World Book History App by Software MacKiev Is #1 in Education Category for Apple iPad

BOSTON, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Software MacKiev, an award winning developer and publisher of consumer and educational software, announced today that its first iPad application, WORLD BOOK - This Day in History has been the most frequently downloaded free iPad app in the Education category in Apple's App Store since the day of the iPad's launch on April 3rd. The company plans to release additional iPad applications throughout the year under the Software MacKiev brand name, as well as to continue the company's long history of developing world-class software for other publishers.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100408/AQ82807)

This Day in History for iPad is an interactive multimedia calendar that displays historical events for the current day or any selected day, along with related media such as photos, illustrations, music, and speeches. Users will hear the national anthems of countries on the day they became a nation, listen to presidents' speeches on the anniversaries of their inaugurations, and play sound clips from famous artists on their birthdays.  With a text excerpt for each event from the 2010 World Book Encyclopedia, and at least one picture for every event, users can experience the people and places making each day in history famous.

"I'm particularly thrilled to have our company continue its role on the cutting edge of Apple technology by releasing our first iPad application in time for Apple's iPad launch," said Software MacKiev President, Jack Minsky.  "This new device is clearly the future of computing and we're excited about having one of our famous software titles running on it from the very start.  Software MacKiev's World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia was bundled on all Mac education and consumer computers for several years, and it was the very first award-winning title we published.  So it's fitting that our first iPad App has World Book content."

All the events listed in This Day in History for iPad have been taken from the 2010 World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia which Software MacKiev also publishes for Mac and PC computers.  Each excerpt concentrates on interesting aspects that users might not know.  For example, users will learn that Vermont was an independent republic for 14 years before becoming a state, and that George Washington at one point considered sending troops to overthrow the Vermont government.  For users interested in learning more, links are provided to the Apple iTunes store where they can purchase books, audiotapes and music related to that day's event.

Pricing and Availability

Software MacKiev's WORLD BOOK - This Day in History for iPad is available now from the iTunes App Store as a free download.  Instructions for accessing it can be found at the company's web site ( www.mackiev.com ).  A special edition of This Day in History is being developed for schools with video clips, search capabilities and additional educational content and will be available later this month. The 2010 World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia for PC and Mac has a suggested retail price of $39.95 and can be purchased from Software MacKiev and a variety of retail channels.

About Software MacKiev

Software MacKiev is a leading developer and publisher of award-winning consumer and educational software, including The Print Shop® 2, Kid Pix® Deluxe 3X, Mavis Beacon® Teaches Typing, Roger Wagner's HyperStudio®, World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, 3D Weather Globe™ & Atlas, and three Dr. Seuss Titles: ABC, The Cat in the Hat, and Green Eggs and Ham.  Software MacKiev is also the world's largest full-service development company dedicated to assisting other software publishers in adopting Apple technologies in their products.

About World Book, Inc.

Since 1917, World Book, Inc., has set the standard for providing accuracy, objectivity, and reliability in research materials for both children and adults.  Based in Chicago, Illinois, World Book is an industry leader in the production of award-winning encyclopedias, reference sources, and digital products for the home and schools. World Book (www.worldbook.com) is a Scott Fetzer company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

World Book is a trademark of World Book, Inc.

For more information, please visit  www.mackiev.com or email [email protected].

SOURCE Software MacKiev