Baker & Taylor and Findaway World Release Free Acoustik™ Audiobook App for NOOK® by Barnes & Noble

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, the world's largest distributor of digital and physical books and entertainment products, announced that library patrons who use Barnes & Noble's award-winning NOOK tablets can now borrow and download digital audiobooks directly to their devices using the popular Acoustik audiobook app.

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The Acoustik app, now available for free in the NOOK Store™, is powered by Findaway World, LLC, an innovative, industry leader in digital audio technology. The app allows users of NOOK tablet devices, including NOOK^® HD and NOOK^® HD+, to directly download audiobooks and listen instantly to more than 26,000 new release and best-selling backlist audiobook titles from libraries that use Baker & Taylor's innovative Axis 360 digital media platform.

"We are thrilled that NOOK customers can now access the trove of Acoustik audiobooks through the Axis 360 digital media platform that helps connect library patrons with the content they want, where they want it," said George Coe, President of Baker & Taylor's Library & Education division.  "Axis 360 allows libraries to stay ahead of changing technologies by delivering a comprehensive selection of ebooks and audiobooks to patrons, across a wide range of devices. Along with our outstanding partners, Baker & Taylor is proud to help lead this revolutionary effort."

"Patron access to Acoustik audiobooks on the NOOK means that more people are now able to enjoy our simple and intuitive user experience," said Ralph Lazaro, Vice President of the Digital Products Group at Findaway World.  "Listeners who are already enjoying Acoustik on iOS and Android devices are thrilled with the experience – we are positive NOOK users will share their enthusiasm." 

The Acoustik app for NOOK devices is compatible with NOOK HD, NOOK HD+ and NOOK Tablet^™. Versions for Apple and Android tablets and smartphones are also available, and can be found in Apple's App Store and through Google Play (formerly Android Market).

About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor, Inc. (www.baker-taylor.com) is the world's largest distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products. The company offers cutting-edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry-leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. Charlotte, N.C.-based Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., an institutional private equity fund managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading private equity investment firm.

About Findaway World
Findaway World LLC, creators of Playaway®, Playaway View®, and Catalist Digital, is a private company based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to delivering simple and immediate access to digital content. To learn more about the company, its innovative products and Findawayers, visit www.findawayworld.com.

SOURCE Baker & Taylor