"The daily iPhone" – Read all about it
Imagine this. Sitting on the subway or subway at rush hour trying to read your “Daily Misery” without hitting your neighbor turning the page. Then you realize that this other guy is reading the same newspaper as you but on his iPhone!
Science fiction, not at all, it’s reality and part of the Ereader explosion that is about to revolutionize the way we read in the future. Amazon’s Kindle Ereader is one of their most successful products with phenomenal sales even at a price of $299. The number of Kindle books has grown from 70,000 to 300,000 and, along with newspapers and magazines, they are ready for instant download wherever you are. Some of these publications are free and some are not, even the best sellers are now available in these formats for around $9.99, a time that may seem cheap but is way too high for an ebook.
Now the humble e-book has been with us for years, PDF long accepted as a universal format for e-books has never been in question. Several attempts have been made in the past to create believable ways to read posts with a handheld device, but they failed miserably, the resolution, navigation, and print size too taxing on the eyes.
However, the Kindle changed all that with its unique paper and e-ink technology, making reading a pleasure and, what’s more, highly convenient. In the last 2 years, Amazon has set the benchmark for e-readers and breathed new life into the tired e-book market, but its crown is in grave jeopardy. Currently, if you’re in the US, you equate Ereader with Kindle like you do with MP3 and Ipod, and it’s the mighty Apple that the threat comes from.
The throne of the e-reader
Kindle is currently only available in the states, while its rivals’ products are available virtually anywhere in the world. Sony’s Ereader has about 30% of the Ereader market, while Amazon’s product has 45%, but this is only in the US. Yes, Europe currently doesn’t have a Kindle, but the iPhone certainly doesn’t. and now independent developers have created free Ereader apps that offer the same service as its competitors.
Globally, the word iPhone is iconic, while outside the US, Kindle means very little, so the Ereader crown is on the line and it will be interesting to see how Apple approaches this small but fast-paced market. growth. The Kindle is a one-trick pony and the iPhone certainly isn’t and this may work in the Kindle’s favor as heavy book readers are likely to always prefer a dedicated Ereader. While the iPhone will be ideal for casual readers who like light reading, such as newspapers and magazines, or even reviewing for exams, meeting notes, etc. Yes, you can convert your own documents, if you know how, of course.
electronic libraries
Readers are pretty useless without a good supply of books and the competition for this is just as fierce with each reader defending their own system. The iPhone has a couple of libraries that go with its reading apps. Stanza Y Bookshelf and a standalone Ereader library called books on board offers eBooks in standard PDF as well as portable formats. Even big box stores like Waterstones and Barnes & Noble have realized the potential and have started offering their books in one format or another.
The jungle formats
“One format or another” Since this is relatively new technology, we have the usual format problem: it’s VHS Betamax again. Currently there are around 4-5 formats and of course dedicated sponsors for each one. PDF is not an option for Ereaders, no, that would make it too easy. As the fight for a standard format continues, the so-called EPUB seems like a good bet, but tears will be shed before stakeholders make a final decision. Even two formats would be disastrous and put people off.
The technology is still in its infancy, and as the format battle intensifies, information is fragmented, confusing, and rather disjointed, but I’m sure a clearer picture will be seen very soon.
Suggested further reading:
http://www.e-reader-reviews.com/
http://www.iPhonebookshelf.com/
PS Living in Europe I have no idea how good the Kindle is, but I hope to find out soon. Frankly, I’m surprised by the popularity of this stuff, as I still prefer the feel and smell of hardware books, but then again I’m a different generation. Dinosaurs with laptops.