As soon as I saw the words “Intel Reader”, I couldn’t help but think: “not another reader”. However, Intel’s Reader is not just made to store book materials, it will read to you from a book.

All you need to do is use the reader to take a picture of the book, and it will use its text-scanning and text-to-speech engine to read the words on the page. This will be very helpful for the blind and others with reading-debilitating conditions. This reader will also play MP3s, and will turn your photographed books into MP3s as well.

There is a video of it after the jump for more of its groundbreaking features, but this device will cost you. How much? Try about $1,499.

Source

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Tags: e book reader, e-reader, eBook Reader, Intel, Intel Reader, Portable Devices, reader

The Nook is Barnes & Noble’s first eBook ready and it has already impressed us. But it looks like there’s something fishy about the whole thing. Spring Design alleges that the Nook design was stolen from the Alex. Spring Design has shown the Alex dual-screen eBook reader to Barnes & Noble before the Nook has been developed and it looks like the two companies have worked together for a while. We’re not jumping to any conclusions yet as it’s not our place to do that.

Spring Design has filed a trade secret lawsuit against Barnes & Noble and we’re curious to see what happens next. Eric Kmiec, Spring Design Vice President of Sales and Marketing has this to say about the whole issue:

Spring Design unfortunately had to take the appropriate action to protect its intellectual property rights. We showed the Alex e-book design to Barnes & Noble in good faith with the intention of working together to provide a superior dual screen e-book to the market.

What will you choose between the Alex and the Nook?

via businesswire

Tags: alex, barnes noble, eBook Reader, lawsuit, Mobile News, nook, Portable Devices, spring design

For some reason eBook readers are more and more popular these days. After the Kindle we’ve seen Sony’s reader, Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Plastic Logic’s QUE. Asus is also working on a few eReaders and it seems that Creative decided to make one of its own. Dubbed the MediaBook, Creative’s eBook reader might be based on the Zii platform and it’s said to come with some very impressive features like a color touchscreen display ready to let you read all the eBooks you want and support for videos and pictures. Although this MediaBook did get leaked there are no leaked pictures yet. And it’s way too early for pricing details and release dates so we’ll all have to wait for Creative to announce the reader until we get too excited about it.

via epizenter

Tags: Amazon, ASUS, Barnes and Noble, creative, eBook Reader, Kindle, Mobile News, nook, Portable Devices, que, Sony, Zii

Early last month Sony officially announced that they were working on several low cost ereader offerings. Today, the company has let us know that the PRS-300 (Pocket Reader Edition) is now available for $199.

This eBook reader features a 5-inch screen USB 2.0, 512MB of internal memory and comes in blue, silver and rose.

Sure, it’s no Kindle but if you’re on a budget you should definitely check this out.

via e-reader info

Tags: eBook Reader, eReader, Mobile News, Mobile Software, pocket reader edition, prs-300, Sony

We told you some time ago that Barnes & Noble was gearing up to launch an ereader that would go up against Amazon’s Kindle but haven’t heard much about it since. Well the day has finally come that the Android powered Barnes & Noble Nook has been announced.

As you can see from the above picture this device features both an e-ink display for reading ebooks and a color touchscreen for easy navigation. Additionally, the device will feature both 3G connectivity (thanks to AT&T) and WiFi. What’s even better is if you hop on a WiFi network at a Barnes & Noble retail location you will be able to browse through entire ebooks for free. Storage wise you’ll find 2GB of internal space with a memory card slot located on the back.

You can pre-order the Nook now, here, for $259 here with orders being fulfilled in November.

Tags: barnes noble, ebook, eBook Reader, eReader, Google, Kindle, Mobile News, Mobile Software, nook, Portable Devices

It was recently made known that Endless Ideas’ BeBook Mini 5-inch eBook reader is now available for purchase in the United States for $199.

This eBook reader features the ability to read a plethora of file formats including pdf, bmp, jpg, png, gif, mp3 and more. Additionally, it has 512MB of internal storage with an SD card slot for expandable memory. Unfortunately, the only way to get new content onto it is by hooking it up to your PC via USB as there is no 3G or WiFi or anything of the sort.

If you want to order the BeBook Mini head here.

Tags: Accessories, bebook, eBook Reader, endless ideas, Mini, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Portable Devices, sd card, slot

Virtual keyboards are no longer new to us and now another mobile phone is set to adapt the said technology. Multi-Fineline Electronics has announced the integration of their MFLEX Pelikon technology which will now be integrated into Toshiba Bibilio ebook reader mobile phones.

The device now features a touch screen with a slide-out keyboard using the Morphpad display as a numeric keyboard in portrait mode and as a full QWERTY keyboard in landscape orientation. The Morphpad is power efficient and is visible in any lighting condition. It can also be customized as far as brightness or contrast depending on the user’s preference.

(Source) Press

Tags: biblio, Cell Phones, eBook Reader, full qwerty keyboard, landscape orientation, lighting condition, mobile phone, mobile phones, multi fineline, numeric keyboard, portrait mode, preference, Toshiba, Toshiba, touch screen, virtual keyboards

Those currently residing in Korea looking for an eBook reader that looks exactly like the Kindle 2 but, well, isn’t the Kindle 2 should check out iriver’s Story e-reader.

This 6-inch, QWERTY keyboard touting eBook reader has recently went up for pre-order over in Korea for 358,000 KRW (~$290). Other incentives to buy the e-reader include a 2GB SD card, a case and 2 free eBook downloads.

Unfortunately there is no work on when, if ever, this thing will be made available in the States.

via electronista

Tags: e-reader, eBook Reader, iRiver, korea, Mobile News, Portable Devices, pre-order, story

As the prices of eBook readers continue to drop they may quickly find themselves becoming the next big thing. After realizing this, it’s no surprise that Discovery Communications, the guys behind Travel Channel, TLC and Discovery Channel, have filed a patent for their own eBook reader.

Other than the above picture, we don’t have much to go by, but apparantly the device will feature the ability to view messages, keep up with the stock market, look at the weather and more.

Considering the fact that Discovery Communications is no small company we could see them teaming up with some big names for this device.

via engadget

Tags: discovery communications, eBook Reader, Mobile News, Mobile Software, patent

After that sneak peek a few days back which pretty much bared everything that was needed to know about the two upcoming devices, there isn’t much else left for Sony to do other than go ahead and make it official.  So here they are, waving the official banners, the PRS-300 (Reader Pocket Edition) and PRS-600 (Reader Touch Edition).  Both the readers are made of pretty much what we knew already, with the PRS-300 boasting a 5-inch e-ink paper display of 800×600 pixel resolution and 8-level grayscale, 440MB of internal memory, and two weeks’ worth of reading on a single battery charge, going for $199.  The PRS-600 comes with touchscreen 6-inch 800×600 pixel display, 8-level grayscale, integrated Oxford American English dictionary, and 440MB of internal memory with support for SD and M2 expansion, all up for grabs at $299.  Both the devices will be available at the end of this month.  By the way, you should also know that Sony will now match Amazon’s $9.99 price for new titles and bestseller books instead of the previous $11.99 per title, so you don’t lose if you decide to swing with Sony Readers instead of the Kindle.

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Tags: eBook Reader, Portable Devices, prs-300, prs-600, Sony

Sony has long been a player in the eBook game but with innovations from Amazon and the like, their hardware offerings have generally been overlooked. If recent rumors are to be believed, however, Sony may be looking to make a new name for themselves in the eBook world.

Below are leaked specs for the above two devices courtesy of BGR:

PRS-600 (pictured above, left):

• Price: $299
• Screen Size: Vizplex 6 inches
• Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
• Gray Scale: 8-levels gray scale
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (battery: DC 3.7 V)
• AC Power: DC 5.2 V
• Battery Life (Approx): 7,500 (BBeB Book)
• 6.9″ L x 4.8″ W x 4″ D, Weight: 10.1 oz.
• Ships with a USB cable

Media Formats Supported: Unsecured Text: EPUB File (Non DRM/ Adobe DRM protected), BBeB Book (Non DRM/ PRS DRM protected), PDF file (Non DRM/ Adobe DRM protected) DRM Text: Text file, RTF file, Word file (unsecured), Unsecured Audio: MP3 (Non encrypted), AAC (Non encrypted) Image: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP

PRS-300 (pictured above, right):

• Price: $199
• Screen Size: Vizplex 5 inches
• Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
• Gray Scale: 8-levels gray scale
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (battery: DC 3.7 V)
• AC Power: DC 5.2 V
• Battery Life (Approx): 7,500 (BBeB Book)
• 6.2″ L x. 4.2″ W x 2″ D, Weight: 7.76 oz.
• Ships with a USB Cable, Sleeve, Quick Start Flyers

Media Formats Supported: Unsecured Text: EPUB File (Non DRM/ Adobe DRM protected), BBeB Book (Non DRM/ PRS DRM protected), PDF file (Non DRM/ Adobe DRM protected) DRM Text: Text file, RTF file, Word file (unsecured)

So what do you think? If these rumors are true will Amazon’s Kindle have a capable competitor?

Tags: Amazon, eBook Reader, Kindle, Mobile News, Mobile Software, prs-300, prs-600, rumors, Sony, specs

It seems that the service manuals for Sony’s forthcoming PRS-300 and PRS-600 ebook readers that gives us a look at some hardware specs.

According to the leaked documents, the PRS-300 will feature a 5-inch display, around 440MB of internal storage and thats about it. The PRS-600, on the other hand, will feature a 6-inch touchscreen, SD and MS card slots, audio output, and about 380MB of internal storage.

That’s about all we know from the leaked documents, no price or release window. However, we’ll keep you updated as more information is made available.

via MobileRead

Tags: eBook Reader, leak, Mobile News, Portable Devices, prs-300, prs-600, service manual

The tech industry is full of copy cats; touchscreen phones, netbooks, you name it, one company comes up with the idea and are then copied shortly after. Don’t get me wrong, this is just how business works and is good for us consumers because it means cheaper prices. However, it does make the fact that Samsung is debuting their SNE-50K eBook reader a bit less surprising.

The SNE-50K will feature a 5-inch touchscreen, 512MB of storage and no WiFI or 3G connectivity. However, the device shipping in South Korea will be just 9mm thick and weigh 6.5 ounces and will be able to grab books from Kyobo Bookstore. Think South Korea’s Barnes & Noble.

Anyways, there’s no pricing or worldwide availability on the SNE-50K but we’ll keep you posted.

Tags: eBook Reader, kyobo bookstore, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Samsung, sne-50k, south korea

Just yesterday we got word that Plastic Logic and Barnes & Noble would be teaming up to offer an eBook reader with an extensive library of content. After said announcement, Amazon’s Kindle looked to be getting a run of its money.

Just how much of a run is unclear as today it was announced that the Plastic Logic eBook reader will be running on AT&T’s 3G network. Now, if AT&T provides free access just like Sprint and the Kindle, this is fine but if there are monthly fees, we’re going to have a problem.

Then again, if there is a small monthly fee coupled with a subsidized device, there may be a market for Plastic Logic’s eBook reader after all.

via Engadget

Tags: 3G, At&T, barnes noble, ebook, eBook Reader, Mobile Software, plastic logic, Portable Devices

Ever since Amazon.com came out with their first Kindle eBook reader, heads turned towards Barnes & Noble and pondered if they too would bring a similar device to market.

Well, today, the company has officially announced that they will not only be launching the “world’s largest eBook store” but that they have inked a partner ship with Plastic Logic to develop an eBook reader. Furthermore, B&N has also said that they will offer their eBooks on devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry and PCs and Macs.

The Plastic Logic manufactured B&N eBook reader is currently slated for release sometime early next year.

Full press release after the break.

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Tags: barnes noble, eBook Reader, ebook store, Mobile News, Mobile Software, plastic logic, Portable Devices

Amazon is sure to get some negative feedback for this one — The company has recently announced that they have proceeded to remotely deleted copied purchases of 1984 and Animal Farm from every Kindle that had the books on it.

The reason for deletion is that the publisher decided they no longer wanted to have electronic versions of George Orwell’s books on the market. Thus, Amazon proceeded to delete said books from both their online store and Kindles as I mentioned above.

Just imagine being on the last chapter of the book then waking up next morning to find the eBook has been deleted from your device. Angry much?

via Gizmodo

Tags: Amazon, Crazy Mobile, ebook, eBook Reader, Kindle, Mobile News, Mobile Software, remote

It seems the problem was a bit more widespread than we anticipated — Following a recent lawsuit brought before Amazon.com regarding the Kindle 2’s screens being prone to cracking, the company has released a press release stating that they will in fact replace cracked screens absolutely free.

If you are familiar with Amazon’s policy, they previously charged a $200 fee for the same repair. Perhaps Apple can learn a thing or two from Amazon.3

via Gizmodo

Tags: amazon.com, cracking, display, eBook Reader, Kindle 2, lawsuit, Mobile News, Portable Devices, repair, screen

Amazon’s Kindle certainly wasn’t the first eBook reader on the market but it’s probably the most hyped which means the company is bound to get some negative feedback from its customers.

It seems that one Seattle customer was so unpleased with his Kindle that he has decided to sue Amazon. The lawsuit states that the customer’s Kindle 2 was subject to cracking and screen freezes months after it was purchased.

I don’t know about you guys but I haven’t heard of any similar cases. Perhaps the guy/girl who bought it dropped the device and is sueing to make him/herself feel better? Who knows.

Read (WSJ)

Tags: Amazon, cracking, eBook Reader, freezing, Kindle, Kindle 2, lawsuit, Mobile News, Portable Devices

If you were looking to pick up one of Amazon’s Kindle 2 eBook readers but haven’t been able to justify the $300+ price tag, a recent price cut to $299 may have made it a bit more palatable.

Don’t get this device confused with the 9.7″ Kindle DX as this price cut only applies to the 6″ Kindle 2.

Is this price cut just what was needed for you to slap down the big bucks for one of these eBook readers? For me, another $100 wouldn’t hurt.

Read (Amazon)

Tags: Amazon, eBook Reader, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, Mobile News

What, you didn’t expect it to last much longer than that did you? Despite it’s high almost-$500-price the buyers have managed to completely exhaust Amazon’s entire stock of the Kindle DX.

However, those looking to get their hands on the device should make note that its product listing page states that it will be back in stock on June 17th.

How many devices they are going to have, we have no idea, but if you want to give yourself the greatest possibility of securing one on June 17th, order it now.

Oh yeah, Amazon also subtly notes that their smaller device, the Kindle 2, is in stock and ready to ship.

Tags: Amazon, eBook Reader, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, out of stock, pre-order, stock, Uncategorized