Quote:
Originally Posted by karunaji
I am not sure what you mean with "platform".
|
I mean a "unified experience."
iOS and Kindle are "platforms." It's not just a communication standard (e.g. GSM) or a type of hardware (e.g. eInk). It's an entire package that includes the hardware, the software, an easy way to procure and receive content, and a way to coordinate the content across multiple devices.
In other words, it's an experience that easy enough that your grandmother can get the hang of it fairly quickly.
An easy user experience, in my opinion, is what really needs to be built in order for ebooks to catch on. I am not aware of any standards body that is able to put together an entire system like this, let alone enforce it.
It might be possible that at some future point in time, someone will put together an Android-based eInk tablet that can access multiple stores on one device (e.g. Amazon, Nook, custom apps etc). But I don't think even that would do nearly as much to promote ebooks as a major retailer getting its hands dirty and dragging everyone into the ebook market, as they did in the US.
Standards may be beneficial, but I don't think the IDPF is really going to do the hard work that is required to promote ebooks in Germany, let alone dozens of nations around the world. Amazon and Apple, who have international businesses and strong motives, are much more likely to do what's needed, without the same baggage as the publishers, authors, booksellers and politicians who try to protect their constituents.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by karunaji
It is true most people can't explain the difference but it doesn't mean that it is meaningless. I can't explain why I like e-ink better than LCD either but I prefer the former over the later....
|
Just to be clear, I'm referring to file format, as in MOBI vs ePub.
I would agree that the difference in file formats is not "meaningless" or devoid of implications. Most people, for example, don't care who manufactures the spark plugs or the battery in their car; they care that it works. In the same way, the general public doesn't know or care about file formats; they care about price and availability.