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Europe to allow gate-to-gate electronics use by the end of November
Certain air travelers in Europe will soon be free to use smartphones, tablets, e-readers and music players during all phases of flight. An announcement today from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) states that the organization will extend new guidelines by the end of this month, enabling the use of such devices during taxi, takeoff and landing as long as they're switched to "airplane mode," when applicable. Laptops must be stowed during those periods, just as they're required to be in the US. Curiously, the policy will specifically apply to European airlines -- it's not clear if carriers based overseas will be permitted to allow electronics' use while operating within Europe. The EASA also stated that it's researching methods for certifying phones for voice-call use, though we don't expect to see a ruling there for quite some time. Phone calls remain banned on US carriers, even though services like Gogo's Text & Talk utilize FAA-approved technologies.
Sony's A4-sized digital paper slab gets a business-oriented price tag of 100,000 yen
We've seen it develop from a flexible, skeletal e-ink display into a stylus-friendly prototype and finally, Sony is now ready to sell its digital paper slab -- you might just have to save up a little more. A 13.3-inch touchscreen E-ink display is a pretty rare occurrence and, perhaps because of that, it's attracted a wallet-slamming price tag of 100,000 yen (that's just over $1,000). It'll go on sale in Japan on December 3rd, with a 1,200 x 1,600 resolution e-ink screen and WiFi connectivity crammed into a 6.8mm thick frame that weighs 358 grams. For the sake of comparisons, it weighs less than an iPad air, even if it costs roughly double. Sony appears to understand the cost issue here, because, at least for now, it's spinning the slate as an ideal "digital paper solution" for highly specialized businesses and (presumably well-monied) colleges. It's even thrown off some example situations where financial (or term) papers are uploaded from either a PC or the digital paper device itself, and downloaded for individual reading or scribbling on elsewhere. It also uses E Ink's Mobius display which uses protective film rather than glass, which Sony says will make it easier to write on compared to existing tablet-stylus devices, although we wouldn't go expecting any Gorilla Glass levels of defense against keys and pocket shrapnel.
Amazon offers physical bookstores a cut of Kindle e-book sales, and just enough rope
Just as Kobo has cozied up to physical booksellers, so too does Amazon have a plan to smother them in e-ink kisses. Under the company's new "Amazon Source" program, any independent bookstore that sells a Kindle tablet or e-reader will be rewarded with ten percent of future book purchases made on that device. This incentive will be in addition to the margin they'll make on re-selling the hardware in the first place, although this margin will be less than that given to retailers who choose to stay out of the Source program. In terms of hard cash, the combined total might actually be worth something to struggling stores, depending on how many units they're able to sell, and it's surely designed to entice them away from Kobo. That said, we're still inclined to wonder whether this is a supremely clever Trojan Horse. A bookseller will only get a cut on digital e-book sales made within two years of the device being purchased -- just enough time for a Kindle customer to get hooked on speedy electronic transactions, and for the store to be turned into a Taco Bell.
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight review: much improved, but the competition is still winning
There's a lot to be said for being first. Barnes & Noble beat the competition to the punch with the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight -- an e-reader with built-in front lighting. And though we busted the company's chops with regards to its claims of keeping marriages together, the feature really did feel like the next big step forward for e-readers. Naturally, then, Amazon and Kobo released similar offerings soon after, with front lighting that frankly blew the Nook out of the water. As those companies further iterated their lines, Barnes & Noble maintained radio silence, something many chalked up to troubles with its hardware division. A year and a half after the release of its last reader, the GlowLight has finally returned with an abbreviated name and an improved feature set. The new Nook GlowLight ($119) features a revised design, weighs noticeably less than its predecessor and, most notably, brings an improved front light. But while it ushers in some welcome tweaks, the loss of the Simple Touch name also marks the abandonment of some beloved features that helped set the line apart in the first place.
Hackers turn Kobo Glo e-reader into a fully fledged Android tablet
You wouldn't expect an e-reader to be very customizable, but they've provided a rich seam of fodder for enterprising hackers. The latest to be broken is Kobo's Glo, which has has been tweaked to run a full version of Android by a user on MobileRead's forums. It was relatively easy, as the Glo shares a lot of DNA with the previously-cracked Tolino Shine. Naturally, the hack gives you Google Play access, so it's entirely possible to install the Kindle app on the reader, but remember -- you'd be breaking a lot of hearts over at Kobo towers if you did. [Image Credit: Kevin Short]
Amazon discounts select Kindles in celebration of recent FAA decision
You just know Amazon's been waiting forever for this cheeky product discount. But heck, if it means not having to buy a $20 Dan Brown book before rushing to catch a flight, we'll take it. In celebration of the FAA easing its personal electronic device restrictions (not to mention Delta and JetBlue), the mega-retailer's offering a nice little discount on a trio of Kindles. Enter "ThnksFAA" during checkout and you'll get a discount on the Kindle Fire HD, HDX seven-inch and the entry-level Kindle e-reader -- sorry, no Paperwhite or Fire HDX 8.9 today, kids. Still, $59 for low-end Kindle seems like a perfectly reasonable way to celebrate the recent FAA decision.
Amazon intros Kindle First for those who can't wait a month for the new Gloria Gaynor book
Waiting another month for that new inspirational Gloria Gaynor book? You'll survive, most likely -- but just in case, Amazon's debuting a new program called Kindle First. Customers can get early access to new titles for $1.99 - or for free, if they're a member of the exclusive club that is Amazon Prime. New titles will be chosen each month - though judging from the current offerings, it's not exactly a-list material. But hey, what do you want for free? You can check out the current offerings in the source link below.
Barnes & Noble's Nook GlowLight is lighter, brighter, whiter, with less Simple Touch for $119
As a ketchup bottle once famously said: Good things take time (we're paraphrasing here, of course). Roughly a year and a half ago, Barnes & Noble made its top-notch Nook Simple Touch even better with the addition of GlowLight. Before the end of the year, however, the company had been outdone by both Kobo and Amazon in that department; the two e-reader competitors launched devices with more uniform and brighter front-lighting technologies. Since then, those companies have both offered up refreshes, Amazon with a new Paperwhite and Kobo with the slick Aura, leaving us wondering why Barnes & Noble had been quiet for so long. Surely issues with its hardware division couldn't be helping matters. Today, however, things are looking, um, brighter for the company. The latest Nook is available now through Barnes & Noble's site, bringing with it a slew of upgrades and a shortened name. Say "goodbye" to Simple Touch. This time out, it's just Nook GlowLight, a new name for a new look. Gone is the matte black color scheme of its predecessor (not to mention most of the rest of the industry). That's been traded in for a white design that evokes the Nook HD tablet. It's also easier on the eyes, according to the company, with less of a contrast between the bezel and display. It's still a sizable bezel, of course. B&N didn't shave things down like Kobo. There's also a rubber bumper running around the perimeter. The company won't actually call it "rugged," but we suspect that'll help it take a tumble a bit more gracefully.
Amazon's Matchbook service now live, works with over 70,000 books for $3 or less
Amazon's Matchbook service, which offers e-book versions of hard copies of books like Amazon's Autorip offers digital versions of physical music, is now live. The service supports over 70,000 books at launch with digital equivalents costing $3 or less. The service recognizes purchases from as far as 1995 (when Amazon first started selling books), and their digital versions come with all the bells and whistles readers have come to expect from the Kindle service: Whispersync, X-Ray and more. Of course, Amazon's promising that there's "more being added every day" to the list of available titles, so don't lose all hope if you don't see your favorite authors/publishers/etc. listed.
Judge appoints external monitor to ensure Apple complies with antitrust laws
This past July, US District Judge Denise Cote found Apple guilty of colluding with book publishers in an effort to raise the price of e-books across the industry. Following that, the Department of Justice proposed a wide array of remedies to ensure that Apple wouldn't run afoul of antitrust laws in the future. One of the proposed remedies called for the court to appoint an external monitor tasked with keeping an eye on Apple as to ensure that they comply with antitrust laws going forward. On Wednesday, Judge Cote appointed former Assistant US Attorney Michael Bromwich as that external monitor. CNET reports: Bromwich was one of two names picked by the Justice Department as well as plaintiff states as part of last month's injunction ruling. As monitor, he'll work from inside Apple to maintain the company's compliance with US antitrust laws. Bromwich filled a similar, independent monitor role within the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia a little more than a decade ago, and more recently served as part of US oversight on the oil industry. Apple previously argued that an external monitor was wholly unnecessary, but ultimately failed to persuade Cote. Bromwich will keep an eye on Apple's antitrust compliance for two years. Note that the two-year period is less than the five-year period initially proposed by the DOJ. Lastly, Apple earlier this month filed a motion indicating that it plans to appeal Cote's ruling. Formal arguments on the matter, however, won't be submitted until early 2014.
Oyster's subscription e-book service launches on iPad, goes invitation-free
Oyster's unlimited e-book service has been more of an exclusive club so far; you've had to read on an iPhone, and request an invitation just to get in. Both of those barriers are disappearing today. The company has just launched an iPad app that offers a more comfortable reading experience, with a dark backdrop optimized for night sessions. Customers also don't have to wait to get started -- Oyster is making its apps public, letting anyone sign up on a whim. There's no word of support for Android and other platforms at this stage, but iOS-bound readers can trial the service for free at the source link.
Offensive e-book controversy highlights issues with self-publishing
Just as e-books mean anyone with an internet connection has the world's biggest library to hand, they also mean anyone with a word processor can be an author. Some of the big e-book outlets have self-publishing programs that circumvent the traditional channels, so you can simply share your story and let readers judge you, instead of banking on a publishing house giving you a shot. A great idea in theory, but as some e-book retailers are discovering, not without its faults. As the BBC reports, e-book vendors including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and others are scrambling to remove certain kinds of erotica (twisted stuff featuring abuse, rape, etc.) from their stores. Several recent articles by The Kernel highlighted the availability of such material, and questioned the ethics of retailers profiting from it. Another issue brought to public attention is how the content had been indexed -- it was easily discoverable using seemingly harmless search criteria. While Amazon and B&N are said to be removing titles deemed inappropriate from their sites, Kobo has temporarily closed its e-book store while it scours the virtual shelves and attempts to "protect the reputation of self-publishing." As you'd expect, all the merchants mentioned have guidelines prohibiting the publication of offensive texts (call it public interest censorship), and yet have launched reactionary measures following recent reports. With self-publishing programs in their infancy, it appears approval systems aren't yet developed enough to automatically flag content that breaches those policies. Despite this rather major hiccup, we're sure many would agree that self-publishing is a sound concept -- there are just a few kinks in the execution department that need ironing out. In light of this controversy, perhaps it's time for e-book stores to start acting a bit more like real publishers.
Apple appeals e-book pricing case
This past summer, Judge Denise Cote ruled that Apple had colluded with a range of publishing companies in an effort to raise the price of e-books. Now comes word that Apple has filed a motion appealing the ruling. The appeal was filed on Thursday, but formal arguments on the matter may be submitted as late as early 2014. Gigaom reports: It's fair to assume, however, that Apple will bring up many of the same issues it raised in an August letter to Judge Cote, in which it outlined the arguments it planned to raise on appeal. For instance, it argued that the court excluded or disregarded crucial evidence from various witnesses, "disregarded serious credibility issues with the Google and Amazon witnesses" and excluded information about Amazon's "internal business deliberations" from discovery. Notably, Apple could have settled the case with the DOJ and avoided a trial altogether. Apple, however, chose to go to trial, re-affirming time and time again that they did nothing wrong and refusing to settle on principle. That Apple is appealing the ruling isn't surprising. In the wake of Cote's ruling, Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr issued the following statement: Apple did not conspire to fix e-book pricing and we will continue to fight against these false accusations. When we introduced the iBookstore in 2010, we gave customers more choice, injecting much-needed innovation and competition into the market, breaking Amazon's monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. We've done nothing wrong and we will appeal the judge's decision. Regarding the credibility of a Google executive who testified during the trial, you can read more about that here via The Verge.
Scribd launches subscription e-book service for Android, iOS and web
Many of us associate Scribd with embedded documents on websites, but the company has been quietly building an e-book platform -- first by selling content and later by soft-launching a subscription service. The company is now making its strategy clear by formally launching the e-book service and introducing content from HarperCollins, its first major publisher. Subscribers worldwide can pay $9 per month for access to both HarperCollins' back catalog and independent releases through apps for Android, iOS and the web. Customers can also buy any books outright, including HarperCollins' newer titles. Like with any Scribd document (and Kindle for the Web), customers can both share what they're reading and embed books into websites. If you like the prospect of all-you-can-read services like Oyster but want broader platform support, you'll want to take a close look at Scribd's new offering.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review (2013): is last year's best e-reader still tops?
Amazon's really laid off the pomp and circumstance this year. Between a new Paperwhite e-reader and a trio of tablets, the company's hosted nary a press conference; just a couple of small-scale meetings. In the case of the Paperwhite, the reason seems clear. From the name on down, nothing about the device screams "major upgrade." Both the hardware and software received some tweaks, sure, but, well, if this were an Apple product, it would almost certainly be called the Kindle Paperwhite S. Then again, we loved the Paperwhite the first time around, so why mess with near perfection?
Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight gets UK price cut, drops below £50
Bookworms in the UK tired of smuggling flashlights to bed might want to take another look at the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight. After all, you can get one for £49 now that Barnes & Noble has slashed £20 off its retail price -- that's far, far lower than the amount people had to pay at launch. According to the book retailer, you can only snag the device at that price point until current stocks last, so the promo can expire anytime. If you're not particularly fond of e-readers, though, feel free to cast your eyes upon the discounted Nook HD and HD+ tablets instead. You can also nab one of those right now, or, you know, throw hints at your personal Santa that you want one for Christmas.
Google patent filing describes tailored online book clubs, minus the wine
The phrase "virtual book club" may not conjure romantic visions of low-lit rooms and vintage wines, but you don't necessarily need those things to throw fancy words around. Amazon-owned Goodreads hosts user-created online clubs, but a Google patent application that's surfaced today imagines a different way of bringing bookworms together. It describes a system that automatically prompts the buyer of a new title, presumably acquired through Google Books, to join a club. To make this virtual version a little more like the real thing, it'll suggest specific groups based on your age, location, interests, preferred club size, reading speed and literary tastes. Furthermore, you'll only be coupled with those who've bought the work recently, so your new-found chums aren't on page 400 before you've even started. It'll all be managed through a social network, of course (we hear Google has one of those), and members will be able to fill specific roles within the club hierarchy. They'll also be able to schedule "activities," which we assume is patentese for Hangouts and the like to foster discussion. The patent filing also talks of financial rewards to tempt participation, which sounds like the perfect strategy for building millions of inactive G+ pages.
IFA 2013 wrap-up: Galaxy Note 3, Xperia Z1, smartwatches, lens cameras, 4K displays and more
We reckoned IFA would be an exceptionally busy show, and now that we've combed through all of our coverage and condensed it here, it's clear the event lived up to our expectations. Sure, the venerable CES may have topped IFA in show floor square feet, but the announcements in Berlin generated perhaps even more excitement than those that came out of Las Vegas in January. A pair of high-profile smartwatches, two titanic smartphones, a duo of lens cameras, 4K displays and a bevy of hands-ons await you in a neat, yet massive, roundup after the break.
Judge prevents Apple from setting prices with e-book partners (Update: Apple to appeal)
Well Apple's ongoing saga with the DOJ has finally come to an end*. Judge Denise Cote today laid out her punishment for Apple after finding that the company had indeed colluded with a number of publishing companies to collectively raise the price of e-books. Specifically, Cote issued an injunction which effectively precludes Apple from including a "most favored nation clause" in any contract it strikes with publishers for a period of five years. Previously, that "most favored nation clause" in Apple's contracts ensured that no other book retailer would be able to price e-books below Apple. While Apple can't be happy about that, it is undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief after Cote chose not to follow the DOJ's recommendation that Apple be forced to change the manner in which it operates in-app purchases. The DOJ previously proposed that competitors like Amazon be allowed to include links within their own iOS apps that would whisk users away from the App Store in order to make purchases, thereby avoiding having to pay Apple a 30 percent cut. Indeed, Cote previously noted that she wants Apple's "injunction to rest as lightly as possible on how Apple runs its business." Returning back to Apple's punishment, Cote also ruled that Apple would have to stagger future contract negotiations with the publishers involved. Further, Apple will be subject to a court-appointed external monitor who will keep an eye on Apple's activities to ensure that they don't run afoul of antitrust laws going forward. Apple will also be subject to an annual antitrust compliance audit. *Update: Apple will appeal. Engadget also adds: The final injunction prevents Apple from setting prices with any of its partners for terms of between two and four years, with the exact term depending on which publisher it's working with and how long they originally took to settle with the DoJ -- which means Apple's relationship with Macmillan faces the harshest restriction. The full ruling from Judge Cote can be read in its entirety below: US v. Apple Injunction
Judge orders Apple to stop making special pacts with e-book publishers
After plenty of tussling over the DoJ's proposed injunction against Apple, preventing it from striking untoward pricing deals with e-book publishers, a judge at the Southern District Court of New York has today laid down the law. The final injunction prevents Apple from setting prices with any of its partners for terms of between two and four years, with the exact term depending on which publisher it's working with and how long they originally took to settle with the DoJ -- which means Apple's relationship with Macmillan faces the harshest restriction. Crucially, Apple also won't be able to make "most favored nation" pacts, in which e-book prices and discounts are set across a range of publishers or retailers. This particular bit of the injunction will last for five years -- a lengthy period of time in this industry, and one that can be extended by the court if it sees fit, but hardly the ten-year term that Apple's lawyers initially feared. Finally, another key clause prevents Apple from doing business with publishers behind closed doors. For the next two years, Cupertino will have to bring in an independent third party to serve as an "Antitrust compliance officer" in all deals. Sounds humiliating, perhaps, but again, given the relatively short duration, it could have been a lot worse.
