, Smashwords titles will also be available for individual purchase on the broader Scribd site. It's worth noting that Oyster also has an existing partnership with Smashwords. At present, Oyster and Scribd boast a highly similar, if not entirely overlapping, catalog of titles. For further comparison, refer to the article on Oyster vs Scribd.
2013. Ebook subscription service Oyster opens to all, brings app for iPad
Scribd is not the only player striving to become the "Netflix for ebooks." Its competitor, Oyster, has also expanded its e-book subscription service to reach a wider audience. Oyster has made its service available to all users and has now launched an iPad app, following the release of its iPhone app a month ago. The iPad app offers a similar experience to its iPhone counterpart but places a stronger emphasis on leveraging the additional screen space to enhance the browsing experience. Similar to Netflix, Oyster showcases books in various categories, enables users to see what books their friends are reading, and allows readers to flip through pages by either scrolling up and down or tapping the sides of the page. Oyster provides access to over 100,000 books from both major and independent publishers at a monthly cost of $9.95. To entice more users to try the app, Oyster now offers a complimentary one-month trial.
2015. E-Book subscription service Oyster to shut down
In a recent blog post, Oyster, the app known as the "Netflix for books" that debuted two years ago, has announced its impending closure in early 2016. Users who have purchased books or subscribed to Oyster Unlimited will receive an email concerning their accounts within the next few weeks. Purchased books will remain accessible and readable indefinitely. Oyster Unlimited, priced at $9.95 per month, initially competed with Scribd upon its launch in September 2013. The competition intensified when Amazon introduced its own e-book subscription service in July 2014. Despite facing the challenge of a dominant player in the industry, Oyster's app stood out from Kindle due to its distinctive features such as user-friendly interface, curated book lists, engaging essays, and an extensive selection.
2015. Oyster adds light-adjusting technology for easier e-reading
Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Lumin to its e-reading platform, which enhances the reading experience for mobile users by adjusting the color and brightness of their screens. This software specifically targets the reduction of blue light emitted by LED screens, as recent research suggests that excessive exposure to blue light can potentially harm readers' eyes in dimly lit environments and disrupt sleep patterns. Lumin aims to alleviate strain during nighttime reading sessions for Oyster users by replacing blue light with a gentler, amber light. While it is commonly believed that backlit e-ink screens are less harsh than those found on smartphones or tablets, Oyster's technology claims to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by both types of devices by at least 50%.
2015. Oyster launches own e-book store
Oyster, often referred to as the "Netflix For Books," is expanding its offerings by launching its own e-book store. This move allows Oyster to provide its readers with a truly extensive selection of books. The interface will undergo minimal changes, but users will notice a significantly wider range of titles. Subscription-based books will be displayed alongside those available for individual purchase. The e-book store is launching with the participation of all the major publishers in the United States, including Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. It's worth mentioning that Oyster's competitor, Scribd, also offers individual e-book sales but maintains a primary focus on the subscription model.
2014. Oyster created author board and online literary magazine
Ebook subscription service Oyster has unveiled two new programs to enhance its offerings. The first program is the Author Advisory Board, which brings together top authors to provide input and feedback on Oyster's business operations. These board members will contribute to product and content decisions, ensuring that the streaming services for books benefit writers, readers, and publishers in the long run. The second program focuses on expanding Oyster's discovery efforts by launching a digital magazine called The Oyster Review. This online publication is accessible to everyone, even non-subscribers of Oyster's ebook platform, and features original writing related to the ebooks available in Oyster's catalog. Many of these contributions come from various authors. While Oyster subscribers won't have exclusive access to additional content, they will enjoy the unique advantage of seamlessly transitioning from The Oyster Review to the books they wish to read within Oyster's platform.
2014. Oyster adds social Book Lists to drive discovery
Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Book Lists, which enables users to create and share personalized collections of titles. This feature is now available to all Oyster subscribers without any additional charges, and it can be accessed through each user's profile page. Users have the flexibility to create lists of any size and selectively share them with other Oyster subscribers or on social media platforms outside of the e-reading platform. The introduction of user-generated recommendations adds a third avenue for Oyster readers to discover new titles, complementing the platform's existing recommendation system, which combines input from an editorial team and an algorithm, as well as the freedom to browse the Oyster catalog. This new feature aligns with the current trend of ebook subscription services refining their discovery mechanisms and emphasizing them as significant advantages for readers. For instance, Entitle, another subscription ebook provider, recently enhanced its recommendation system to enhance users' ability to explore new content.
2014. Oyster launches cross-platform web reader
Oyster, the popular unlimited ebook subscription service, has recently introduced its web and mobile web reader, expanding its accessibility to a wider audience of readers. With the launch of this new platform, Oyster now allows users to enjoy their ebooks on web and mobile web browsers, providing a seamless reading experience. Similar to reading a beloved blog, the web reader enables smooth vertical scrolling of pages. Additionally, users can personalize their reading experience by selecting from five reader themes, which have been well-received by Oyster users on Android and Apple platforms.
2014. Oyster comes to Android, Kindle Fire and Nook tablets
Ebook subscription service Oyster, previously exclusive to iOS, has now expanded its availability to include Android, Kindle Fire, and Nook HD tablets. The new platform enhancements offer additional features such as "read time" for books, similar to the feature found on Kindle e-readers, and the ability to turn book pages using the volume buttons on Android devices. Oyster's subscription model provides unlimited access to over 500,000 book titles from major publishers like HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, as well as a wide range of smaller and medium-sized publishers. This positions Oyster on par with Scribd, another popular e-book subscription service available on iOS, Android, and the web. Both services offer readers unlimited reading for a monthly fee of $9.95.
2014. Oyster Teams up With Spritz to Bring Faster Reading Experience
In an unprecedented collaboration, the ebook subscription service Oyster and text streaming startup Spritz have joined forces to offer a truly unique reading experience. Leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Spritz, Oyster is proud to present the first platform that allows the public to read a complete, copyrighted book using Spritz's speed-reading technology. Interested readers can access this groundbreaking experience at OysterBooks.com/Spritz, where they will find "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," a renowned business title by Stephen Covey that has sold over 20 million copies to date, available for free reading utilizing Spritz technology. Remarkably, this 432-page book can be read in under 2 hours using Spritz's rapid reading method. This collaboration represents an unprecedented venture, and both Oyster and Spritz eagerly anticipate receiving feedback from users regarding this extraordinary reading encounter. Based on the response received, they will evaluate the possibility of bringing additional full-length, copyrighted books to the public in collaboration once again in the future.
2014. Oyster partners with Disney to provide books for kids
Ebook subscription service Oyster has expanded its collection by incorporating approximately 100 titles from Disney and introducing a dedicated section for children featuring an impressive selection of around 10,000 ebooks. In addition to beloved Disney properties like Toy Story, Cars, and the Disney Princesses, this new vertical includes previously available titles on Oyster that were either categorized under "Young Adult" or lacked specific categorization. The introduction of these Disney books and the focused children's section caters to the growing market of children's ebook subscriptions. One such offering is Amazon's Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, which provides unlimited access to a library of children's ebooks, apps, movies, and games on Kindle Fire tablets starting at $2.99 per month. Kindle FreeTime Unlimited boasts a collection of 1,600 ebooks, including approximately 100 Disney titles. It is worth noting that Disney had previously operated its own ebook subscription service but decided to discontinue it.
2013. Scribd and Oyster sing more book publishers
Competing ebook subscription services, Oyster and Scribd, have recently secured partnerships with new publishers to expand the selection of titles available on their platforms. Oyster has collaborated with Perseus, although the specific number of titles to be distributed through the subscription provider has not been disclosed. Noteworthy additions include popular works such as "Friday Night Lights," "Masters of Sex," and "Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage," all of which will be accessible to Oyster subscribers for a monthly fee of $9.95. On the other hand, Scribd has inked a deal with self-published ebook distributor Smashwords, effectively more than tripling its existing catalog. With the inclusion of Smashwords titles, the number of ebooks available through Scribd's $8.99 monthly subscription will surpass 325,000. Additionally, Smashwords titles will also be available for individual purchase on the broader Scribd site. It's worth noting that Oyster also has an existing partnership with Smashwords. At present, Oyster and Scribd boast a highly similar, if not entirely overlapping, catalog of titles. For further comparison, refer to the article on Oyster vs Scribd.
2013. Ebook subscription service Oyster opens to all, brings app for iPad
Scribd is not the only player striving to become the "Netflix for ebooks." Its competitor, Oyster, has also expanded its e-book subscription service to reach a wider audience. Oyster has made its service available to all users and has now launched an iPad app, following the release of its iPhone app a month ago. The iPad app offers a similar experience to its iPhone counterpart but places a stronger emphasis on leveraging the additional screen space to enhance the browsing experience. Similar to Netflix, Oyster showcases books in various categories, enables users to see what books their friends are reading, and allows readers to flip through pages by either scrolling up and down or tapping the sides of the page. Oyster provides access to over 100,000 books from both major and independent publishers at a monthly cost of $9.95. To entice more users to try the app, Oyster now offers a complimentary one-month trial.
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