Alex e-Reader Gains a Million Books Thanks to Google
Lawsuits aside, quite a few folks are interested in the Alex Reader from Spring Design. The device uses a 6″ eInk display for content, but also has a 3.5″ secondary color display that runs Google Android. (Yes, that sounds familiar.) Aside from the innovative hardware, the device is only as good as its content, right? Up to now I hadn’t heard of any specific content deals worked out, but CES is upon us and that changes things. Spring Design today announced a deal with Google that puts over 1 million titles in Google Books on the Alex.
“Our agreement and strategic alliance with Google opens the doors to more readers around the world,” said Dr. Priscilla Lu, CEO of Spring Design. “We are excited to be part of Google’s initiative to digitize and deliver the world’s books and look forward to the markets and opportunities these efforts will open up for readers as well as independent authors.”
While this might not be the content provider some would hope for, it’s a definite start. And the device does support the EPUB format, so many more doors could open very soon for the Alex. How about it — does this news generate any more excitement for the Alex, or are you content to read Google Books on other devices?
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It’s all about content and this is where the iSlate should shine. Think 3 BILLION downloads in 18 months, nobody else is even close. Hopefully the iSlate will unleash a flurry of newspaper, magazine and tv content to the masses.
Mr Jobs needs to quickly get an iSlate in the hands of every student in the world ASAP, it is that good ! Put those gubmint stimulus dollars to work and buy everyone an iSlate Uncle please.
Do you want to sell Sugar Water or CHANGE THE WORLD ? – famous quote by Steve Jobs many moons ago.
Apple is rapidly changing the World
Let’s face it folks, its an Apple World and the rest of us just live in it. Peace. Out. :-P
A tablet for a student would be great. Without a stylus or easy way to write in the margins and take notes on it though, it really wouldn’t help this student at all.
If there was an easy way for input anywhere on the screen, then I am sold. Otherwise this will just be a media tablet, not a tool for students and professionals.
The key problem with tablets, like the upcoming Apple one, is that you’re still reading on a computer screen. The uniqueness of an e-book with e-ink is that it’s easier to read for longer periods of time with longer battery charges. My big concern is the size of the screens. These 6″ models are a bit small and the 9-11″ ones (tablets, netbooks, Kindle DX) are too large. An 8″ screen would be ideal for easy carrying and better reading environment.
How are they going to offer 3G? Free like Kindle’s Whispernet? Yet it seems unfettered. That would be too costly for them (I’d buy it rather than a data plan). Here’s from their site:
“Alex is the first Google Android-based e-book device to provide full Internet browsing over Wi-Fi or mobile networks such as 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM. With its dual-screen, multi-access capability, it provides the entire Web universe as a handy reference library, prompting users to delve into its vast information base to complement, clarify or enhance what they are reading.”
http://www.springdesign.com/resource/jsp/