Upcoming IREX e-book reader to include wireless access to Barnes & Noble e-bookstore
By APMonday, August 24, 2009
IREX e-reader to have wireless e-bookstore access
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — IREX Technologies Inc. said Monday that its upcoming electronic reader will include an application for accessing Barnes & Noble Inc.’s e-bookstore.
IREX, which already offers several different electronic readers, plans to start selling a new model sometime in 2009 that will include wireless connectivity for downloading books and other content straight to the device — much like Amazon.com Inc.’s Kindle e-book reader. IREX’s new device also will sport an 8.1-inch touch screen.
Barnes & Noble launched its new e-bookstore in July, selling books consumers can read on the iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry and most personal computers. It also will be the exclusive provider of books for a reader from Mountain View, Calif.-based Plastic Logic, which expects to release its device in 2010.
E-books still make up just a fraction of overall book sales, but the sales reported to the Association of American Publishers have grown sharply since the start of 2008, which is just after the Kindle was released. From April to June, U.S. trade e-book sales more than tripled from the year-ago period, as reported by about a dozen publishers.
Tags: California, Consumer Electronics, E-book Readers, Entertainment Distribution, North America, Online Distribution, Reading, Recreation And Leisure, United States, Westlake Village, Wireless Technology
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September 11, 2009: 9:41 am
I have owned an Irex Iliad for quite some time. I also own a Kindle. The Irex is much more readable and the larger screen suits me better. I also like the ability to take notes on the device. I have dealt with Irex for repair or my device (crashed because of my stupidity), and their turn-around is fantastic. I will be one of the first in line for this new device… with the big screen, the 3G, and hopefully, also the ability to take notes. |
James Boardman