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[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[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[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[Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/koobes-jin-yong-reader-gets-mirasol-brings-color-to-taiwanese/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/koobes-jin-yong-reader-gets-mirasol-brings-color-to-taiwanese/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/koobes-jin-yong-reader-gets-mirasol-brings-color-to-taiwanese/#comments Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese heartsIt's no accident that Koobe's Jin Yong Reader bears a striking resemblance to Kyobo's eReader and Shanda's Bambook which we toyed with back at CES. But while those e-readers brought Mirasol to their respective South Korean and Chinese markets, Koobe's entrant will do the same for Taiwan. As for the trio's striking resemblance, know that they're all based on the same Qualcomm-heavy reference hardware, which pairs a 1GHz Snapdragon S2 with a 5.7-inch 1024 x 728 XGA Mirasol display. For those unaware, the addition of the latter part means the e-readers boast limited color on their non-backlit displays, all while retaining an E Ink-like low power draw. The trinity also feature a highly customized layer atop Gingerbread, and in Koobe's case, come pre-loaded with 15 novels by, you guessed it, Jin Yong. Naturally, pricing and exact availability have yet to be announced, but we're told they'll be available "soon." PR for those interested awaits after the break.

Continue reading Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts

Koobe's Jin Yong Reader gets Mirasol, brings color to Taiwanese hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacolorcolor e-readercolor ereaderColorE-readerColorEreadere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderkoobekoobe jin yong readerKoobeJinYongReaderqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasoltaiwanTue, 31 Jan 2012 01:42:00 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[Kindle Touch gets new software version 5.0.3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/kindle-touch-gets-new-software-version-5-0-3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/kindle-touch-gets-new-software-version-5-0-3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/kindle-touch-gets-new-software-version-5-0-3/#comments Kindle Touch gets new software version 5.0.3It wasn't all that long ago that the Nook Simple Touch got a bit of freshening up thanks to some new code, and now it's the Kindle Touch's turn for an upgrade. Amazon has just released software version 5.0.3 for its newest e-reader that brings "general software improvements" to the device. We're not sure exactly what that means, but we do know the update will be delivered via WiFi in the next few weeks, and anxious owners interested in grabbing it now can head on down to the source link below.

Kindle Touch gets new software version 5.0.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.0.3e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderkindlekindle touchKindleTouchminipostsoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateversion 5.0.3Version5.0.3Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[NBC News grows a digital publishing arm, plans 30 titles for 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/nbc-news-grows-a-digital-publishing-arm-plans-30-titles-for-201/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/nbc-news-grows-a-digital-publishing-arm-plans-30-titles-for-201/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/nbc-news-grows-a-digital-publishing-arm-plans-30-titles-for-201/#comments Because you can never have your fingers in too many media pies, the powers that be at NBC News are now extending their reach into the eReader space. Under the company's newly minted NBC Publishing imprint, coverage related to current events, docs and bios, in addition to content culled from other NBC Universal divisions, will get a second life as either digital singles (think: longer than an article, shorter than a few chapters) or straight-up eBooks, with about 30 titles slated for this year. The venture, spearheaded by GM Michael Fabiano, will also reportedly serve as a platform for indie authors that rely heavily upon NBC's own archives for sourcing in their work. So, will this brave, new embrace of a 21st century business model manage to wean news junkies off that 24/7 cable drip and back into the Peacock's greedy eager arms? Hard to say until that first title hits virtual stands next month. But when it does, here's to hoping it's more Brian Williams: A Man Mad About Lana Del Rey, than Telemundo: Inside the Telenovela. Just sayin'.

NBC News grows a digital publishing arm, plans 30 titles for 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital publishingDigitalPublishinge booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebooksereaderNBC NewsNBC Publishingnbc universalNbcNewsNbcPublishingNbcUniversalpublishingTue, 24 Jan 2012 05:15:00 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[Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/#comments The 5.7-inch Mirasol display is hardly a fresh item these days, but the final product carrying such a unique panel is still young. In fact, it's only become available from Kyobo in South Korea fairly recently, but today we also learned that Chinese content provider Shanda will be offering the same hardware under the Bambook moniker towards the end of this month (obviously aiming for the Chinese New Year rush). The Android-powered device turned out to be chunkier than we expected, but it's probably a nice trade-off for the handy built-in front light and rubber pad on the back. As for performance, the display handled video playback pretty well, but you may spot one or two missed frames here and there due to the lower refresh rate. We'll let you be the judge -- check out our demo video (and a press release) after the break.

Gallery: Mirasol eReader hands-on at CES 2012

Continue reading Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook

Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bambookcesces 2012Ces2012chinae booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderhands-onkoreakyobokyobo ereaderKyoboEreadermirasolqualcommshandasouth koreaSouthKoreavideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble looks to sell publishing arm, keeps the other to hold a Nook Tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/barnes-and-noble-looks-to-sell-publishing-arm-keeps-the-other-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/barnes-and-noble-looks-to-sell-publishing-arm-keeps-the-other-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/barnes-and-noble-looks-to-sell-publishing-arm-keeps-the-other-to/#comments In a sign of ever shifting priorities in the ole book business, Nook's papa is reportedly looking to sell its publishing unit, Sterling Publishing. According to the Wall Street Journal, B&N acquired Sterling in 2003, ramping up its publishing efforts after more than 30 years in the business. News of a possible sale follows last month's Q2 earnings report that saw a $6.6 million net loss for the bookseller. That same quarter, the company's Nook business took an 85 percent leap forward, landing it a $220 million value. Barnes & Noble has yet to comment.

Barnes & Noble looks to sell publishing arm, keeps the other to hold a Nook Tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b and nBAndNbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebookbookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderereadersnookpublishingsalesterling publishingSterlingPublishingWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:59:00 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[Amazon stops blocking rival e-reading apps on Kindle Fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/amazon-stops-blocking-rival-e-reading-apps-on-kindle-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/amazon-stops-blocking-rival-e-reading-apps-on-kindle-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/amazon-stops-blocking-rival-e-reading-apps-on-kindle-fire/#comments Kindle Fire People just keep digging up interesting little tidbits in the latest Fire firmware update. It may have killed the ability to root but, it did grant access to the Android Market website (even if you still can't install apps from it). Now some users have noticed that competing e-reader apps are available through the Amazon App Store. The rival readers were allowed into the shop, but hidden from view on the Fire. Now that's changed and Amazon's tablet, even with out Super User, is getting just a tiny bit more consumer-friendly.

Amazon stops blocking rival e-reading apps on Kindle Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon app storeamazon kindle fireAmazonAppStoreAmazonKindleFireappappse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseReaderkindlekindle fireKindleFireminipostThu, 22 Dec 2011 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble's Q2 earnings reveal Nook to be a $220 million business, Nook Tablet said to be fastest-selling yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/barnes-and-nobles-q2-earnings-reveal-nook-to-be-a-220-million-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/barnes-and-nobles-q2-earnings-reveal-nook-to-be-a-220-million-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/barnes-and-nobles-q2-earnings-reveal-nook-to-be-a-220-million-bu/#comments Barnes & Noble's second quarter earnings weren't all good news for the company -- it reported a net loss of $6.6 million and an ever-so-slight dip in total sales from $1.90 billion to $1.89 billion -- but it did have a fair bit to boast about on the technology side of things. Sales on its B&N.com website increased 17 percent year-over-year, totaling $206 million for the quarter, and the value of the company's Nook business (including devices and content) now stands at $220 million, up a full 85 percent. The company also revealed that its new Nook Tablet has been the fastest-selling Nook device to date, although it's not providing any specific sales numbers, noting only that it expects to sell "millions of devices" during its third quarter. Additional figures can be found at the source link below.

Continue reading Barnes & Noble's Q2 earnings reveal Nook to be a $220 million business, Nook Tablet said to be fastest-selling yet

Barnes & Noble's Q2 earnings reveal Nook to be a $220 million business, Nook Tablet said to be fastest-selling yet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes noblebarnes and nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblebne booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersearningsereaderfinancialfinancialsfiscalnooknook tabletNookTabletq2q2 earningsQ2EarningssalestabletThu, 01 Dec 2011 14:06:00 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[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[Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/#comments Rakuten, Inc. has just announced that it has signed a "definitive agreement" to "to acquire 100% of total issued and outstanding shares" of Kobo for a total of $315 million in cash. According to the press release, Rakuten is "one of the world's top 3 e-commerce companies by revenue." Just this February, Kobo's major American retail partner, Borders, filed for bankruptcy. Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani had this to say about the acquisition:

We are very excited about this next step. Kobo provides one of the world's most communal eBook reading experiences with its innovative integration of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter; while Rakuten offers Kobo unparalleled opportunities to extend its reach through some of the world's largest regional e-commerce companies, including Buy.com in the US, Tradoria in Germany, Rakuten Brazil, Rakuten Taiwan, Lekutian in China, TARAD in Thailand, and Rakuten Belanja Online in Indonesia, and of course, Rakuten Ichiba in Japan.

Rakuten has indicated that its latest acquisition will maintain its headquarters, management and employees following the final purchase. We'll be listening in on the conference call and will keep you posted on any more details. In the meantime, a full press release is available for your reading pleasure after the break.

We just got off a conference call with Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis, and he stressed that the acquisition was made to help Kobo expand its market share internationally and to gain the resources needed to continue to grow the company. It wasn't borne of necessity after the Borders liquidation, and Kobo was never shopping itself to potential buyers -- the partnership with Rakuten just made good business sense. And it's not just about making money abroad, either. Serbinis was also quick to point out that partnering up with Rakuten-owned Buy.com gives Kobo a channel to increase its presence in the US as well. Looks like the e-reader market's about to really heat up, and not just because of the Fire.

Continue reading Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo

Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquiresacquisitionbreaking newsdigital publishingDigitalPublishinge booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersedeadersereaderkobokobo ereaderKoboEreaderrakutenRakutenE-bookStoreTue, 08 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/#comments Amazon's home page has a new message for Prime members from CEO Jeff Bezos, indicating that their membership plan has a new bonus: free books. The Kindle Owners Lending Library service offers up to one book per month from a selection of thousands of titles, including "over 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers" with no due dates. That's in addition to the free two-day shipping and access to TV shows and movies offered through Prime Instant Video as a part of the $79/year package. Of course, it also serves to the platform lock-in tighter between a suddenly very compelling subscription entertainment service, and its hardware (you will need a Kindle device, from what we're reading the apps won't work), including the upcoming Kindle Fire. Fans of the E inked word can check out the press release after the break for a few more details.

[Thanks, Straton & Abbas]

Continue reading Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library

Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon primeAmazonKindleAmazonPrimebreaking newse readerendingEReaderjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle firekindle owners lending libraryKindleFireKindleOwnersLendingLibrarylibraryreadingsubscriptiontabletWed, 02 Nov 2011 23:50:00 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[Amazon reveals $79 Kindle, ships today!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-reveals-79-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-reveals-79-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-reveals-79-kindle/#comments
As if a $199 Kindle Fire wasn't enough, Amazon's also launching a Kindle e-reader that'll dip below triple-digits for the first time. You heard right -- a $79 Kindle (or £89 if you're unfortunate enough to be on that side of the pricing insanity). According to Bloomberg Businessweek, the company's Kindle line will "start" at the aforesaid price as of today, a marked decrease from the $114 being charged for its lowest end unit earlier in the week. If anything, that's a huge blow for Barnes & Noble, and we're surmising that a reactionary drop will be coming soon in the Nook family if it hopes to keep pace. We've also learned that this guy has ads built right in -- not a shocker given the price, but notable for those who aren't keen on buying a device that continually serves up commercials to justify the lower up-front tally. If you're looking to avoid the hassle, the non-ads variant is priced at $109.

Keep up with the unveiling at our liveblog of the Amazon event.

Update: We've added the first commercial video after the break.

Update 2: Orders are live!

Gallery: Amazon Kindle e-reader Refresh

Continue reading Amazon reveals $79 Kindle, ships today!

Amazon reveals $79 Kindle, ships today! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebreaking newscheape booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEReadergame changerGameChangerkindlevideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Xoom 2 evidence mounts -- new photos, rumored specs and a Media Edition?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/motorola-xoom-2-evidence-mounts-new-photos-rumored-specs-an/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/motorola-xoom-2-evidence-mounts-new-photos-rumored-specs-an/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/motorola-xoom-2-evidence-mounts-new-photos-rumored-specs-an/#comments Talk of a younger, slimmer Motorola Xoom just keeps on coming. A helpful tipster is adding fuel to the rumors of a Xoom 2 with these shots of a similar, but not exactly identical Motorola tablet. When compared to the images we saw yesterday, this unnamed Android 3.2 slate looks a tad less polished in the rear and seems to favor a portrait format, with the camera resting up top. What's more, our source says the slab appears to be smaller than what we've already seen, which could line up with a report from This Is My Next, pegging a Xoom 2 Media Edition. That device is rumored to have an 8.2-inch HD IPS display and weigh .95 pounds. It is apparently being billed as an "e-reader replacement," and comes with an onboard IR remote and subwoofer. In further Xoom 2 news, TIMN is saying the classic version will measure 9mm thick, pack a 1.2GHz processor, 1GB RAM, and enable 1080p video recording. If all of that isn't enough to satisfy your Motorola-tablet craving, we've got a gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Is this Motorola's Xoom 2 Media Edition tablet?



[Thanks, Anon]

Motorola Xoom 2 evidence mounts -- new photos, rumored specs and a Media Edition? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-readerereaderhdhoneycombir blasterir remoteIrBlasterIrRemoteleakmedia editionMediaEditionmotoMotorolamotorola xoommotorola xoom 2MotorolaXoomMotorolaXoom2slatespeculationtabletxoom 2Xoom2xoom2 media editionXoom2MediaEditionSat, 24 Sep 2011 17:16:00 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[Sony's new Reader Wi-Fi is the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with multitouch screen (update: powered by Android)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sonys-new-reader-wi-fi-is-the-worlds-lightest-6-inch-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sonys-new-reader-wi-fi-is-the-worlds-lightest-6-inch-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sonys-new-reader-wi-fi-is-the-worlds-lightest-6-inch-e-reader/#comments Sony's just been showing off its Reader Store for the Android-powered Tablet S and Tablet P, but it hasn't forgotten its more eye-friendly options. Announced at IFA just now, the self-explanatory Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) claims to be the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with an "enhanced" touchscreen -- the "enhanced" bit referring to its "Clear Touch Infrared" technology that supports multitouch for pinch-to-zoom, though it's also bundled with a stylus. At 168 grams (5.93 ounces) light and 8.9mm thin, this device packs a 600 x 800, 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display, along with 1.3 GB of usable internal storage plus microSD expansion of up to 32GB.

The built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity also lets users wirelessly borrow eBooks from public libraries -- a first for e-readers, apparently -- in the UK, US, and Canada. As for battery life, a single battery charge will keep digital bookworms busy for up to three weeks with WiFi enabled, or up to a month without WiFi (based on a half-hour reading time per day). Expect this ePub-compatible Reader Wi-Fi to hit the US and Europe in October for around $149, and it'll come in a color choice of either red, white or black. Press release after the break.

Update: We now have confirmation that this reader is running on a heavily disguised Android (which is somewhat hinted by the buttons, anyway), so yeah, let the rooting begin!

Continue reading Sony's new Reader Wi-Fi is the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with multitouch screen (update: powered by Android)

Sony's new Reader Wi-Fi is the world's lightest 6-inch e-reader with multitouch screen (update: powered by Android) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androide booke booksE InkE Ink Pearle readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEInkEInkPearlereaderIFAIFA 2011Ifa2011PearlPRS-T1Reader StoreReader Wi-FiReaderStoreReaderWi-fiSonyWed, 31 Aug 2011 11:12:00 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[Pandigital's SuperNova Android tablet gets its FCC on, leaves little to the imagination]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/pandigitals-supernova-android-tablet-gets-its-fcc-on-leaves-li/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/pandigitals-supernova-android-tablet-gets-its-fcc-on-leaves-li/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/pandigitals-supernova-android-tablet-gets-its-fcc-on-leaves-li/#comments Pandigital's SuperNova 8-inch Android tablet gets its FCC on, leaves little to the imagination Typically, when a new gadget makes its way through the FCC, we have to do a fair amount of digging to get to the juicy details, put Pandigital's latest 8-inch tablet / e-reader, the SuperNova, isn't holding anything back. This Android 2.3-powered slate follows in the footsteps of its 9-inch predecessor, the Novel, acting more as a glorified e-reader than a real-deal tablet. Like the Novel, it comes with B&N's Nook app pre-installed and lacks access to the Android Market -- apps can be downloaded via SlideMe. What's more, it's got front (0.3 megapixel) and back-facing (3 megapixel) cameras, 4GB of internal storage, HDMI and mini-USB connectivity, support for 32GB micro-SD, and an 8-inch capacitive touch screen. Just about the only things missing from this FCC filing are price and availability, but we have a feeling the pair isn't far behind. If SAR reports and tablet entrails are your thing, you can peek even more SuperNova details at the source link below.

Pandigital's SuperNova Android tablet gets its FCC on, leaves little to the imagination originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:58:00 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-readerseight inch tabletEightInchTabletEreadergingerbreadGingerbreadHousenookNook appNookApppandigitalPandigital SupernovaPandigitalSupernovaslabslateSuperNovaSupernova tabletSupernovaTablettablettablet Pandigital tabletTabletPandigitalTablettabletsWed, 27 Jul 2011 23:58:00 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 Android tablet coming before October?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/amazon-android-tablet-coming-before-october/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/amazon-android-tablet-coming-before-october/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/amazon-android-tablet-coming-before-october/#comments We've heard an awful lot about a forthcoming Android tablet rocking an Amazon logo, including a little teasing from CEO Jeff Bezos back in May, and now The Wall Street Journal's adding flames to the slate fire saying the hotly anticipated tab could be on its way before October. According to those oh so familiar "people familiar with the matter," the Android-based slate would rock a nine-inch screen and, surprisingly, lack a camera, making it ill-suited as an iPad competitor -- the tablet would apparently be focused on offering media purchased from the online retailer. What's more, those sources are also spreading word of two new Kindles coming in Q3 -- one with a touchscreen, the other a budget version of the current e-reader. Of course, it's all just rumor for now, but that's a whole lot of rumor.

Amazon Android tablet coming before October? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9 inch9-inch9Inchamazonamazon tabletamazone android tabletAmazoneAndroidTabletAmazonTabletandroid tabletAndroidTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderkindlekindle touchscreenKindleTouchscreennine inchNineInchoctoberrumorrumorsslabslateWed, 13 Jul 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's e-reader gets a refreshed look at e-Book Expo Tokyo (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/fujitsus-e-reader-gets-a-refreshed-look-at-e-book-expo-tokyo-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/fujitsus-e-reader-gets-a-refreshed-look-at-e-book-expo-tokyo-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/fujitsus-e-reader-gets-a-refreshed-look-at-e-book-expo-tokyo-v/#comments Fujitsu got to show off its recent color e-reader flossy flossy at the e-Book Expo Tokyo (the former Digital Publishing Fair) in Japan last week. Besting its previous market entry -- the FLEPia Lite -- this 8-inch, 157 dpi cholestric LCD module sheds both its predecessor's weight and Windows OS for a 220 gram, Linux-operated, slimmed-down profile. While the 4,096 color range remains exactly the same, it's the elimation of dithering from the display that'll be brightening up your future literary experiences. Processing speed also got a significant makeover here, translating into 0.7 second writing speeds -- a number the company promises will go down as full color capacity increases. Unfortunately, this slab of technicolor ebeauty doesn't appear to be headed for a US debut, so interested parties should start saving for that import option. Robo-Brit voice-over video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Fujitsu's e-reader gets a refreshed look at e-Book Expo Tokyo (video)

Fujitsu's e-reader gets a refreshed look at e-Book Expo Tokyo (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choleric lcdCholericLcdcolorcolor e-bookColorE-booke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-Book Expo TokyoE-bookExpoTokyoe-bookse-inke-readere-readersebookebook readerEbookReaderereaderereadersflepiaflepia liteFlepiaLitefujitsuvideoWed, 13 Jul 2011 02:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/#comments As the internet has overtaken newspapers as an information source, convincing readers to shell out the dough for online news has proven an uphill battle. Now two papers are trying a new approach: entice customers with discounted Android tablets and pre-loaded content apps. The Philadelphia Media Network, which owns the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, is planning a pilot program for mid-August which will offer around 2,000 tablets; if successful, it could expand to more readers. The combined price of hardware and a one- to two-year daily subscription should be about half of retail. So far we have few details on what you'll get for your money, but expect a WiFi tablet from a major manufacturer, with 3G and/or 4G possible in the future. If you're from the city of brotherly love and want more details on this early-stage plan, see the video after the break.

Continue reading Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video)

Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsbusinesse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersipadjournalismjournalism onlineJournalismOnlinemedianewsnewspapersPhiladelphiaPhiladelphia Daily NewsPhiladelphia Media NetworkPhiladelphiaDailyNewsPhiladelphiaMediaNetworkvideoWed, 13 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iRiver Story HD becomes first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, won't be the last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/iriver-story-hd-becomes-first-google-ebooks-integrated-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/iriver-story-hd-becomes-first-google-ebooks-integrated-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/iriver-story-hd-becomes-first-google-ebooks-integrated-e-reader/#comments We aren't exactly lacking for digital bookstores, but Google's eBooks offering is indeed one of the slickest around. And evidently, it's not in nearly as many places as the marketers in Mountain View would like. The Goog just announced that iRiver's Story HD would soon become the first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, with the new model going on sale July 17th at Target. It'll still sell for $139.99, and none of the actual hardware specifications will change from the existing model. Of course, the eBooks platform has been open to all publishers, retailers and manufacturers from the start; it's just that iRiver has become the first manufacturer to heed the call. Naturally, Google's teasing us by openly stating that more of these are on the way, and if you just so happen to be an e-reader maker... well, it'd certainly love to have a chat.

iRiver Story HD becomes first Google eBooks-integrated e-reader, won't be the last originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apibooke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebooksEReadergooglegoogle ebooksGoogleEbooksiriveririver story hdIriverStoryHdstory hdStoryHdMon, 11 Jul 2011 12:45:00 EST