Future for ereaders - Page 2

kennyc · 09-05-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

It's part of life, same as gas, etc. Deal with with it.

like this Interstellar Gas: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97442

SensualPoet · 09-05-2010, 08:30 PM

The Kindle/Gillette model - No, the Amazon's e-readers are not the razors and their e-books are not the blades. Some folks insist e-readers are being sold below cost but there is no evidence of that. In fact, the large number of players and wannabes with devices in market suggests e-readers are being sold to generate profit. In a nascent industry, lots of players make mistakes, are under-funded, fail to execute, fail to make business relationships to open sales channels, etc. And some prosper.

The model to look at is iPod/iTunes. Apple is making lots of money, thank you, selling iPods ... but it's because they can sell volume and build brand loyalty thanks to iTunes. Lots of other companies make mp3 players, but they lack the iTunes link. Even when iTunes content is DRM free ... iPods have the upper hand. They have made the acquisition of content and playback painless. Amazon ought to be selling mp3s by the billions yet they are a blip in the music market. For e-books, Amazon has taken the iPod/iTunes model as a starting point. Yes, Amazon sells Kindles which talk to the Kindle store seamlessly ... but it's also extended its reach through apps for computers, mobile phones and the emerging tablet market. In a recent statement, Amazon revelaed 25% of Kindle content buyers do NOT have a Kindle. It's not about the razor -- it's about seamless acquisition and playback.

Sony as an electronics company - Yes, they are CE (consumer electronics) experts and produce a wide range of handsome equipment. They have missed the boat with e-readers, in spite of being early leaders because they failed to deliver the seamless experience. Hobbyists will diddle with Calibre; mainstream consumers will graviate to Amazon's single device: search for it - sample it - buy it - read it model. There is room for ADE in all this but unless it's as seamless as Amazon's flow, its will lose ultimately. Sony is treading water where it used to be leading. That is Sony's corporate choice.

The other players - Nook in the US, Kobo in international markets, and a plethora of other players, some with strong regional strengths (ie Pocketbook). With Sony, many share something in common: DRM ePub running Adobe ADE. A little consolidation, some prudent alliances, and a sensible content strategy -- there is lots of room for multiple players led by one of the current larger players. Amazon is strong in English speaking content -- esp in the US -- and you can expect it to use ebooks to expand into other regions and languages. Yet ePub is really strong in many markets outside the US -- this is the opportunity every wannabe has ... how many will step up?

The elephant in the room is Apple'siPad - No, it's just another player and it's not a very good e-reader if that is the primary reason to own it. If there is an elephant it might be Android-based devices and both Amazon and Kobo are poised to pounce ... leaving consumers with DRM azw and DRM epub choices ... on a single device. And that is exactly why DRM ceases to be a bugaboo: consumers can be terrifically happy with Amazon as sole content provider; or Kobo and other DRM ePub vendors as content provider; and be able to choose a device that plays both, or a modestly priced dedicated device that does one or the other.

Finally, those who want to scribble in the margins: the academic community. So, ok: no current device meets the needs of this group yet, in functionality or price point. It is smaller market than e-readers are aiming at: Forrester suggests 10% of Americans buy 2 or more books a month and this reader decile is where the dedicated devices are aimed. But, see, that's only 30 million Americans -- and lots more "read". For them, the non-dedicated platforms are acceptable and that expands the market hugely. Now look at world consumption. There is a very bright future for e-readers, dedicated and part-time; and an even brighter future for those who figure out how to drive content to all of those devices seamlessly.

Ravensknight · 09-05-2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

It's part of life, same as gas, etc. Deal with with it.

I deal with it, at home, with my wife.

Not online with strange women

indie · 09-05-2010, 10:42 PM

I think eventually you will have readers as low as $35.00. Laptops a few years back were bulkier and thousands of dollars, then hundreds, now you can get one for under $200.00. I see ebook readers going the same direction. Someone will come up with a better mouse trap that does more, cost less. The hardware will not matter, it will be the content.

I am just waiting for Japan, or India to come up with something that is inexpensive. Their countries are not going to want to be left out, and the average income in many parts of India will not allow for high prices for a reader.

Maybe some company will let you get one for a monthly fee free like they do with cellphone. The next few years will be interesting. Right now the low end is about $128-under $100.00

SensualPoet · 09-05-2010, 10:50 PM

$35 e-readers and sub $200 laptops ... well, not anytime soon in my market (Canada).

Netbooks -- great for extreme portability -- are typically closer to $400; a reasonably decent laptop is much closer to $1000, with some ok options around $800.

E-readers are already sub $150 -- a Kobo at $128 for full DRM ePub access and a Kindle 3 wifi at $139 with full DRM azw access.

Prices will drop, but functionality will rise ... so $35/$200 e-reader/laptop is still a long way off the reach of the average consumer.

timezone · 09-06-2010, 11:25 AM

The model is changing to razors and blades or printers and ink. Take your pick. Even the eReader manufactures admit it. With the cost of books going up they are now able to lower the upfront cost from the reader and move it to the books.

I agree with kennyc, until eInk has color and refreshes faster it is a has been. The DRM exclusivity issue for me is the biggest issue. Why does Amazon not allow Mobipocket and ePub on the same reader when they do not have a problem with other devices that can do just as much damage eroding their marketshare. I preordered the EXOPC. Compared to the eReaders it is bulky, heavy and lacks eInk. But I can get on the Net, buy books directly from the net, read any magazine or newspaper or book. If it is proprietary I can download the executable onto the Slate. I also can enjoy multimedia content. You cannot do that easily and sometimes not at all with eReaders. The other issue is cost but these Slates are going to get a lot better very quickly and be very competitive.

Lady Fitzgerald · 09-06-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

like this Interstellar Gas: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97442

Don't light a match!

Lady Fitzgerald · 09-06-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravensknight

I deal with it, at home, with my wife.

Not online with strange women

Coward!

Richey79 · 09-07-2010, 06:13 AM

'Celia, Celia, Celia... .'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6bkmPjVF-k

Who knows what screen-tech the future will bring? I suspect eink will look very outdated quite quickly, although it will be a long time before it is actually surpassed for pure reading comfort. Most people will prioritise convenience over sheer quality anyway.

I suspect that at some point screens will become so ubiquitous and disposable that your morning coffee mug will have a display on the front that will not only tell you the temperature of the drink, but show you that morning's news, too. Such a tech will see R&D yen because it will appeal to everybody, not just readers.

Crowl · 09-07-2010, 06:52 AM

The most logical change for screen tech in the future will be for the gap to narrow between the e-ink style of screens and the more mainstream lcds with the former improving its performance and the later improving its power consumption.

harryE123 · 09-08-2010, 09:18 AM

anyone here have a first hand experience with the pixel qi screens? I know apple briefly contemplated them but I d love to hear someone with first hand experience tells us if they are worth something or if they are just a compromise between lcd and e-ink that's worse than both.

09-05-2010, 08:30 PM	#17
SensualPoet Wizard Posts: 2,302 Karma: 2607151 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toronto Device: Kobo Aura HD, Kindle Paperwhite, Asus ZenPad 3, Kobo Glo	The Kindle/Gillette model - No, the Amazon's e-readers are not the razors and their e-books are not the blades. Some folks insist e-readers are being sold below cost but there is no evidence of that. In fact, the large number of players and wannabes with devices in market suggests e-readers are being sold to generate profit. In a nascent industry, lots of players make mistakes, are under-funded, fail to execute, fail to make business relationships to open sales channels, etc. And some prosper. The model to look at is iPod/iTunes. Apple is making lots of money, thank you, selling iPods ... but it's because they can sell volume and build brand loyalty thanks to iTunes. Lots of other companies make mp3 players, but they lack the iTunes link. Even when iTunes content is DRM free ... iPods have the upper hand. They have made the acquisition of content and playback painless. Amazon ought to be selling mp3s by the billions yet they are a blip in the music market. For e-books, Amazon has taken the iPod/iTunes model as a starting point. Yes, Amazon sells Kindles which talk to the Kindle store seamlessly ... but it's also extended its reach through apps for computers, mobile phones and the emerging tablet market. In a recent statement, Amazon revelaed 25% of Kindle content buyers do NOT have a Kindle. It's not about the razor -- it's about seamless acquisition and playback. Sony as an electronics company - Yes, they are CE (consumer electronics) experts and produce a wide range of handsome equipment. They have missed the boat with e-readers, in spite of being early leaders because they failed to deliver the seamless experience. Hobbyists will diddle with Calibre; mainstream consumers will graviate to Amazon's single device: search for it - sample it - buy it - read it model. There is room for ADE in all this but unless it's as seamless as Amazon's flow, its will lose ultimately. Sony is treading water where it used to be leading. That is Sony's corporate choice. The other players - Nook in the US, Kobo in international markets, and a plethora of other players, some with strong regional strengths (ie Pocketbook). With Sony, many share something in common: DRM ePub running Adobe ADE. A little consolidation, some prudent alliances, and a sensible content strategy -- there is lots of room for multiple players led by one of the current larger players. Amazon is strong in English speaking content -- esp in the US -- and you can expect it to use ebooks to expand into other regions and languages. Yet ePub is really strong in many markets outside the US -- this is the opportunity every wannabe has ... how many will step up? The elephant in the room is Apple'siPad - No, it's just another player and it's not a very good e-reader if that is the primary reason to own it. If there is an elephant it might be Android-based devices and both Amazon and Kobo are poised to pounce ... leaving consumers with DRM azw and DRM epub choices ... on a single device. And that is exactly why DRM ceases to be a bugaboo: consumers can be terrifically happy with Amazon as sole content provider; or Kobo and other DRM ePub vendors as content provider; and be able to choose a device that plays both, or a modestly priced dedicated device that does one or the other. Finally, those who want to scribble in the margins: the academic community. So, ok: no current device meets the needs of this group yet, in functionality or price point. It is smaller market than e-readers are aiming at: Forrester suggests 10% of Americans buy 2 or more books a month and this reader decile is where the dedicated devices are aimed. But, see, that's only 30 million Americans -- and lots more "read". For them, the non-dedicated platforms are acceptable and that expands the market hugely. Now look at world consumption. There is a very bright future for e-readers, dedicated and part-time; and an even brighter future for those who figure out how to drive content to all of those devices seamlessly. Last edited by SensualPoet; 09-05-2010 at 10:42 PM. Reason: fixed intended formatting

09-05-2010, 10:42 PM	#19
indie Enthusiast Posts: 45 Karma: 30 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: none	I think eventually you will have readers as low as $35.00. Laptops a few years back were bulkier and thousands of dollars, then hundreds, now you can get one for under $200.00. I see ebook readers going the same direction. Someone will come up with a better mouse trap that does more, cost less. The hardware will not matter, it will be the content. I am just waiting for Japan, or India to come up with something that is inexpensive. Their countries are not going to want to be left out, and the average income in many parts of India will not allow for high prices for a reader. Maybe some company will let you get one for a monthly fee free like they do with cellphone. The next few years will be interesting. Right now the low end is about $128-under $100.00 Last edited by indie; 09-05-2010 at 10:56 PM.

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09-05-2010, 10:50 PM	#20
SensualPoet Wizard Posts: 2,302 Karma: 2607151 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toronto Device: Kobo Aura HD, Kindle Paperwhite, Asus ZenPad 3, Kobo Glo	$35 e-readers and sub $200 laptops ... well, not anytime soon in my market (Canada). Netbooks -- great for extreme portability -- are typically closer to $400; a reasonably decent laptop is much closer to $1000, with some ok options around $800. E-readers are already sub $150 -- a Kobo at $128 for full DRM ePub access and a Kindle 3 wifi at $139 with full DRM azw access. Prices will drop, but functionality will rise ... so $35/$200 e-reader/laptop is still a long way off the reach of the average consumer.

09-06-2010, 11:25 AM	#21
timezone Addict Posts: 244 Karma: 1232 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boston, MA Device: Windows Phone7, Kindle Fire	The model is changing to razors and blades or printers and ink. Take your pick. Even the eReader manufactures admit it. With the cost of books going up they are now able to lower the upfront cost from the reader and move it to the books. I agree with kennyc, until eInk has color and refreshes faster it is a has been. The DRM exclusivity issue for me is the biggest issue. Why does Amazon not allow Mobipocket and ePub on the same reader when they do not have a problem with other devices that can do just as much damage eroding their marketshare. I preordered the EXOPC. Compared to the eReaders it is bulky, heavy and lacks eInk. But I can get on the Net, buy books directly from the net, read any magazine or newspaper or book. If it is proprietary I can download the executable onto the Slate. I also can enjoy multimedia content. You cannot do that easily and sometimes not at all with eReaders. The other issue is cost but these Slates are going to get a lot better very quickly and be very competitive.

09-07-2010, 06:13 AM	#24
Richey79 mrkrgnao Posts: 241 Karma: 237248 Join Date: May 2010 Device: PRS650, K3 Wireless, Galaxy S3, iPad 3.	'Celia, Celia, Celia... .' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6bkmPjVF-k Who knows what screen-tech the future will bring? I suspect eink will look very outdated quite quickly, although it will be a long time before it is actually surpassed for pure reading comfort. Most people will prioritise convenience over sheer quality anyway. I suspect that at some point screens will become so ubiquitous and disposable that your morning coffee mug will have a display on the front that will not only tell you the temperature of the drink, but show you that morning's news, too. Such a tech will see R&D yen because it will appeal to everybody, not just readers.

09-07-2010, 06:52 AM	#25
Crowl Wizard Posts: 1,340 Karma: 1160346 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Southport, GB Device: Kindle Voyage, PW Signature edition	The most logical change for screen tech in the future will be for the gap to narrow between the e-ink style of screens and the more mainstream lcds with the former improving its performance and the later improving its power consumption.

09-08-2010, 09:18 AM	#26
harryE123 Banned Posts: 272 Karma: 70 Join Date: Dec 2008 Device: irex reader	anyone here have a first hand experience with the pixel qi screens? I know apple briefly contemplated them but I d love to hear someone with first hand experience tells us if they are worth something or if they are just a compromise between lcd and e-ink that's worse than both.

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