I first wrote about Vook in April. Today it appears the site has formally launched with four titles:
Vooks have text but also filmed scenes or sequences. It’s essentially a new medium envisioned by Brad Inman, who founded Turn Here. To call Inman’s timing impeccable might be an understatement in this case. Here’s what the email announcing the launch said:
The Vook Team is pleased to announce the launch of our first vooks, all published in partnership with Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc. These four titles—Promises, a romance by Jude Deveraux, The 90 Second Fitness Solution, a fitness book by Pete Cerqua, Embassy, a thriller by Richard Doetsch and Return to Beauty, a health book by Narine Nikogosian—elegantly realize Vook’s mission: to blend a book with videos into one complete, instructive and entertaining story.
With the iPhone, other smartphone platforms and forthcoming tablets this will become a hot medium. Indeed, all future digital books will probably incorporate video in some way (either author interviews or Vook-like scenes).
Screenwerk 
October 2, 2009 at 7:25 am
This is not a Multimedia EBook. Multi-media – means more media. But Brad Inman make in Vook only text and video. Only! Read It. Watch It.
And. It is not a Book. Digital text and Video creative compilation. Only!
October 27, 2009 at 7:26 pm
I am not sold on the idea of Vook. I would much rather have an actual book to curl up with and enjoy. Sitting in front of my computer or attempting to “read” via my smartphone is not what I would call comfy reading. I’ve tried to read a book this way and I did not find it enjoyable at all. No thanks. Much as I love and own all of Jude Deveraux’s books, I probably will not get to enjoy “Promises.” Give me a good old fashioned paperback book anyday!
October 27, 2009 at 9:07 pm
You might read a magazine or newspaper this way, however.