Australian-startup iMinds is hoping to re-create the experience of reading an encyclopedia, except on your iPod. The startup is launching audio-versions of encyclopedia entries, with topics such as “The Federal Reserve,” and “D-Day Invasion,” that can be downloaded fro, Audible.com or iTunes.
Currently, there are 72 different “MindTracks” available that give a well-rounded subject overview of a general knowledge topic in a variety of subject matters including politics, sports, pop culture, science and more. Each track is eight minutes and costs $0.99 cents on iTunes.
IMinds’ CEO and founder Olivia Wood says she created the tracks for people to gain quick, yet informational, “snacks” of information during their commutes or at the gym. She says that iMinds has already gained considerable traction in foreign countries, like Japan, as a tool for learning the English language. IMinds faces competition from the many non-fiction audio books on iTunes but what may set iMinds apart is its short length.
whew, very helpful. thanks for this blog. =)
wooo! an australian startup!
Very useful, not bad for only $0.99 cents.
that is the most boring article
Seems like a pretty good idea, but at 99 cents a podcast, it’s probably going to add up to be a lot more expensive than an actual encyclopedia.
Wasn’t iMinds a VC firm in San Francisco?
yup– Interactive Minds, which later became Outlook Ventures.
Hello Austin Bankruptcy Lawyer –
iMinds tracks are sold individually for 99c each, but you can also buy iMinds tracks as collections, which are priced from $3.99 for six tracks, $5.99 for twelve tracks, $14.99 for thirty-six tracks or $24.99 for seventy-two tracks and so forth. Best, Olivia Wood, CEO & Founder, iMinds
Between iTunes University and all the great, free podcasts out there, I don’t really see a point for this.
It’s a neat idea, but honestly how is it any different from downloading an audio version of an article from Wikipedia? At least that doesn’t cost $1 per article.
Hello David -
iMinds products are compiled and written by a team of writers and stringently fact checked, each 8 minute component is created to present an engaging and entertaining knowledge grab on a particular subject.. the products have original compositions as soundscape behind the audio to complete the audio experience. Listen to some samples at http://bit.ly/38OAmg.. we hope you enjoy.
In terms of the product, I personally see the value of the offering. What many readers posting on this blog forget is that the product is not just the information, but also the convenience of having all the relevant facts compiled in a coherent way. The editorial control ensures a certain quality that some folks in the audio book market will pay for.
What’s the point of paying $1.00 for information which is freely available on the internet?