Digital publisher Andrews UK has released the world’s first 3D video eBook on Apple’s iBookstore – A Dream of Christmas 3D (Enhanced Version). The company has achieved this by including formatted video (which they created) within the eBook which – when using Apple’s Digital AV Cable connected to a 3DTV – plays a full, immersive six-and-a-half minute 3D Film which complements the story of the book. The story and film focus on a classic Christmas tale where a child dreams of visiting Santa’s toy factory – but is it just a dream?

Andrews UK has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in eBook publishing. As a company which offers digital publishing partnerships, and also a distribution service to all publishers (as well as distributing their own published content from individual authors across a wide range of genres), Andrews UK has often been the first to market with the latest technologies.

“We are very pleased to have achieved this milestone. Staying one step ahead of the global game is central to our business model. “When other companies were getting to grips with Kindle, we already had a distribution model to not only Kindle, but also over 200 platforms and retailers worldwide,” boasts CEO Paul Andrews. “When the Apple iPad was launched we had in the region of 10% of all global app books for sale on day one. Whilst the latest buzzword is fixed-format – something we have offered since the day retailers allowed it – we’re offering books with 3D content.”

This enhanced version also includes two six-and-a-half minute long digitally animated musical films of the story; one in 2D and one in 3D format. While the 2D video is playable on all current Apple devices which support the iBookstore, the additional 3D video included in this eBook is playable only on the iPad, iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4th generation. To view the film in 3D customer will need a 3DTV which supports side-by-side encoded video, a Digital AV Adapter cable and an HDMI cable. This eBook file is over 400Mb called for a fast wi-fi connection for download.

Story filed 10.11.11