Wed September 04 2013
The e-reader "Androidified"... would you get one? |
06:46 AM by Katsunami in E-Book General | General Discussions The one thing I always see with regard to new e-readers is that people want the software to do specific things. One e-reader can have 20 custom fonts, the other has 20 settings for margins, while a third has 15 settings for line height. That sort of stuff. No reader has everything. I've read that there are some nice reading applications for tablets, and that some people prefer a tablet for readin because of the choice of apps and their customizability. Let's say, a manufacturer would do something like this:
But most important: It will run a completely stripped down version of Android, but you won't ever see the operating system. The reader itself would only provide the utter minimal stuff: WIFI connection, handling the front-light, setting page flash (between 0-10); basically, make the hardware usable. (Isn't that what an OS is supposed to do?) Everything, and I mean *EVERYTHING* related to reading would be left to the applications, from choosing reading fonts up to Facebook/GoodReads integration. The manufacturer of the reader will have a marketplace, but with only one type of applications: reading apps. Anything else is not allowed. Comics, books, PDF's, an internet browser, etc... whatever. People who have a reading app in the Android store could probably port it quite quickly to the e-reader. Not all reading applications may be free, and some could cost up to $10. The manufacturer itself will have a free reading application in the market, comparable to what a Kindle Paperwhite has to offer now; it won't be installed by default. If you have only one reading application installed, it will start by default when booting the reader; if you have more than one installed, you can choose which one to start by default, or start none and present you with a choice when starting the device. This way, you could be reading a book in one application, and read a PDF in another. Of course, this would be a high-end device, with a high-end price: the price will be between $150 and $300 depending on the size. Would you buy this "Uber E-Reader"? (People might say: But this is just an e-ink tablet, stripped of everything except a market to install reading applications? Yeah, you'd basically be right. That's why it's an Uber E-Reader, and not a generic tablet.) |
[ 64 replies ] |
Next-gen Kindle Paperwhite previewed by Time mag |
06:39 AM by Alexander Turcic in E-Book General | News Time magazine editor Harry McCracken had a chance to give the new Kindle Paperwhite V2 a spin. His verdict: that it's an "ultra-refined version of what was already the most refined product in its category." On the hardware side, McCracken experienced that the built-in light works indeed better than in the previous Paperwhite, without the unevenness of the light along the bottom edge of the screen. He cites Amazon saying that the flashing effect while flipping pages is reduced to "as rarely as once per chapter". Unfortunately he doesn't say whether he can confirm this statement in his hands-on test. He does confirm though that the touch screen is more responsive when opening books, turning pages, and performing other touch tasks. Software-wise, he mentions what we've already learned, the Smart Lookup via X-Ray feature allowing you to learn more about the books that you are reading, the Vocabulary Builder that lets you review previously looked-up words, and the new Kindle Page Flip, easing the process of skimming through the book:
What's not yet available in the current firmware is the Kindle FreeTime feature, allowing extra restricted profiles for your kids, and the GoodReads integration. Both features McCracken said are aimed to become available in a firmware upgrade by Thanksgiving. Owners of the first Paperwhite can rejoice, as at least some of the new software features may come to your device as well:
Related: All-New Kindle Paperwhite V2 (accidentally) unveiled. So what's all new? |
[ 16 replies ] |
Nook tablet prices drop again in UK, HD down to £79 |
05:46 AM by Mort1997 in E-Book Readers | Barnes & Noble NOOK The HD is selling for £79 for the 8GB and £99 for the 16GB The HD+ is selling for £129 for the 16GB and £149. I have both and they are lovely to use. |
[ 1 reply ] |
Tue September 03 2013
Android 4.4 to be called KitKat |
03:17 PM by tubemonkey in E-Book General | News No Key Lime Pie?
Link: Google names new Android operating system after chocolate bar (The Washington Post) |
[ 42 replies ] |
Kindle MatchBook: Get the Kindle version of a previously-bought paper book cheap/free |
03:12 PM by avantman42 in E-Book General | News Amazon have announced Kindle MatchBook, which will launch in October. If you've bought a paper book from Amazon at any time, and the Kindle book is enrolled in the Matchbook program, you'll be able to get the Kindle version $2.99, $1.99, $0.99, or free (price is set by the publisher). I believe this is something that has been frequently requested by MobileRead users. |
[ 142 replies ] |
All-New Kindle Paperwhite V2 (accidentally) unveiled. So what's all new? |
02:56 PM by Alexander Turcic in E-Book General | News Yeah that's right, the second post in-a-row about the new Kindle Paperwhite. We're just that crazy! As many of you probably know, by all accounts it wasn't Amazon's intention to unveil its new e-reader today. But thanks to eagled-eyed Mobilereader digiridan, the cat got out of the bag and there was no holding back for Amazon. By now you're probably asking yourself, is the all-new Kindle really better than the previous model? Yes, absolutely -- at least judging from the specifications:
The Paperwhite V2 comes with a host of new gee-whiz software features.
We invite you to join the on-going discussions for some serious Kindle analysis! |
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New Paperwhite! |
12:51 PM by digiridan in E-Book Readers | Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOPNK14/ref=fs_clw Hm, now I can't access that page They are playing with us |
[ 440 replies ] |
Doctorow on the e-book rip-off for libraries |
10:00 AM by Alexander Turcic in E-Book General | News Did you know that libraries pay as much as five times the price you pay for the same e-book? Cory Doctorow recently had a chat with librarians at the annual national conference of the American Library Association, where they were lamenting the fact that libraries had to pay a hefty premium on e-books.
Cory mentions the crazy case of HarperCollins, who ruled that an e-book has to be destroyed after it has circulated 26 times.
There is a movement among librarians of the American Library Association to call upon publishers to make their e-books available to libraries at fair prices and fair terms. You can find the campaign here. Related: NPR - E-Books Strain Relations Between Libraries, Publishing Houses, Author says Libraries "have had their day." |
[ 152 replies ] |