ereader
Latest
iPhone the most popular ebook reader
Forbes is reporting that the iPhone has become the country's top eBook reader. The claim is based upon the number of downloads of Stanza [App Store link], an ebook reader for the iPhone and iPod touch (395,000 and counting), versus the number of projected US Kindle sales (380,000). For those unfamiliar with Stanza, it's a free application that lets users download books over the air, as does the Kindle. All of Stanza's offerings are free works in the public domain, and flipping pages is a breeze with the touch screen.Of course, it's silly to compare an iPhone to a Kindle. The screen is very tiny and I wouldn't want to read anything longer than an email message with it. However, many people will, some of whom do it just because they can. I can remember reading a Stephen King book on my old Palm ///e simply because I thought it was neat.Still, combine the 395,000 downloads of Stanza with nearly 380,000 Kindles sold (plus the Sony eBook reader figures), and it seems that many people enjoy reading very tiny type.[Via MacDailyNews]
iRex's 1000SW e-reader won't have 3G -- no matter how much we say otherwise
If you've been following the new iRex reader, the 1000 series, you'll be disappointed to know -- as we were -- that the high-end 1000SW will not come equipped with 3G connectivity as we previously reported. Apparently jkOnTheRun got in touch with iRex rep Loeki van der Lee after unsuccessfully searching for hard evidence on the feature, and he confirmed that the device will sport WiFi and Bluetooth, but nothing more. Honestly, based on his short responses and the information we snagged from Forbes the day before the announcement, it sounds as if plans might have changed at the last minute. Still, it won't alter the fact that the $849 device won't provide the same functionality as a $359 Kindle... though it does have that snazzy Wacom stylus.
Amazon puts the kibosh on Kindle 2.0 rumors
Well, so much for those rumors of a thinner, cheaper, less 80s-hot Kindle coming soon -- Amazon spokesman Craig Berman told the New York Times today that there's nothing in store for this year, and that a new version won't happen before "sometime next year at the earliest." So much for that, unless there's some huge surprise in store -- looks like all you college kids are going to end up killing some trees this year after all.
Amazon rumored to have sold 240,000 Kindles
Amazon's been pretty cagey with Kindle sales numbers, except to say that it sold out the first batch in 5.5 hours and that more are finally arriving. Still, you can't keep a secret forever, and TechCrunch says they have it on good authority that Bezos and Co. have sold some 240,000 Kindles since November. Adding it all up, that's good enough for $100M in total revenue so far -- which is about what Wall Street's been predicting. Of course, that's chump change compared to the $1B annual business some analysts think Kindle can be, but you gotta start somewhere -- and a quarter-mil out the gate in the first year ain't bad at all.
Sony Reader pre-order now live in the UK, shipping in September
We Americans have had the opportunity to pick up Sony's Reader for what seems like eons, but you poor bookworms holed up in the UK have been neglected unjustly. No more, as Sony has just opened up the phone lines for folks eager to claim their spot in line the queue. No need in rehashing the specifications you already know -- it's still the same ole PRS-505, just way more expensive in US dollars.[Via MobileRead, thanks Alex]
Cybook Gen3 e-book reader on sale now for $350
Those sitting tight for Cybook's Gen3 e-book reader can finally do something other than just wait for it. That's right, Bookeen's latest is finally on sale, and just as promised (the second time, that is), it's available now (read: in October) for $350. If you're wondering what all that coin will get you, you can look forward to 8,000 page flips without a recharge, a daylight-readable 800 x 600 resolution display, 2.5-millimeter stereo headphone jack, 64MB of storage, an SD expansion slot and USB connectivity. So go on, bust out that credit card and count down the minutes till it arrives on your doorstep.[Via Teleread]
Sony pulls the plug on Connect, refocuses on PlayStation
After a lengthy, albeit fledgling stay in the digital music distribution biz, Sony has reportedly decided to cut its losses and disconnect the Connect service. We'd already seen the service get shuffled around in an effort to strengthen the division, but it seems like it has finally succumbed to the competition. According to reports from an internal meeting, some 20-plus employees were told that their jobs were being "phased out" as the Connect resources were being shifted to handle the needs of the PlayStation group. Interestingly, it was noted that the eBooks segment would still remain alive and well to service the Sony Reader demands, but Steve Banfield, the head of the Sony Connect division, would be "leaving within the next few weeks." Farewell Connect, it seems we all barely knew you.
Amazon's Kindle: $400 for spring?
After making a dramatic FCC-leaked first appearance, we've heard zilch about Amazon's Kindle e-book reader. Word on the street is that Amazon has been pre-viewing its e-reader to publishers in the US and UK for months now. More importantly, those who have used it say it's a "step up" from the Sony Reader, offering better functionality and "a first rate e-commerce option" thanks in part to the device's built-in EV-DO data capability. Publishers Weekly says that the device is expected to launch "above $400" as early as spring. Judging by The City's revived scent of reheated bodily fluids, that could be any day now. [Via MobileRead]
Konami game demands you scan cards
During a recent toy show held in Japan, Konami unveiled its latest card game for the DS. Complete with card reader, this is not to be confused with the upcoming Marvel Vs. game for the DS, PSP and PC (although, how cool would that be if it were?!). Apparently, the player mixes card-playing outside of the DS with gameplay through the handheld system, which sounds a bit complicated to us. Who knows though, this could be fun, right?See also: Sega's feminine e-reader
Mod your e-Reader to fit in a DS
Nintendo's e-Reader has thus far been incompatible with the DS due to the placement of the link port adaptor for the GBA; however, if this was the only thing holding you back from putting that GBA in the closet and using the DS fulltime, then bust out your handy tri-wing screwdriver and get to work. It's a pretty straightforward hack, even more so if you don't care about maintaining compatability with your GBA. Open the housing, remove the link port connector assembly, and put it back together. Then you can try printing out your own homebrew e-Reader cards.[Via hack a day]
