12-04-2009, 09:14 AM | #1 |
Sir Penguin of Edinburgh
Posts: 12,375
Karma: 23555235
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DC Metro area
Device: Shake a stick plus 1
|
Hearst just announced their ebook reader
Okay, they didn't actually announce the device yet, but the news released today is bigger than just a device. Hearst (a US media conglomerate) just announced the formation of Skiff, its new digital distribution platform. The rumored new device does exist and will be part of this platform. But it' won't be the only device. Skiff platform will support wireless delivery of content to more than just their device. According to the Skiff homepage, supported devices will include notebooks, PCs, tablets, smartphones, and dedicated reading devices.
We don't have much info on the gadget yet, but the press release does mention that it will have a color screen and that Skiff has partnerships with Sprint and Marvell. company website press release Wikipedia |
12-04-2009, 09:18 AM | #2 |
zeldinha zippy zeldissima
Posts: 27,827
Karma: 921169
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Paris, France
Device: eb1150 & is that a nook in her pocket, or she just happy to see you?
|
wow ! that is huge. a distribution plateform could really shake things up, especially by including magazines, blogs, etc. and most especially by not making it closed to other devices. that is definitely a good idea on the part of hearst ! and a colour screen for magazines will be great. i wonder which technology they are using ?
|
Advert | |
|
12-04-2009, 10:48 AM | #3 |
Groupie
Posts: 181
Karma: 478
Join Date: Oct 2009
Device: Android & FBReader
|
It's about time, this may be the salvation of many physical only print media and a real boost to those companies who publish limited or hard to get e-media.
I'd certainly use it:
|
12-04-2009, 11:00 AM | #4 |
reader
Posts: 6,975
Karma: 5183568
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mississippi, USA
Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD
|
The partnership with Sprint gives them a retail presence. It may lock out the iRex DR800SG though, which is the only multi-source (for content delivery) wireless device announced so far.
|
12-04-2009, 11:22 AM | #5 |
Professional Contrarian
Posts: 2,045
Karma: 3289631
Join Date: Mar 2009
Device: Kindle 4 No Touchie
|
Probably Adobe Air. But it all looks pretty vague at the moment.
I'm sure it will have DRM. As long as they use something like Air, it should work on multiple platforms -- though I'd think formatting/layouts for handhelds and larger screens and paper will increase the workload for putting out an issue. Wake me up when they've got a prototype. Hearst and Sprint might still be in business by that point. |
Advert | |
|
12-04-2009, 01:43 PM | #6 |
Guru
Posts: 767
Karma: 2347
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NYC
Device: Sony Reader, nook, Droid, nookColor, nookTablet
|
Without their own device, they're up against folks like nxtbook, texterity, and Zinio for magazines and everyone else for books. With a device, you're right back in the same boat you're in now with respect to trying to pitch a dedicated unit--except that now the customer really is better off with a netbook.
|
12-04-2009, 08:57 PM | #7 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,981
Karma: 11862367
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Sony Reader PRS-T2
|
I swear I heard the ghost of William Randolph Hearst.. no-one mention Rosebud!
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
ShineBook Mobile eBook Reader announced in Germany, reads both DRM-prc + DRM-ePub ... | K-Thom | News | 11 | 12-12-2009 06:50 AM |
Cool-er 3G ebook reader announced by Interread | pilotbob | Interead COOL-ER | 15 | 12-10-2009 01:33 PM |
July ebook sales figures announced | Nate the great | News | 6 | 09-24-2009 10:19 PM |
Hearst to launch a wireless e-reader! | Spectrum | News | 5 | 02-28-2009 02:03 PM |
Hearst to launch wireless e-reader | Ervserver | News | 5 | 02-27-2009 10:01 PM |