
Thanks to the anonymous tipster who sent us a link to a few
presentation slides (warning: PDF) which enable us to get a brief look at what's coming next from Bookeen.
There isn't a whole lot in the way of details, but we do know now that Bookeen must have been quite impressed by the online connectivity of the Amazon Kindle ("La fonction communicante devient un MUST-HAVE"), so we can assume that the Cybook Gen4 will allow us in some way to download e-books on-the-fly. The presentation also mentions that it will take around two years to develop the next Cybook reader, with a required funding of four to six million Euro. Partners include
Le Monde, Thales électronique, and
Nemoptic. Nemoptic, we know, makes their own e-paper technology, so it'll be interesting to find out if they're going to replace E Ink.
If you're interested in diving into corporate hoopla, there are some other interesting details revealed:
- The Cybook Gen3 is currently sold in 55 different countries (25% USA, 13% UK, 12% France, 8% Germany, 7% Netherlands, 5% Canada, 5% Spain, 4% Italy, 4% Norway, 17% others)
- There are 14 resellers
- Bookeen estimates a total sales of 10,000 Cybook units for 2008.
There is also an
online video with Bookeen's Michaël Dahan. Alas, my French is a bit rusty, so if there is anything else of interest, please share with us!
Related: What would you like in the next gen Cybook (Gen4)