Level 26ers,

Almost before I was thinking about the “Digi-Novel,” I was thinking about the app for Level 26. Here’s why… I realize that reading 20-25 pages, putting down the book, logging in to watch a cyber-bridge, and then going back to the book is a lot of moves. I get it. I wanted to honor the sanctity of the book in your hands but I also wanted to launch a tangible thing. That said, I believe the ideal “Digi-Novel” experience of the future will be the convergence of publishing, motion pictures, and community websites all wrapped into one. This will be the “Level 26” app on iTunes.

Now, for the record, we HAVE NOT been accepted by iTunes yet. We are wrapping up the filing process and we hope to get accepted. And although I know the price, I cannot publicly talk about that in this blog. All I can say is that it will be affordable and it will blow your mind.

Ben Satterfield from 23 Divide Studios, creators of Gigotron, is building the most kick ass app experience ever. When you download it, the book cover will be born to scary ass music. When you press “Begin Experience,” the black and white pictures are shown – just like the hardcover book. For every page turn, you hear scary Halloween/Michael Meyers type music. The backgrounds change with knocked back production stills beneath the pages. So damn cool I can’t even stand it.

After about 30-40 page flips, the option will come up to “Watch Movie” or “Skip Movie.” If you press “Skip Movie,” I give you a slap. No, I’m kidding. I would hope that you’ll choose “Watch Movie,” at which time the appropriate cyber bridge begins to play in all it’s HD glory. It is absolutely beautiful.

So, here’s what I want to do. Below, I’ve posted several still photos of the early images of the app. These are some of the ideas we’re thinking about. I want you guys to fill this blog section with comments, levels of interest, feedback on what you see here, and more. This thing is for all you guys out there, so I want to hear what you want. It’s not too late to make any back door changes to the app and we hope to launch it in the next 3-4 weeks. I am looking forward to your thoughts.

         
           This is the cover page you'll see when you open the app.


         
This is an example of how a book page will be laid out on your iPhone or iPod.



                  This is what you'll see when you click "Play Movie."


         
This is the bookmark you can use when you are too scared and need a break.


         
     This is one of twenty exclusive illustrations hand drawn by Marc Ecko.


  • Share
  • Categories: Zuiker , Dark Origins , News
Wondering...since I completely plan on buying the app, just wondering..will there a coupon/discount code for those of us who have already purchased the actual book? 

I already own the Kindle version as well as the hardback and it almost seems silly for me to purchase the app / a 3rd book in an app just to get the benefit of the bridges on my iTouch.  I don't mind the book being in the app b/c I look fwd to the cool features such as music, backgrounds, etc, but a discount for someone who already owns 2 copies would be cool :)
It looks incredibly cool. Unfortunaly there is no phone provider where i live that offers the iPhone so none of my friends can enjoy this app. As for me, i've already finished the book but it really does look pretty sweet as an app.
Kassi- That is a good idea but I think I would freak out if I thought Sqweegel was calling me!! Plus with some Level 26 inspired ring tone, I can freak out anyone within hearing distance =) They should work on so it could be ready in time for Halloween!!
I was searching the app store for a Level 26 app Monday. Guess I wasn't patient enough. My biggest concern is "When this finally hits the app store I will have finished the book. Will I want to spend money on it?"
I love the ipod/iphone concept and think the presentation of word and art is very professional and eye-appealing.  My only concern is I'm worried about getting rear-ended on the freeway by a Level26er who is caught up in your incredible alternate ipod universe  :~)   I'm enjoying the book and cyber-bridge experience immensely, even though there are a few story line flaws.  But, that gives us something to sqweegel about in the chat room, which is also a cool concept.  My recommendation would be to make the cyber-bridges more meaningful and less of a rehash of what we already know from the book.  For example; why do we need to see a newspaper headline about horses when it would have been much more creepy and insightful to see Sqweegel writing (with something) on the mirror?  (Being careful not to give anything away) 
The whole time I was reading the book, I kept wishing there was a way to access the cyber-bridges from my iTouch!!  So frustrating!  I would like to throw my hat in with those who have said that a "light" version (free - or $0.99) that would only play the cyber-bridges would be the most useful!  I know I wouldn't pay more than that having already bought the book!

It's too bad this wasn't implimented before the book's release... though there should be plenty of time to get 2 apps together before the second book comes out...

It will be interesting to see how Apple rates it!  When I was reading/watching, I kept thinking that if it were a movie, I'd give it an NC-17 rating, LOL!
Are you thinkin about a translating version, for example in italian??

Thanks,
Has there been any more word on a release date for this application? I too love the thought of being able to view the bridges from my iPhone as I share my computer with the partner, and I tried viewing the website from my iPhone but it doesnt support flash unfortunately :(
— or sign up for an account.
  • Read earlier discussion
  • View all
  • 59 Responses

  • Categories

    • This website and its contents TM & © 2010 Anthony E. Zuiker. All Rights Reserved