Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/amazon-kindle-lending-library-harry-potter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/amazon-kindle-lending-library-harry-potter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/amazon-kindle-lending-library-harry-potter/#comments amazon-kindle-lending-library-harry-potter

Amazon will never run out of copies of Harry Potter e-books from its Lending Library. Thanks to a new agreement with Pottermore, on June 19th the entire seven-book collection will be among the 140,000 plus you can grab, provided, of course, that you're an Amazon Prime member. If you've forked over the $79 yearly membership fee, you'll have no due date or waiting, and all your highlights and bookmarks will be saved if you need to re-borrow. Unlike your local library, you can only take out one at a time, but at least you won't have to line up behind all the Muggles to get it.

Continue reading Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed

Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersharry potterHarryPotterkindlekindle appkindle lending librarykindle library lendingKindleAppKindleLendingLibraryKindleLibraryLendingLending LibraryLendingLibraryminipostpottermoreThu, 10 May 2012 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/e-book-sales-grew-54-percent-in-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/e-book-sales-grew-54-percent-in-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/e-book-sales-grew-54-percent-in-uk/#comments Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011

All hail the e-book! Seriously, if it weren't for this marvelous literary development, try saying with a straight face that you wouldn't at least take pause before adding a new title to your collection. Numbers are in from The Publisher's Association -- a group of 120 companies across the trade in the UK -- which reveals that e-book digital sales have increased 54 percent for the year 2011, and of that statistic, 13 percent of revenues came from academic and professional titles. As a sign of changing preferences, the total sales of both e-books and their traditional counterparts fell by two percent during the year -- and let's be honest, it's not hard to see which group fell short. Also reflective of the shift is the fact that average book prices fell by 1.3 percent during the year, which compares favorably to the UK's current inflation rate of 4.47 percent. Those interested in the full story will find the PR after the break.

Continue reading Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011

Yes, people still read: e-book sales by UK publishers grew 54 percent in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebooksfiguresnumberssalessales figuresSalesFiguresstatisticsstatsthe publishers associationThePublishersAssociationukWed, 02 May 2012 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3m-cloud-library-ebook-lending-service/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3m-cloud-library-ebook-lending-service/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/3m-cloud-library-ebook-lending-service/#comments 3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow

Almost a year after it was first announced 3M's Cloud Library e-book lending service is getting a proper rollout. Introduced today at a beta site in St. Paul, the system is now ready for its kiosks, e-readers and apps to hit the hands and eyes of library patrons. The touch-based Discovery Terminals allow catalog browsing for visitors and selections can be checked out -- along with 3M's eReaders -- like other library materials. Already have a mobile device? E-books will play nicely with your iPad, Nook or Android device via the Cloud Library app. If you find yourself needing to read a bit on your computer, checked out items are compatible with both PCs and Macs as well. "With this technology, we are able to offer cutting-edge technology to all our patrons, whether they own their own e-reader or not," said Kit Hadley, director of the Saint Paul Public Library. A handful of other library systems across the US have also implemented the service. The list of those sites and all details on the introductory period await your click in the PR below.

Continue reading 3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow

3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3M3M cloud library3M discovery terminal3mCloudLibrary3mDiscoveryTerminalandroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletappapplicationappsborrowingcloud libraryCloudLibrarydiscovery terminalDiscoveryTerminale booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book lendingE-bookLendinge-bookse-readere-readersebookebooksereaderereadersipadlendinglibrarynookpublishingreadingsofWed, 25 Apr 2012 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/#comments Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany

Amazon is now shipping preorders for its Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G in both the UK and Germany, a week ahead of schedule. While eager e-reader... readers in the likes of France, Italy and Spain have to wait a little longer, Germans and Brits can expect their orders to arrive starting tomorrow, with stock also available in bricks-and-mortar options including John Lewis, Dixons, Argos, Carphone Warehouse, Currys, PC World and Tesco. Alas, there's still no news of a Eurozone arrival date for the Kindle Fire. We assume our European readers are still willing to wait, right?

Update: Amazon has contacted us stating that the devices have actually "started shipping to customers in France, Italy and Spain from the respective sites (Amazon.fr, .it and .es), as well as the UK and DE."

Continue reading Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update)

Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle touchAmazonKindleAmazonKindleTouche booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReaderseuropegermanykindlekindle touchkindle touch 3gKindleTouchKindleTouch3grelease dateReleaseDateukFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also, might not]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/#comments Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also might notRumors relating to a new Kindle, or three, land in our inbox with surprising frequency, but when they come from our brethren at TechCrunch, we'll definitely give it a listen. Devin Coldewey reports how he was lucky enough to snatch a glance at an in-development Kindle, which sports an illuminated screen. Amazon's purchase of Finnish firm Oy Modilis, which has a quiver of patents pertaining to lighting technology, adds credence to the idea that an e-reader with some form of lighting could be in the works, and Coldewey thinks he's seen it. He says tapping the screen reveals a slider that, when dragged to the right, "lit up evenly with a rather cool light." Importantly -- for eyes and batteries alike -- the light is said to be softer, and of a gentler blue-white color, compared to the harsh white common in LCDs. The loose-lipped wielder of this device claims that the industrial design isn't finished yet, but did hint at a 2012 release. We're not holding our breath, but the chance to do away with additional light accessories, is definitely enough to have us keep our fingers crossed.

Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also, might not originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebacklite booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReaderseuropeilluminatedkindlekindle touchKindleTouchprototyperumorscreenSat, 07 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon launches Kindle eBook store en Español, over 33,000 libros to choose from]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/amazon-kindle-ebook-store-spanish/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/amazon-kindle-ebook-store-spanish/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/amazon-kindle-ebook-store-spanish/#comments Amazon launches Kindle eBook store en Español, over 33,000 libros to choose from
Buenas noticias para todos los amantes de los libros que viven en Estados Unidos. Amazon acaba de anunciar una nueva tienda llamada eBooks Kindle en Español. El nuevo servicio dará acceso a más de 33,000 libros que se podrán leer en los diferentes dispositivos Kindle. Esta biblioteca virtual incluirá una lista con los títulos más vendidos de Nielsen, autores mexicanos como José Emilio Pacheco y Sergio Pitol, libros para niños como Dora la Exploradora y Go Diego Go, mientras que también habrá traducciones de Hunger Games, The Help y la biografía de Steve Jobs. Todos aquellos autores independientes que también estén interesados podrán publicar sus libros usando el sitio KDP de Amazon. Si quieres conocer más detalles, puedes echar un vistazo a la nota de prensa o incluso hacer clic en la fuente para realizar el tour completo por la tienda.

Psst... head on past the break for a translation.

Continue reading Amazon launches Kindle eBook store en Español, over 33,000 libros to choose from

Amazon launches Kindle eBook store en Español, over 33,000 libros to choose from originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle storeAmazonKindleStoree booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseBookespañolkindlekindle storeKindleStorespanishstoreThu, 05 Apr 2012 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Nook Tablet can be repartitioned in-store, Android app adds comic support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/nook-tablet-repartitioned-in-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/nook-tablet-repartitioned-in-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/nook-tablet-repartitioned-in-store/#comments Did you take umbrage with Barnes & Noble's efforts to hoard all your Nook Tablet storage for its own content? Well, the book seller has made good on its promise to reassign a portion of your 16GB hard drive, opening up 8GB for personal content and leaving 5.5GB for Nook Shop content. As we said before, you'll need to physically take your Nook Tablet to the bricks and mortar outlets to get the storage tweak. Readers that decided to go for other Android-laced tablets have also been gifted with a Nook app update, adding support for comics and related graphical literature -- just make sure that the slab is running Android 2.2 or higher.

PSA: Nook Tablet can be repartitioned in-store, Android app adds comic support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8gb nook tablet8gbNookTabletbarnes and nobleBarnes and Noble Nookbarnes and noble nook tabletBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookBarnesAndNobleNookTabletBNe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersnooknook tabletNookTabletpartitionstorageWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/#comments Google Play replaces Android Market, your new source for apps, books, movies and musicThe Android Market has morphed significantly since its inception, which now allows users to purchase books, music and rent movies, all from within a hub that was originally designed for just apps. To recognize this fundamental shift -- and emphasize the availability of content for sale -- Google is launching a new platform known as Google Play. The move hints at a strategy shift from just Android to the cloud as a whole, and establishes an umbrella brand for the diverse content sold by Google. For example, its Books, Music and Videos apps will now become Play Books, Play Music and Play Movies, while the Android Market itself will take on the moniker of Play Store. Users of Android 2.2 (and above) should notice the software update within the next few days, although other than the new name, initial changes should be minimal. We're also to be on the lookout for a new "Play" tab within the top toolbar of Google's website. To mark the occasion, the company has announced a promotional "Seven Days to Play" sale, which will tease would-be shoppers with discounted apps, books, movies and music throughout the week. For an additional peek at what's in store, you'll find the gallery below and a video after the break.

Gallery: Introducing Google Play

Continue reading Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)

Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappappsbookbooksebookebooksgooglegoogle booksgoogle moviesgoogle musicgoogle playgoogle play booksgoogle play moviesgoogle play musicgoogle play storeGoogleBooksGoogleMoviesGoogleMusicGooglePlayGooglePlayBooksGooglePlayMoviesGooglePlayMusicGooglePlayStorehdpostcrossmobilepostcrossmoviesmusicplayplay booksplay moviesplay musicPlayBooksPlayMoviesPlayMusicTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Publishing to sell series of ebooks outside the Kindle Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/amazon-publishing-to-sell-series-of-ebooks-outside-the-kindle-st/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/amazon-publishing-to-sell-series-of-ebooks-outside-the-kindle-st/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/amazon-publishing-to-sell-series-of-ebooks-outside-the-kindle-st/#comments It remains to be seen if it's a full-on change of policy, but it looks like Amazon is at least shifting it stance when it comes to where some of the ebooks put out by its Amazon Publishing division are sold. As you may recall, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers recently pulled print editions of Amazon Publishing books from their store shelves because the ebook versions were only sold in the Kindle Store, a stance that B&N said "undermined the industry as a whole." Now, Amazon has confirmed that its latest addition to the Amazon Publishing roster, a series of short biographies edited by James Atlas, will indeed be sold outside of the Amazon ecosystem in both print and ebook form. Whether B&N and other bookstores will actually carry them remains to be seen, of course, but an Amazon spokesperson told The New York Times that its "intention is to distribute these books as broadly as possible." That change was further clarified by PaidContent, which was told by Amazon that "the books will be available to be sold everywhere in all formats."

Amazon Publishing to sell series of ebooks outside the Kindle Store originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon livesamazon publishingAmazonLivesAmazonPublishingbarnes noblebarnes and nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookexclusivitySat, 03 Mar 2012 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Hack enables fast refresh mode on Nook Simple Touch (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hack-enables-fast-refresh-mode-on-nook-simple-touch-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hack-enables-fast-refresh-mode-on-nook-simple-touch-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hack-enables-fast-refresh-mode-on-nook-simple-touch-video/#comments As anyone who's used an e-reader knows, page refreshes aren't the most elegant feature of E Ink. Well, if you've got a Nook Simple Touch a hack released by XDA Developers member marspeople could put an end to your page-changing woes. You'll need to root your device and install an .apk, then simply activate fast refresh mode by a four-tap gesture -- sadly, not the Konami code. What is impressive, is just how fast the screen refreshing actually is. Fluidly browsing documents and the web on e-readers suddenly has the potential to be a whole lot less frustrating. Check the video after the break to see a demo, and touch the source link below if you want in on the fun.

[Thanks, Nate]

Continue reading Hack enables fast refresh mode on Nook Simple Touch (video)

Hack enables fast refresh mode on Nook Simple Touch (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfast refreshFastRefreshhacknooknook simple touchnook touchNookSimpleTouchNookTouchpage refreshPageRefreshrefreshrefresh hackRefreshHackscrollingxdaxda-developersThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/#comments Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2?Still anticipating the Kindle Fire's successor? Well, here's some gossip from the Far East for you Bezos fans. According to the well-connected China Times of Taiwan, it's been informed by parts suppliers that Amazon's next tablet does not yet have a finalized specification, though it hinted that a 10-inch OEM device from Foxconn could be a potential candidate. Amazon's chain of manufacturers -- including Quanta, ACES, Prime View, Singatron, CviLux and the newly added Foxconn -- is allegedly scheduled to supply sample parts in March, followed by mass production (assembled by Quanta and Foxconn, naturally) in May or June before releasing to market by the end of Q2.

Additionally, China Times understands that as an attempt to further reduce manufacturing costs, Amazon will also be personally picking and approving parts; as opposed to the olden days where Quanta took full care of the first Kindle Fire. This is surely a bad sign for Quanta in the short run, but hey, cheaper tablets sell well. The real question is: do people actually want a larger Kindle Fire? We're a tad skeptical at this point.

Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACESamazonandroidchina timesChinaTimesCviLuxe-readerebookfirefoxconnkindlekindle fireKindleFirePrime ViewPrimeViewquantarumorsingatrontabletFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba announces color e-reader in Japan, hopes people buy more e-books from its store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/toshiba-announces-color-bookplace-db50-e-reader-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/toshiba-announces-color-bookplace-db50-e-reader-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/toshiba-announces-color-bookplace-db50-e-reader-in-japan/#comments Toshiba announces color e-reader in Japan, hopes people buy more e-books from its storeIf you're gonna be late to a party, you should at least be fashionably late. That's the mindset behind Toshiba's entry into the dedicated e-reader space with its new 7-inch BookPlace DB50. Toshiba hopes adding an e-reader alongside its existing AT200 and Thrive tablets will push more eyeballs towards the 100,000 or so titles in its BookPlace online bookstore. The ¥22,000 ($284) BookPlace DB50 sports a TFT-LCD screen with an LED backlight, a 1GHz Freescale i.MX535 processor, 8GB of internal flash memory and a microSD slot. The device also measures 120mm wide, 190mm tall, 11mm thick and weighs 330 grams (11.6 ounces), with battery life rated at up to 7.5 hours. Toshiba did not mention the operating system in its release though the hubbub in the Interwebs is that it will use customized versions of Linux and Android Gingerbread. The Japanese debut is pegged for February 10th and the company is apparently considering a release outside the country, too.

Toshiba announces color e-reader in Japan, hopes people buy more e-books from its store originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book placeBookPlacebookplace db50BookplaceDb50db50e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookebook storeEBooksEbookStoreEReaderEReaderstoshibatoshiba book placetoshiba e-readertoshiba ereadertoshiba readerToshibaBookPlaceToshibaE-readerToshibaEreaderToshibaReaderFri, 27 Jan 2012 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iBooks 2 textbooks video walkthrough and screenshots (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/#comments We had a few minutes to browse through iBooks 2 textbooks following Apple's press conference this morning, but now we have a fully-loaded iPad 2 to play with, so we decided to spend some more time getting educated in the comfort of our in-house studio. You already had a chance to get familiar with the new app and associated media earlier today, so this time it's all about the visuals. Browse through the galley below as we explore Life on Earth before taking a front seat in Biology and getting our hands dirty with Frog Dissection. And if you're feeling brave, there's a juicy video walkthrough just past the break.

Gallery: Apple iBooks 2 screenshots

Continue reading Apple iBooks 2 textbooks video walkthrough and screenshots (hands-on)

Apple iBooks 2 textbooks video walkthrough and screenshots (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppappleApple EducationApple StoreAppleEducationAppleStoredemoe booke bookse readere readerse-Booke-Bookse-readere-readerse-Textbooke-TextbooksEBookEBookseducationEReaderEReaderseTextbookeTextbookshands-oniBookibooksibooks 2Ibooks2iOSios 5Ios5iPadlearninglionmacMac AppMacAppTextbooktextbooksvideoThu, 19 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's iBooks 2 e-textbooks pack tons of info, take up tons of your iPad's memory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apples-ibooks-2-e-textbooks-pack-tons-of-info-take-up-tons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apples-ibooks-2-e-textbooks-pack-tons-of-info-take-up-tons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apples-ibooks-2-e-textbooks-pack-tons-of-info-take-up-tons-of/#comments Apple just got done unveiling its new iBooks 2 platform, letting us in on its plan to revamp education (in part) through its fancy new e-textbooks. These digital volumes look beautiful and come at a relatively meager monetary cost ($14.99), but a quick perusal of the textbooks available in iTunes reveals they'll take a sizable chunk of your iPad's memory. The current lineup of eight texts range in size from 800MB to 2.77GB, so folks looking to grab a full semester's worth of materials may have to carry an extra iPad or three to get the job done. Not an ideal solution, but a few Apple slates are still easier to schlep across campus than those massive texts you're used to, right?

Apple's iBooks 2 e-textbooks pack tons of info, take up tons of your iPad's memory originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple educationAppleEducatione booke bookse textbooke textbookse-booke-bookse-textbooksEBookEBookseducationETextbookETextbooksibooksibooks 2Ibooks2learningtextbooktextbooksThu, 19 Jan 2012 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple launches iBooks 2 e-Textbook platform (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2/#comments
We're here at Apple's education-flavored event at the Guggenheim museum in New York City. Phil Schiller has just taken to the stage and announced the first half of Apple's platform that's going to "reinvent the textbook:" iBooks 2. Saying that there were 1.5 million iPads currently in use in Education (using 20,000 specific apps), the revamped book-stand now includes education-specific features to help the budding students of the world.

You'll be able to paw through content, stopping to flick through detailed 3D animated models of elements within, access video and definitions without leaving the page. VP of Productivity Applications, Roger Rosner said that "Clearly, no printed book can compete with this:" given the constantly-updated data available, that's kinda obvious. Still, you'll be able to read in a text-heavy portrait or picture-biased landscape mode and there's also the option to have random pop-quizzes appear to keep you on your toes. Annotations is an integral part of the system: you can add stickies to individual pages and aggregate them into virtual 3 x 5-inch note-cards for revision during finals. You'll also get the same purchase, download and re-download rights you enjoy in the company's other stores.


The company's partnered (initially) with textbook makers Pearson, McGraw Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, as the trio are responsible for 90 percent of all textbooks sold -- as well as DK and the E.O. Wilson Foundation. Phil was gushing, saying that he couldn't "overemphasize the importance of these partners working with us." Pearson's High School Science, Biology, DK's Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life, Natural History Insects, Animals and My First ABC as well as the first two chapters of E.O. Wilson's Life on Earth will be available at launch -- the latter is free. You'll be able to download iBooks 2 from the app store free of charge, whilst textbooks themselves will cost $14.99 or less : a far cry from the $80 dead-tree textbooks we shelled out for in college.

Update: We've got a hands-on up live from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City!

Gallery: iBooks 2

Continue reading Apple launches iBooks 2 e-Textbook platform (video)

Apple launches iBooks 2 e-Textbook platform (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppAppleApple EducationApple StoreAppleEducationAppleStoree booke bookse readere readerse-Booke-Bookse-readere-readerse-Textbooke-TextbookseBookeBooksEddy CueEddyCueEducationeTextbookeTextbooksiBookiBooksiBooks 2Ibooks2iOSiPadMacMac AppMacAppNew YorkNew York CitNewYorkPhil SchillerPhilSchillerRoger RosnerRogerRosnerTextbookTextbooksThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's CES 2012 Preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/engadgets-2012-ces-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/engadgets-2012-ces-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/engadgets-2012-ces-preview/#comments Though the holidays are once again coming to a close, we now find ourselves just a week away from every geek's ultimate holiday -- the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, arguably the biggest event of the year for the tech world. Thousands of companies gather in the Nevada desert to show off their latest innovations, setting the stage for what will no doubt be another stellar year in electronics. In anticipation of the onslaught we're about to experience, we want to offer up our predictions of what you can expect at the show. There's always a few wondrous surprises that nobody could ever see coming -- part of what makes CES fun -- but aside from those jaw-dropping moments, we have a pretty solid idea of what will take place next week. So join us as we break down CES 2012, one category at a time.

Continue reading Engadget's CES 2012 Preview

Engadget's CES 2012 Preview originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012audioautoautomotivecameracamerascarcesces 2012ces previewCes2012CesPreviewcomputercomputersconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowdesktopdesktopse-readere-readersebookebooksereaderereadersgamesgamingHDTVheadphoneHeadphoneJackheadphoneslaptoplaptopsmobilepostcrossnotebooknotebookspreviewtablettabletstelevisionTelevision newsTelevisionNewstransportationtvultrabookultraportableTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/#comments Qualcomm's Mirasol display technology was supposedly inspired by butterfly wings, and its progress over the past year has been appropriately erratic. It was happening, then it wasn't, then it was again -- but only in the Korea-confined Kyobo e-Reader. Despite all the flitting about, however, some consistent promises have been made: a 'converged' screen that's like E Ink because it requires no backlight and lasts for "weeks" on a single charge, and like LCD in its ability to refresh quickly and handle color video. Thanks to Netbook News, we now have some eyes-on of the 5.7-inch, 1024 x 768 Kyobo in action, powered by a 1GHz single-core Snapdragon S2 and Android 2.3, and it's yours for the glimpsing right after the break. There's room for improvement, especially with color saturation, viewing angles and reflectiveness, but we're not quibbling -- this ₩349,000 ($310) device evidently lives up to its central claim.

Continue reading Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't

Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40fps5.7 inch Mirasol5.7-inch5.7InchMirasolbutterflycolor displaycolor e-inkcolor e-readercolor ebookcolor videoColorDisplayColorE-inkColorE-readerColorEbookColorVideoe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-readere-readersebookeinkKoreakyoboKyobo eReaderKyoboEreaderMirasolNetbook NewsNetbookNewsqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolreadersunflowervideoMon, 19 Dec 2011 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Flex Lighting's LED film will brighten your e-reader, mood (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/#comments
The slogan pretty much says it all: Flex Lighting has developed a new front light LED film that could drastically change the way you interact with your e-reader. According to the Chicago-based company, this film is part of a new lighting system that promises to bring smooth, nighttime reading to E Ink displays everywhere. Flex Lighting's setup is rather simple, consisting of nothing more than a single LED and a thin layer of film, laminated onto a device's reflective screen. At a thickness of just 50 micron, the film essentially acts as a light guide, spreading the LED's beams across a reader's display and creating a "soft glow" that many predecessors have thus far failed to replicate. The folks over at the eBook Reader managed to get their hands on a brief demo video, in which the system performs rather impressively. See it in action for yourself, after the break.

Continue reading Flex Lighting's LED film will brighten your e-reader, mood (video)

Flex Lighting's LED film will brighten your e-reader, mood (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50 micron50Micronbookdarkdemodemo videoDemoVideodisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookfilmFlex LightingFlexLightingLEDlightlight guideLightGuidelightingnightreadingvideoWed, 14 Dec 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[E-book publishers are now being investigated in the US, not just Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/e-book-publishers-are-now-being-investigated-in-the-us-not-just/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/e-book-publishers-are-now-being-investigated-in-the-us-not-just/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/e-book-publishers-are-now-being-investigated-in-the-us-not-just/#comments Just two days after the European Commission announced that it was investigating Apple and major international publishers for possible e-book price fixing, the US Justice Department has made it clear that it's also launching a probe into the possibility of "anticompetitive practices involving e-book sales." Although Justice Department officials didn't name which companies they're looking into, it's very likely that they're focusing on the same agreements between publishers and the major e-book platform owners -- either Apple or Amazon or both.

E-book publishers are now being investigated in the US, not just Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anticompetitiveantitrustappleauthoritiescompetitione booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book salese-booksE-bookSalese-readere-readersebookEuropean CommissionEuropeanCommissioninvestigationipadJustice departmentJusticeDepartmentkindleprice fixingprice riggingPriceFixingPriceRiggingprobepublisherus justice departmentUsJusticeDepartmentThu, 08 Dec 2011 04:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and major publishers investigated for e-book price fixing in Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/apple-and-major-publishers-investigated-for-e-book-price-rigging/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/apple-and-major-publishers-investigated-for-e-book-price-rigging/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/apple-and-major-publishers-investigated-for-e-book-price-rigging/#comments The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into some of the world's largest publishers following a series of unannounced inspections back in March. Hachette Libre, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Penguin and the German owner of Macmillan are all suspected of "anti-competitive practices" in the way they've sold e-books in Europe, "possibly with the help of Apple." Read on for the full press release.

Continue reading Apple and major publishers investigated for e-book price fixing in Europe

Apple and major publishers investigated for e-book price fixing in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anticompetitionanticompetitiveantitrustapplee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersearningsebookebooksECeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionharper collinsHarperCollinsibooksinvestigationipadkindlemacmillanpenguinpenguin booksPenguinBooksprice fixingprice riggingPriceFixingPriceRiggingprobepublishersregulationregulatorsimon and schusterSimonAndSchusterTue, 06 Dec 2011 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Fahrenheit 451 now available as an ebook, memorize at your own discretion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/fahrenheit-451-now-available-as-an-ebook-memorize-at-your-own-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/fahrenheit-451-now-available-as-an-ebook-memorize-at-your-own-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/fahrenheit-451-now-available-as-an-ebook-memorize-at-your-own-d/#commentsE-books may have caught on in a big way these past few years, but there have been a few big holdouts. The Harry Potter series' ebook future was only confirmed earlier this year (with the release of the books themselves now slated for sometime next year), and now Ray Bradbury has finally allowed his dystopian classic, Fahrenheit 451, to be made available in electronic form (the title remains unchanged). Bradbury himself has been a longtime critic of ebooks -- and the internet itself, for that matter -- but he reportedly relented when his publisher, Simon & Schuster, explained that a new contract wouldn't be possible without ebook rights.

Other Bradbury novels may also be released as ebooks eventually, according to his agent, but there's apparently no firm plans for those as of yet. There are plans for a new paperback edition of Fahrenheit 451 to be released in January, however, followed by new editions of The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man that are slated for release in March. We're fairly certain you can still consider those the Bradbury-approved editions.

Fahrenheit 451 now available as an ebook, memorize at your own discretion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksbradburye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebooksfahrenheit 451Fahrenheit451novelray bradburyRayBradburyWed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Penguin catalog marches back into Kindle Library Lending Service, new releases still out in the cold]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/penguin-catalog-marches-back-into-kindle-library-lending-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/penguin-catalog-marches-back-into-kindle-library-lending-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/penguin-catalog-marches-back-into-kindle-library-lending-service/#comments Following a temporary suspension from Amazon's Kindle Library Lending Service, it appears that Penguin books are now migrating back to digital consumption. If you'll recall, earlier this week Penguin had to address some security issues (details are still in the dark, though) and consequently pulled its newer releases from OverDrive's catalog, as well as blocking Kindle devices from accessing the catalog's remaining Penguin titles. While Kindle access has since been restored, the newer titles "remain unavailable," though Penguin says it hopes to find a solution by the end of the year.

Penguin catalog marches back into Kindle Library Lending Service, new releases still out in the cold originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksbusinessconsortiumdigital bookDigitalBooke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersindustrykkindlekindle library lendingKindleLibraryLendinglibrarymoneyoverdrivepenguinpenguin booksPenguinBooksFri, 25 Nov 2011 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Penguin pulls new e-books from library distributor, citing concerns over security]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/penguin-pulls-new-e-books-from-library-distributor-citing-conce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/penguin-pulls-new-e-books-from-library-distributor-citing-conce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/penguin-pulls-new-e-books-from-library-distributor-citing-conce/#comments
OverDrive's e-book universe got a little colder this week, thanks to Penguin. Citing "new concerns about the security of our digital editions," Penguin USA temporarily pulled its new titles from the distributor's stable of library e-books yesterday, pending further discussions with its business partners. The publisher didn't offer a concrete reason for its pullout, but issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to its business partners, and reassuring readers that physical copies of its new books will remain available across "libraries everywhere." OverDrive, which powers Amazon's Kindle Library Lending Service, soon issued its own statement, providing more insight into the conflict:
Last week Penguin sent notice to OverDrive that it is reviewing terms for library lending of their eBooks. In the interim, OverDrive was instructed to suspend availability of new Penguin eBook titles from our library catalog and disable "Get for Kindle" functionality for all Penguin eBooks. We apologize for this abrupt change in terms from this supplier. We are actively working with Penguin on this issue and are hopeful Penguin will agree to restore access to their new titles and Kindle availability as soon as possible.
This kerfuffle hasn't gone over too well with some libraries. In an e-mail sent to the Digital Shift, Cynthia Laino of the C/W Mars Library Consortium lamented the turn of events -- and the fact that her organization was left in the dark. "Neither Penguin nor OverDrive made any sort of announcement to library staff regarding this issue," wrote Laino, whose consortium represents more than 150 libraries across the US. "We have bought many additional copies of our most popular titles simply to meet the increased demand for them once Kindle users were added to our borrowers. We would not have spent the additional funds (thousands of dollars) had we known this issue would arise." Laino went on to express her hope for a quick resolution, suggesting that the involved parties should at least provide some compensation for the sudden withdrawal. We'll be following this story as it develops, and will be sure to bring you the very latest.

Penguin pulls new e-books from library distributor, citing concerns over security originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksbusinessconsortiumdigital bookDigitalBooke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookindustrykindlekindle library lendingKindleLibraryLendinglibrarymoneyoverdrivepenguinpenguin bookspenguin USAPenguinBooksPenguinUsapublishingsecurityTue, 22 Nov 2011 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Norwegian bookseller begins selling e-books on memory cards, for some reason (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/norwegian-bookseller-begins-selling-e-books-on-memory-cards-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/norwegian-bookseller-begins-selling-e-books-on-memory-cards-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/norwegian-bookseller-begins-selling-e-books-on-memory-cards-for/#comments Literary changes may be afoot in Norway, where one bookstore is looking to drastically revamp the e-book medium. Last week, Norwegian retailer Norli Libris announced that it would begin selling books on small plastic memory cards that can be inserted into the backs of e-readers. Each card, known as the Digi Short, would contain a single file, allowing users to devour one publication at a time on their customized, Android 2.1-laced Kibano Digi Readers. Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of an e-reader? It certainly seems like it, though Norli Libris' Caroline Heitmann says the idea is to simply convert e-books into physical commodities, like their ancestors. Because of this, these one-hitters would be exempt from VAT duties within Norway, though Norli Libris says they'll likely be priced on par with their downloadable counterparts, which won't help the consumer much. The company hopes that this system will be adopted as an industry standard, though it's only available at Norli Libris for the moment. Head past the break for a rather obvious demo video.

Continue reading Norwegian bookseller begins selling e-books on memory cards, for some reason (video)

Norwegian bookseller begins selling e-books on memory cards, for some reason (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1bookbook storeBookStorebusinesse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookindustrykibanokibano digi readerKibanoDigiReadermemory cardMemoryCardnorwaypublisherpublishingpublishing industryPublishingIndustryreadingtaxVATvideoMon, 21 Nov 2011 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire crept through FCC checks in September, wore a disguise]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-crept-through-fcc-checks-in-september-wore-a-disgui/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-crept-through-fcc-checks-in-september-wore-a-disgui/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-crept-through-fcc-checks-in-september-wore-a-disgui/#comments

The Kindle Fire's now out there, but it had managed to tick all those FCC boxes a few months back. Registering the device under the exotic-sounding Okakopa company, the "tablet device' kept its cards close to its chest. Given that we've already given the Kindle Fire a rigorous inspection and it's already suffered a comprehensive teardown, there's not much left to glean from the filings. You can check out the source link below, but it's for labeling and antenna placement fanatics only.

Kindle Fire crept through FCC checks in September, wore a disguise originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon Kindle FireAmazonKindleFiree booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersFCCKindleKindle FireKindleFireOkakopatablettabletsWed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon adds Hulu Plus, ESPN ScoreCenter to Kindle's Android apps, Nook Tablet loses its edge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/amazon-adds-hulu-plus-espn-scorecenter-to-kindles-android-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/amazon-adds-hulu-plus-espn-scorecenter-to-kindles-android-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/amazon-adds-hulu-plus-espn-scorecenter-to-kindles-android-apps/#comments Not sufficiently amped up for the impending release of Amazon's first tablet? That could very well change as the Seattle-based company's just made its thousands-strong app pot a little sweeter. After reminding the product-buying populace a few days ago that the newly birthed Kindle Fire is, indeed, a tablet with access to a boatload of Android apps, Bezos and co. are now upping the slate's ante by announcing the availability of Hulu Plus and ESPN ScoreCenter. It's an obvious swat at the Nook Tablet's two greatest lures and could sway indecisive customers back from the brink of Barnes & Noble's beguiling clutches.

Continue reading Amazon adds Hulu Plus, ESPN ScoreCenter to Kindle's Android apps, Nook Tablet loses its edge

Amazon adds Hulu Plus, ESPN ScoreCenter to Kindle's Android apps, Nook Tablet loses its edge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbarnes and nobleBArnes and Noble Nook TabletBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookTabletcomicse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersESPNESPN ScoreCardEspnScorecardHulu PlusHuluPluskindlekindle fireKindleFireminipostNook TabletNookTabletFri, 11 Nov 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/#comments Canadian retailer Future Shop gave us an accidental sneak peek at the tablet last month, but now Kobo is making Vox official, complete with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution AFFS+ display with multi-touch, a 7-hour battery and 8 gigs of internal memory with support for up to 32GB of SD storage. The $200 tablet is running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and is powered by an 800 MHz processor and 512MB of RAM. There's also a built-in speaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and a variety of pre-loaded apps (naturally you'll have access to Android Market as well). Vox is listed as in-stock on Kobo's online store, though you'll have to wait until October 28th for yours to ship. It'll also be available at Best Buy and Fry's Electronics stores in the U.S., and Best Buy, Future Shop and Indigo in Canada. Jump past the break for the PR from Kobo.

[Thanks, Mankie]

Continue reading Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag

Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidandroid 2.3android 2.3 gingerbreadandroid tabletAndroid2.3Android2.3GingerbreadAndroidTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfuture shopFutureShopgingerbreadkobokobo voxKoboVoxtablettabletsvoxWed, 19 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle 3 gets software upgrade, ready to soar into the cloud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/#comments

Amazon has pushed out a new update for the Kindle 3, now operating under the alias of the Kindle Keyboard. This gives the well-buttoned e-reader access to some of the cloud features found on its freshly unboxed younger brother, and includes the ability to view any archived documents, notes and highlights you've added to that intangible pile of books and articles. You'll need to tether the Kindle to your PC, point your browser towards Amazon, and download the file corresponding to the right region and model. Excitable annotators can grab the upgrade now at the source link below.

Kindle 3 gets software upgrade, ready to soar into the cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon cloudAmazon KindleAmazon Kindle 3Amazon Kindle KeyboardAmazonCloudAmazonKindleAmazonKindle3AmazonKindleKeyboardbookscloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragee booke bookse inke readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEInkEReaderEReadersfeaturefeaturesfirmware updateFirmwareUpdateKeyboardkindlekindle 3kindle keyboardKindle3KindleKeyboardminipostreaderreadingSun, 16 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Velocity Micro Cruz T408 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/velocity-micro-cruz-t408-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/velocity-micro-cruz-t408-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/velocity-micro-cruz-t408-review/#comments
It's no secret that the market for Android tablets is crowded - and getting more so every day. Just ask Samsung, Acer, HTC, Huawei, Lenovo, Pandigital and, oh yes, Verticool. We could keep going, but you get the point: it's a big market out there, one with wildly varying prices and features. And just recently a little company called Amazon made its move in a big way with the Kindle Fire, an Android-powered $199 portal to its corner of the cloud. The world's largest online retailer clearly thinks competing on price is a way to stand out from the pack. Velocity Micro, maker of the 8-inch Cruz T408, wholeheartedly agrees. It's coming to market with a $199 slate, hoping to capture some attention of its own. Can it succeed? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Velocity Micro Cruz T408 review

Continue reading Velocity Micro Cruz T408 review

Velocity Micro Cruz T408 review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-inchandroidcruzcruz t408CruzT408e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidreviewslatet408tablettablet reviewTabletReviewvelocityVelocity MicroVelocity Micro Cruzvelocity micro cruz t408velocity micro t408VelocityMicroVelocityMicroCruzVelocityMicroCruzT408VelocityMicroT408Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandigital Supernova available mid-October for $230, is an eReader in Android tablet disguise]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/pandigital-supernova-available-mid-october-for-230-is-an-eread/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/pandigital-supernova-available-mid-october-for-230-is-an-eread/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/pandigital-supernova-available-mid-october-for-230-is-an-eread/#comments

Pandigital hasn't made much of an effort to swathe its Supernova tab in mystery. When the 8-inch LCD slate swept through the FCC earlier this summer, we were privy not only to images of the device and its internals, but also to the apps that'd be pre-loaded on purchase -- GetJar and Barnes & Noble's Nook app amongst others. So, what can you expect for $230 when it lands this month? Well, the company's forsaken Honeycomb for the soon-to-be outclassed Gingerbread OS, tossed in a single-core 1GHz A8 processor, 4GB of storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD slot), WiFi and Bluetooth. It's a cheap, me too Android tablet entry, for sure. And with the recent outing of a certain budget-priced, ecosystem-friendly tab, we might suggest you hold off for the higher-specced goods. Official PR after the break.

Continue reading Pandigital Supernova available mid-October for $230, is an eReader in Android tablet disguise

Pandigital Supernova available mid-October for $230, is an eReader in Android tablet disguise originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 inch tablet8-inch tablet8-inchTablet8InchTabletandroidandroid 2.3android 2.3 gingerbreadAndroid2.3Android2.3GingerbreadBarnes and NobleBarnesAndNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBookseight inch tabletEightInchTabletEReaderEReadersgingerbreadnookNook appNookApppandigitalPandigital SupernovaPandigitalSupernovaslabslateSuperNovaSupernova tabletSupernovaTablettablettablet Pandigital tabletTabletPandigitalTablettabletsFri, 07 Oct 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad-supported Kindle 4 has built-in $30 "upgrade", gets rid of embedded special offers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/ad-supported-kindle-4-has-built-in-30-upgrade-gets-rid-of-em/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/ad-supported-kindle-4-has-built-in-30-upgrade-gets-rid-of-em/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/ad-supported-kindle-4-has-built-in-30-upgrade-gets-rid-of-em/#comments Was it too cheap? Well, here's some great news for fourth-generation Kindle users already tiring of its embedded ads looking cheap alongside their Vertu phones. You can now pay Amazon the requisite fee and unsubscribe from built-in advertising and offers. Visit the Manage your Kindle webpage and you can edit your subscriptions for the newest entry-level e-reader. There seems to be no option, however, to do the reverse just yet. Would Amazon hand over $30 to push those special offers into our currently ad-free Kindle?

Ad-supported Kindle 4 has built-in $30 "upgrade", gets rid of embedded special offers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-supportedamazonAmazonMp3cheape booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfourth generationFourthGenerationkindlekindle 4kindle with special offersKindle4KindleWithSpecialOffersminipostspecial offersSpecialOffersvideoThu, 06 Oct 2011 05:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael S. Hart, e-book inventor and Project Gutenberg founder, dies at 64]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/michael-s-hart-e-book-inventor-and-project-gutenberg-founder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/michael-s-hart-e-book-inventor-and-project-gutenberg-founder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/michael-s-hart-e-book-inventor-and-project-gutenberg-founder/#comments
There's some sad news coming out of Illinois today, where Michael S. Hart, the e-book inventor who founded Project Gutenberg, has died at the age of 64. Hart's literary journey began in 1971, when he digitized and distributed his first text, after being inspired by a free printed copy of the Declaration of Independence he found at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. That same year, the Tacoma, Washington native founded Project Gutenberg -- an online library that aims to "encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks" and to "break down the bars of ignorance and illiteracy." By 1987, he'd already digitized a total of 313 books, including works from Homer, Shakespeare and the Bible, before recruiting more volunteers to help out. As of this June, Hart's pioneering library housed about 36,000 works in its collection (most of which are in the public domain), with an average of 50 new books added each week. Described by Project Gutenberg as an "ardent technologist and futurist," Hart leaves a literary legacy perhaps best summed up in his own words. "One thing about eBooks that most people haven't thought much is that eBooks are the very first thing that we're all able to have as much as we want other than air," he wrote in July. "Think about that for a moment and you realize we are in the right job." Michael S. Hart is survived by his mother and brother.

Michael S. Hart, e-book inventor and Project Gutenberg founder, dies at 64 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdeathe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book inventorE-bookInventore-bookse-readere-readersebookebookselectronic bookElectronicBookgutenberghartinventormichael hartmichael s. hartmichael stern hartMichaelHartMichaelS.HartMichaelSternHartobitobituaryproject gutenbergProjectGutenbergThu, 08 Sep 2011 04:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Boogie Rip eWriting pad stylus-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/styluses-on-with-the-boogie-rip-ewriting-pad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/styluses-on-with-the-boogie-rip-ewriting-pad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/styluses-on-with-the-boogie-rip-ewriting-pad/#comments
Hey, remember that new product from Improv Electronics that we told you about yesterday? We managed to sneak in some time with the device today at IFA, and we have to say, we like what we see. The Rip (that's "Record. Image. Preserve.") is the latest addition to the Boogie eWriter line, devices that let you scribble notes and drawings and can be wiped away with the press of a button (think a more legible Etch A Sketch). The Rip ups the ante with the addition of a microUSB port, which lets you transfer notes as PDFs to your computer.

Improv was careful to point out that the device is currently in prototype mode, so we won't hold too much against the company for the product's plasticy feel -- though, if its predecessor is any indication, the final version likely won't be too far from this one, and the company confirmed that the final version will have the same charcoal color. And while the product is indeed plasticy, it certainly feels sturdy. More after the break.

Gallery: Boogie Board Rip eWriting pad hands-on

Continue reading Boogie Rip eWriting pad stylus-on (video)

Boogie Rip eWriting pad stylus-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boogie boardboogie board ripBoogieBoardBoogieBoardRipchalk boardChalkBoarddoodledrawingdry erase boardDryEraseBoarde booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadershands-onifaifa 2011Ifa2011Improv ElectronicsImprov electronics boogieImprovElectronicsImprovElectronicsBoogievideoThu, 01 Sep 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's @author lets you tweet, pester your favorite writers via Kindle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/amazons-author-lets-you-tweet-pester-your-favorite-writers-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/amazons-author-lets-you-tweet-pester-your-favorite-writers-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/amazons-author-lets-you-tweet-pester-your-favorite-writers-vi/#comments If the Amazon Kindle's passage-sharing Twitter integration wasn't social enough for you, the outfit just unleashed a new option: @author. The new feature uses Twitter as a springboard to connect writers to their fans, giving users a chance to nitpick their favorite authors line-by-line. If you've ever shared a quote using the Kindle, you know the drill: highlight some text and type out your tweet -- just make sure you preface it with the @author marker. This limited beta is launching with only a handful of writers, but between Robert "Rich Dad" Kiyosaki and Brad "Identity Crisis" Meltzer, we're sure you can find something to ask.

Amazon's @author lets you tweet, pester your favorite writers via Kindle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazon authorAmazon KindleAmazonAuthorAmazonKindleauthore booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersKindleminipostTwitterTwitter integrationTwitterIntegrationThu, 01 Sep 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Sony Reader Wi-Fi (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hands-on-with-the-sony-reader-wi-fi-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hands-on-with-the-sony-reader-wi-fi-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hands-on-with-the-sony-reader-wi-fi-video/#comments
The Sony Reader doesn't have all that large a presence here in the States, where the market is largely dominated by Amazon, and, to a lesser extent, Barnes & Noble. The Sony Reader Wi-Fi does go a ways toward keeping up with the competition, offering up WiFi (as advertised), an infrared touchscreen, and the Pearl E-Ink display seen on past versions. The hardware is nice, though it doesn't feel quite as natural in the hand as the Nook or Kobo -- it did indeed feel light, as advertised, though it's hard to get a final judgement, seeing as how the demo product on the show room floor was all wired up. The software also zips along quite nicely, and pinch to zoom functionality is certainly a welcome addition in the e-reader market. Unlike many other Sony Readers, the thing also does well for itself pricewise, at $149. Hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Sony Reader WiFi hands-on

Sony Reader WiFi hands-on

Continue reading Hands-on with the Sony Reader Wi-Fi (video)

Hands-on with the Sony Reader Wi-Fi (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke booksE InkE Ink Pearle readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEInkEInkPearlEReaderEReadersIFAIFA 2011Ifa2011PearlPRS-T1Reader StoreReader Wi-FiReaderStoreReaderWi-fiSonyvideoWed, 31 Aug 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon grabs two more Kindle related domains, keeps gadget writers in work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/amazon-grabs-two-more-kindle-related-domains-keeps-gadget-write/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/amazon-grabs-two-more-kindle-related-domains-keeps-gadget-write/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/amazon-grabs-two-more-kindle-related-domains-keeps-gadget-write/#comments
Amazon is sending book-loving gadget fans into a frenzy with another round of domain name buys. It registered KindleScribe and KindleScribes.com to go along with the KindleAir and KindleSocialNetwork addresses it picked up earlier this month. All that's left to do is speculate wildly on what they could represent (Thin and light e-reader? Tablet-style touchscreen? Kindle that comes pre-loaded with the Social Network?) and hope the new devices come packing Jeff's newly patented mobile airbags.

Amazon grabs two more Kindle related domains, keeps gadget writers in work originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon KindleAmazonKindleDomain NameDomainNamee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEReaderKindleKindle AirKindle ScribeKindle ScribesKindle Social NetworkKindleAirKindleScribekindlescribe.comKindleScribeskindlescribes.comKindleSocialNetworkminipostrumorsrumourswhoisMon, 22 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble offers back to school Nook deal, adds more to your reading list]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/barnes-and-noble-offers-back-to-school-nook-deal-adds-more-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/barnes-and-noble-offers-back-to-school-nook-deal-adds-more-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/barnes-and-noble-offers-back-to-school-nook-deal-adds-more-to-you/#comments Thinking about getting an e-reader before you head back to school this fall? Barnes & Noble surely hopes so, and to sweeten the deal it's offering 12 free classics along with study guides and apps if you register your freshly unboxed Nook before October 31st. That's right folks, over $100 worth of e-books can be yours with the purchase of the new Nook, the Nook Color or even the first edition Nook. While it must be said that most of the available titles are out of copyright and so are already available for free download elsewhere (we're looking at you, Gutenberg.org), you can at least select from a dozen Spark Notes of time-consuming reads such as War and Peace. So if you're looking to take a break from all that Organic Chemistry mumbo jumbo, you can catch up on A Tale of Two Cities in your spare time.

Barnes & Noble offers back to school Nook deal, adds more to your reading list originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebookbooksbooksellerdealdiscounte booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfree ebooksFreeEbooksnooknook colorNookColorTue, 09 Aug 2011 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon tablet rumors flare on leaked supplier parts list]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/amazon-tablet-rumors-flare-on-leaked-supplier-parts-list/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/amazon-tablet-rumors-flare-on-leaked-supplier-parts-list/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/amazon-tablet-rumors-flare-on-leaked-supplier-parts-list/#commentsLast time on Days of our Rumored Amazon Tablets' Lives: Bezos teased us with a "stay tuned" cliffhanger, but shook his head at the notion of a color E Ink Kindle this year. While DigiTimes spilled its cup of beans about the devices' possible use of Fringe Field Switching displays and fabrication by Quanta Computer, the Wall Street Journal threw its two cents in with a report pegging a couple of new Kindles for Q3. Now loose-lipped sources are feeding the DigiTimes hearsay flames with a leaked supplier parts list that has Wintek, J Touch and CPT providing touch panels with NVIDIA processors at the tabs' cores. The Seattle-based company also purportedly plans to ship four million of these 7- and 10-inch slates by 2011's end. So, what to believe? We'll find out in due time, but with all this gossipy buzz you can place your bets on something.

Amazon tablet rumors flare on leaked supplier parts list originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9 inch9-inch9InchamazonAmazon Android Tabletamazon tabletAmazonAndroidTabletAmazonTabletAndroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletCPTe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersJ touchJTouchkindlekindle touchscreenKindleTouchscreenNVIDIAQuanta ComputerQuantaComputerWintekWed, 27 Jul 2011 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon rolls out textbook rentals for Kindle, promises discounts up to 80 percent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/amazon-rolls-out-textbook-rentals-for-kindle-promises-discounts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/amazon-rolls-out-textbook-rentals-for-kindle-promises-discounts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/amazon-rolls-out-textbook-rentals-for-kindle-promises-discounts/#comments
Students can already save a few bucks by opting for a digital version of a textbook over a hardcover, and they can now save even more courtesy of Amazon if they aren't too intent on hanging onto the book after they're done with it. The company has just announced textbook rentals for Kindle, which promises to let students save "up to 80 percent" off the list price of those often pricey textbooks. That discount varies depending on the rental period -- which can be anywhere from 30 to 360 days -- and the option is already available on "tens of thousands" of textbooks from a number of publishers including John Wiley & Sons, Elsevier and Taylor & Francis. What's more, you can also rest assured that all of your annotations will be saved even after the rental has expired, and be accessible at any time on the Kindle website (or in the book itself if you ever decide to rent it again for old time's sake). Press release is after the break.

Continue reading Amazon rolls out textbook rentals for Kindle, promises discounts up to 80 percent

Amazon rolls out textbook rentals for Kindle, promises discounts up to 80 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebookskindlerentalrentalsstudentstudentstextbookMon, 18 Jul 2011 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Got a Nook Color? Then you can get dual-booting Nook2Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/psa-got-a-nook-color-then-you-can-get-dual-booting-nook2androi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/psa-got-a-nook-color-then-you-can-get-dual-booting-nook2androi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/psa-got-a-nook-color-then-you-can-get-dual-booting-nook2androi/#comments Here comes a public service announcement: Eat slower and you'll feel fuller. Oh sorry, wrong one. We meant: Nook Color owners, you can now dual-boot your slate using the specially-created Nook2Android SD card. The card makes installing Android 2.3 a snap and it's now shipping with a dual-boot file courtesy of XDA developers, which means you can choose to boot into the original Nook OS without having to remove the card. You're looking at $35 for an 8GB card, rising to $90 for 32GB. Alternatively, if you're happy to get a bit of oil on your hands, you can try the manual approach. Mmmm, Gingerbread, chew every mouthful.

PSA: Got a Nook Color? Then you can get dual-booting Nook2Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid 2.3android 2.3 gingerbreadandroid 2.3.3Android2.3Android2.3.3Android2.3Gingerbreadbarnes and noblebarnes nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblebootcustom ROMCustomRomcyanogenmodcyanogenmod 7Cyanogenmod7dual-bootebookebook readerEbookReadergingerbreadGoogleGoogle AndroidGoogleAndroidmodNookNook Colornook2androidNookColorxdaxda developersXdaDevelopersThu, 14 Jul 2011 10:53:00 EST