New York State Library
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BARD Apps for Apple and Android Devices

The BARD Mobile apps enable NLS patrons to download audio and braille books, magazines, and music scores directly to their iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices provided they have a BARD account. (The BARD Mobile app is not currently available for Microsoft Windows devices.)

A refreshable braille display is required to read downloaded braille materials.

Apple iOS

The updated BARD Mobile app for iOSexternal link, version 1.1, became available at the App Store in October 2015. This updated version of the app includes the following features:

  • Built-in sleep timer
  • New setting that keeps device from sleeping while download is in progress
  • Add to wish list directly from details screen
  • Enhanced braille search function
  • Improved VoiceOver hints and labels
  • New braille shortcut key
  • Improved Magic Tap response
  • Works with iOS 9

Android

The BARD app for Android devices is available from the Google Play storeexternal link. It enables NLS patrons to download audiobooks and audio magazines directly to Android devices, provided they:

  • have a BARD account and
  • are using a device running Android OS 4.1 or later.

Instructions for using BARD on an Android device are also available.

Kindle

An Android BARD app is also available at the Amazon App storeexternal link for patrons who wish to download their books to a Kindle Fire device. Note that only second-generation Kindle Fire devices are equipped to run the BARD Mobile application. A list of compatible Kindle devices is listed below. Some of these Kindle Fire devices do not include accessibility features.

  • Fire (2015)
  • Fire HD 10 (2015)
  • Fire HD 6 (2014)
  • Fire HD 7 (2014)
  • Fire HD 8 (2015)
  • Fire HDX 8.9 (2014)
  • Fire HDX 8.9 WAN (2014)
  • Fire Phone
  • Kindle Fire HD (2013)
  • Kindle Fire HDX (2013)
  • Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (2013)
  • Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 WAN (2013)
  • Kindle Fire HDX WAN (2013)

For More Information

Last Updated: June 14, 2021