As you may know, the current generation of book readers uses the E-Ink technology, which currently does B&W 800 x 640 on a flexible substrate. They project that color E-Ink devices will become available no earlier than 2011. Hi-res is important: readability studies shows that paper with 600 dpi is the gold standard. a 600 dpi 8 x 10 page is 4800 x 6000 pixels, which is still a pretty big image even for today’s computers.
In an ideal world, huge amounts of content in EPUB format would come together with inexpensive, color, touch-enabled e-readers, making them solid textbook replacements and turning giant student backpacks into thin messenger bags.
This is hardly an ideal world, though. Yes, it looks like the inexpensive color e-reader will be a reality, but the same technology will also enable inexpensive color tablets. What is a school going to buy? A one-trick pony e-reader for its students or a really useful convergence device for a slight upcharge?
App Attack: Mobile Reading
Though we’ve recently noticed a few more Kindles on the subway, mobile phones are infinitely more common. As more consumers choose to read e-books on their smartphones rather than purchase standalone e-reading devices, publishers are working to create apps and other iPhone-ready content.
Большой обзор растущего рынка.
Sony Reader Store goes 100% EPUB on Friday – Engadget
Listen up Sony Reader owners: you’ve got three days to change your ways. On December 11th, the eBook Store from Sony will be renamed the Reader Store with a new URL to prove it. In addition to a new store layout, the change also extends the open EPUB format to Sony’s entire inventory of eBooks. In fact, any new electronic books will only be available in EPUB which helps explain the motivation for Sony’s PRS-500 trade-in program.
China and Taiwan Agree to Promote EPUB E-book Standard - PC World
China and Taiwan agreed in principal to promote the EPUB e-book format for the Chinese-language market at a technology conference last week, and officials plan to meet again next year to solidify the deal, Taiwan’s economics ministry said Wednesday.
Если учесть величину китайского рынка и то простое обстоятельство, что все букридеры (пока, во всяком случае) делаются именно там, то теперь можно со всей определенностью утверждать, что EPUB и вправду стал индустриальным стандартом.
Taiwan Plans to Roll out E-readers in Schools - PC World
Taiwan’s Ministry of Education plans to offer e-readers to schoolkids on the island next year as part of efforts to further digitize schools and promote reading. The e-readers are part of a five-year, NT$50 billion (US$1.55 billion) budget earmarked for information technology in classrooms. Currently the ministry is reviewing designs for e-readers and doesn’t yet know how many it will purchase for next year, a representative said.
Qualcomm mirasol color video ebook readers to ship in 2010 - SlashGear
Ebook readers are arguably coming of age, but don’t assume e-ink – and the push to produce color e-ink panels – have won the game quite yet. SlashGear met up with Qualcomm’s mirasol team today to discuss their latest display news, and while you might remember the technology from their early 1.1-inch single-color panels, they’re now showing off a 5.
iRiver Story. Уже в России Говорят, в розницу будет 12 тысяч. Дорого.
Marvell Syncs With E Ink On New E-Reader Tech Aimed At Mass Market | paidContent
The e-reader market is beginning to resemble a crowded subway train at rush hour and the latest entry could make it feel even more crowded. Marvell Technology Group and E Ink are partnering on a “turnkey” tech solution based on one integrated chip called the Marvell Armada 166E, with the first devices due in 2010.
Spring Design
Spring Design today announced Alex™, the first Google Android-based e-book with full browser capabilities and patented dual screen, the Duet Navigator™. Alex, the first Google Android-based e-book device to provide full Internet browsing over Wi-Fi or mobile networks such as 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM. Alex™ features a 6" E-Ink EPD display and 3.5" color LCD display, earphones and speakers. A removable SD card will free up library space on the device while letting users archive content for future reference.