So now there are two more e-book devices going head to head with Sony’s Reader, and neither of them is talking about it. Yet.
First there is the iPhone, which some see as the publishing industry’s first viable ePhoneBook, though Apple’s interest appears to be nonexistent. Still, when it was first introduced, the CNET editors raved that “The iPhone’s display is the handset’s design showpiece. … its 480 x 320 pixel resolution (160 dots per inch) translates into brilliant colors, sharp graphics, and fluid movements.” Contrast that with comments about the Sony eReader from Business Week: “nearly 10 months after its debut, the Sony eReader is hardly a game-changer.” (BW, 9/3/07). Those who have seen its pedestrian gray screen would be hard pressed to find “brilliant colors, sharp graphics, and fluid movements.” Nor can eReader take pictures, jump online, or download your e-mail. Oh yes, and make phone calls.
Now, say hello to the Amazon Kindle which remains shrouded in mystery though Engadget raves about this “book reader device that comes equipped with a 6-inch 800 x 600 display (which we can only assume is e-ink), 256MB internal storage, smallish two-thumb keyboard cursor bar, scroll wheel, standard mini USB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, SD slot, and get this: EV-DO data!” The user manual also outlines the Kindle Store on Amazon. And Gizmodo wonders “What service is Amazon going to announce to deliver these heaven sent e-books?”
These new devices reopen an old debate among ebook conoscienti: The multiple-use vs single-use device. And there has not been any definitive decision on either side. But maybe what we’re learning is the number of uses is the wrong question. Rather, the important factors are: “design” itself, exciting features, a good user experience, ease of access, and of course, content. These are the essential ingredients for success for electronic devices of all kinds, whether for gaming, phoning, or reading.
After much work, the International Digital Publishing Forum has now published both ebook file, and ebook file container standards (See PT, March 07) that are being endorsed by publishing and technology companies which could further simplify the process. And maybe that’s the point. The transition to handheld devices for immersive reading will not come from a single blow, like Moses striking the rock and out pours water. Instead, a rising tide composed of new devices, accepted standards, improving screen technology, and a growing consumer comfort level with small screens, will allow the publishing industry to back into a reasonable level of revenue from ebooks.
PT thanks Lightspeed’s Jim Lichtenberg for his help investigating the world of ePhones and Kindles.
