BARD Mobile Android Version 2.1.0 Release!

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is releasing BARD Mobile Android version 2.1.0 this week, introducing enhanced features and improvements.

BARD Mobile enables NLS patrons to download and listen to audiobooks and magazines directly from their Android devices. Registered Texas Talking Book patrons will need a BARD account and a device running Android OS version 9-14 in order to use this updated version of the app.

Among the highlights:

In-app search functionality

A fully supported in-app search function, including Music Collection search, for a more seamless experience.

Spanish translation

The app can now be set so its text and audio are in Spanish. To switch to Spanish, select it as the default language in your device settings. The app’s visual and TalkBack interface will adjust.

International language search option

Explore the new international language search option by choosing up to four languages in the app’s settings. Filter search results by selecting your preferred language.

Navigate to: App’s Settings > User Account Settings > Language Preferences > Select up to four languages.

When accessing Get Books – Search, you will have up to four languages based on your settings. Default languages are English and Spanish if no changes are made.

Compatibility and User Guide update

  • The app supports Android OS versions 9–14.
  • Please note that the User Guide is being updated and will be added later.

Users should be able to update supported Android devices by February 1, 2024. BARD Mobile users can confirm that they are running the latest version by checking the bottom of the app’s Settings screen.

New BARD Download Limits

Beginning February 6, 2024, NLS patrons will be allowed to download no more than 250 books and magazines from BARD in any rolling thirty-day period. This download maximum includes both audio and braille titles, and across all BARD platforms. This means if you download 200 unique items using BARD Express, you can still download another 50 titles using the BARD mobile app on your smart device.

The download limit is calculated by adding up the number of “unique titles” downloaded. You can download the same title on additional devices in the same thirty-day period without that download counting against the limit.