[mrsp]

Nate I would wait and see as I don't necessarily think your interpretation of this annoucement is correct. Dymocks previously specifically mentioned that they were:

"... in "final" negotiations with a European e-book reader manufacturer

and that "...the device would initially be sold online and in its flagship Sydney city store."

He also said that it would be "just another device customers could buy to view them on."


The use of the word device and mention of a manufacturer rather than a developer suggests that the eb20 platform could be just a conduit through which multiple formats can be viewed (Adobe, Microsoft Reader & Mobi). Just imagine if that were the case AND that devices like sony and bookeen could run eb20 - then we'd really be getting somewhere. It sounds like something to entice publishers into releasing more ebook content too. eb20 might be the means and not the end. Otherwise, those statements from the CEO I quoted are just too misleading.

I think devices from Dymocks and maybe even from ebooks.com will follow hot on the heels of the platform because otherwise, it really brings nothing new to the table in terms of getting consumers to adopt ereading. I don't think Dymocks would partner up with them unless they had something physical to sell via their retail stores. If they don't have a device and are just selling software, formats and/or digital content, they are not going to get anywhere.

Even if I'm wrong, with Amazon's lead to follow (in terms of selling both a device and content), I think its possible that device manufacturers would be crazy not to get on board. If (and its a big IF) the platform allows you to read multiple formats, then surely for device manufacturers, supporting that platform would give them an edge over existing devices that are all basically locked into one of the main DRM formats.

Its definitely worth waiting to see what happens next...