Notion Ink Adam (the one with a PixelQi display) gets final specs, price and date - Page 5

DawnFalcon · 02-16-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Huh? You can run them full screen... it does some kind of pixel doubling.

That is *not* good for readability, though...

HansTWN · 02-16-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

That is *not* good for readability, though...

For some apps, like Fring for instant messaging, you really don't need full screen.

DawnFalcon · 02-16-2010, 08:35 PM

True, but I was referring to ebook reading apps. Simple upscaling, without the appropriate font-rendering fixes, is going to look decided sub-optimal. It's not a hard fix, but for readability...

Marseille · 02-16-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

True, but I was referring to ebook reading apps. Simple upscaling, without the appropriate font-rendering fixes, is going to look decided sub-optimal. It's not a hard fix, but for readability...

And it's truly amazing what a little resolution bump can do for something like reading enjoyment. I had a 480x320 device before I got 480x800 TP2, and while I was looking forward to the resolution bump, I didn't realize how much more pleasant the reading experience would be. I'm not even sure I entirely understand why it feels so much better, but it does.

I've read that font choice can have an effect on eye comfort in ereading, so maybe my ability to render fonts in such crisp detail is part of it.

BKeeper · 02-17-2010, 02:12 PM

I was at MWC today and got a chance to talk to Rahat Sahni from Notion Ink. (Rohan Shravan was not there.)

A few impressions:

As you know they don't have a working prototype at hand. So I'm not very happy about that.

(One can only conclude that they a far from production ready)

I saw the dummy prototype which is supposed to be exactly as the final version. I liked what I saw in terms of design. (I'm not sold on the touchpad yet).

Battery life: They will not commit to a specific number, (even when the hardware is "final" and there is a limit to what you can do with software optimization. They are more comfortable with a figure like 70-80 hours.

Software: You can pretty much forget about native Android updates, which means that at best, updates will come later.

Until Google provides tablet support (Google is not even giving an ETA, but let them feel the iPad pressure...) NI cannot even guarantee native app compatibility. That's were the SDK comes in: They expect that developers will be able to port apps with minimal coding.

In a word: a potential fragmentation nightmare.

When will it ship: Well they keep pushing back the date. Now it's August-September.

To put things in perspective: We will likely have an iPad refresh by then.

What's happening? PixelQi is probably not going to produce for NI until June (they are just now starting mass production and there are bigger fishes... ).

By September we will have a totally different game. (Mirasol, Apple....)

Even PixelQi has announced a replacment kit for final users. (Q2)
So a big OEM should announce models by March or April.

Anyway, I hope they do an amazing job with the UI because their success pretty much depends on it. Why not go to Amazon and sell/license the company/design?

(Amazon has to release a reader/media player tied to their mp3 store and video service if they want to stay competitive)

On a more positive note, they are really really generating interest and buzz at MWC, something which should help them get a carrier distribution deal.

SCION · 02-17-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKeeper

...
(Amazon has to release a reader/media player tied to their mp3 store and video service if they want to stay competitive)...

Interesting...

pilotbob · 02-17-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKeeper

(Amazon has to release a reader/media player tied to their mp3 store and video service if they want to stay competitive)

I disagree. I can d/l mp3's right to my iTunes and I can have Unboxed videos sent right to my TiVo... no mess no fuss.

BOb

DawnFalcon · 02-17-2010, 06:03 PM

Well, consider this - where do they generate their revenue, in the large, from, pilotbob?

Yep, hardware sales. Where does Amazon generate it's revenue from? Software and content sales. Not the same situation.

pilotbob · 02-17-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

Well, consider this - where do they generate their revenue, in the large, from, pilotbob?

Yep, hardware sales. Where does Amazon generate it's revenue from? Software and content sales. Not the same situation.

Wait... didn't you just agree with me?

BOb

DawnFalcon · 02-17-2010, 06:16 PM

No. The situation Apple and TiVo are in (although both have engaged in what can only be termed asshattery which would make one thing otherwise) are hardware sales. While Apple does make a chunk off content, the amount it makes is thin-margin and static compared its hardware sales.

On the other hand, Amazon make the vast, vast majority of their revenue from the sale of IP - both software and content (hard and soft). Any hardware they produce which is not integrated into their majority platform is going to be standing alone on the margins it makes, and they cannot compensate with volume and expertise like hardware-centric companies.

pilotbob · 02-17-2010, 06:28 PM

@DawnFalcon

BKeeper said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKeeper

(Amazon has to release a reader/media player tied to their mp3 store and video service if they want to stay competitive)

Then I said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I disagree. I can d/l mp3's right to my iTunes and I can have Unboxed videos sent right to my TiVo... no mess no fuss.

...because I think Amazon makes money on the digital services/products and not the hard ware.

Then you said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

Well, consider this - where do they generate their revenue, in the large, from, pilotbob?

Yep, hardware sales. Where does Amazon generate it's revenue from? Software and content sales. Not the same situation.

Agreeing with me that Amazon's bread and butter is media and services not hardware.

To which I said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Wait... didn't you just agree with me?

And you answered:

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

No. The situation Apple and TiVo are in (although both have engaged in what can only be termed asshattery which would make one thing otherwise) are hardware sales. While Apple does make a chunk off content, the amount it makes is thin-margin and static compared its hardware sales.

On the other hand, Amazon make the vast, vast majority of their revenue from the sale of IP - both software and content (hard and soft). Any hardware they produce which is not integrated into their majority platform is going to be standing alone on the margins it makes, and they cannot compensate with volume and expertise like hardware-centric companies.

Once again agreeing with me. You don't have to admit you agreed with me... that's fine... I can take it. Unless the above reply wasn't directed at me. I'm not sure since you didn't quote the message you are replying to.

If so... never mind...

BOb

Marseille · 02-17-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

On the other hand, Amazon make the vast, vast majority of their revenue from the sale of IP - both software and content (hard and soft). Any hardware they produce which is not integrated into their majority platform is going to be standing alone on the margins it makes, and they cannot compensate with volume and expertise like hardware-centric companies.

So you think Amazon doesn't need hardware to compete, and pilotbob thinks amazon doesn't need hardware to compete. It seems like you do agree.

Perhaps it would be helpful to note that "unbox" is what amazon used to call their video service. The mp3s, I gather from context, that he was downloading to itunes, were also from amazon.

Edit: beaten to the punch. Disregard.

DawnFalcon · 02-17-2010, 06:44 PM

Okay, pilotbob - I think I've established the disconnect.

I was specifically talking about the viability of the hardware Amazon produce themselves. Unless it integrates into their own content store, it'll struggle in the marketplace.

BKeeper · 02-17-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I disagree. I can d/l mp3's right to my iTunes and I can have Unboxed videos sent right to my TiVo... no mess no fuss.
BOb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnFalcon

I was specifically talking about the viability of the hardware Amazon produce themselves. Unless it integrates into their own content store, it'll struggle in the marketplace.

That's exactly what I what I meant. Amazon had all this strategy about establishing the model for ebook distribution.

Then along comes Apple messing with the holy $9.99 model and offering a multifunction device which is all shiny and colorful....

Whether Amazon likes it or not it has entered the CE business,(it has sold millions of Kindles, so there is no going back...) and it has to retaliate:

How?

I has to give Apple a taste of its own medicine.

Develop and attractive multifunction device that is integrated with Amazons digital audio, video and Kindle units, and try to dominate magazines and academic markets.

Design a device with HDMI/SPDIF output, alow the customer to stream (and download) their library of assets anywhere.(Apple is moving in that direction already with Lala)
Sell them a device that they can just connect to their HDTV and HiFi equipment. (now this point is unlikely to happen...)

Amazon's moves in terms of acquisitions seem to support this theory.

Is Mirasol's tech scalable (as of today) to drive such a product? I don't think so....

So either they plan to expand the Kindle family, or they won't be using Mirasol at all.

Apple's cash cow is the iPhone, but Amazon cannot afford to lose content distribution.

So anyway, again I was just looking at Amazon's hardware viability, what is clear is that e-ink won't be as attractive to many customers.

Would a PixelQ display be a viable option for Amazon? (Shameful attempt to get back to topic....)

DawnFalcon · 02-17-2010, 08:14 PM

It depends, BKeeper. It depends a lot.

On what, you ask? If Amazon are allowed to sell stuff on the iPad or not. Which we do not yet know.

02-17-2010, 02:12 PM	#65
BKeeper Groupie Posts: 186 Karma: 728 Join Date: Jul 2006 Device: Kindle PW	I was at MWC today and got a chance to talk to Rahat Sahni from Notion Ink. (Rohan Shravan was not there.) A few impressions: As you know they don't have a working prototype at hand. So I'm not very happy about that. (One can only conclude that they a far from production ready) I saw the dummy prototype which is supposed to be exactly as the final version. I liked what I saw in terms of design. (I'm not sold on the touchpad yet). Battery life: They will not commit to a specific number, (even when the hardware is "final" and there is a limit to what you can do with software optimization. They are more comfortable with a figure like 70-80 hours. Software: You can pretty much forget about native Android updates, which means that at best, updates will come later. Until Google provides tablet support (Google is not even giving an ETA, but let them feel the iPad pressure...) NI cannot even guarantee native app compatibility. That's were the SDK comes in: They expect that developers will be able to port apps with minimal coding. In a word: a potential fragmentation nightmare. When will it ship: Well they keep pushing back the date. Now it's August-September. To put things in perspective: We will likely have an iPad refresh by then. What's happening? PixelQi is probably not going to produce for NI until June (they are just now starting mass production and there are bigger fishes... ). By September we will have a totally different game. (Mirasol, Apple....) Even PixelQi has announced a replacment kit for final users. (Q2) So a big OEM should announce models by March or April. Anyway, I hope they do an amazing job with the UI because their success pretty much depends on it. Why not go to Amazon and sell/license the company/design? (Amazon has to release a reader/media player tied to their mp3 store and video service if they want to stay competitive) On a more positive note, they are really really generating interest and buzz at MWC, something which should help them get a carrier distribution deal. Last edited by BKeeper; 02-17-2010 at 02:29 PM. Reason: typo

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
notion ink adam	mjm	Alternative Devices	3	08-04-2012 07:46 AM
Notion Ink Adam: Pricing and more	etienne66	News	9	09-30-2010 05:17 PM
Notion Ink Adam delay	dsvick	News	25	04-12-2010 09:55 PM
Software in Notion Ink Adam	DrDk	Alternative Devices	10	02-16-2010 02:58 PM
Notion Ink Adam Prototype	kjk	News	10	01-08-2010 04:07 PM

02-16-2010, 08:35 PM	#63
DawnFalcon Banned Posts: 2,094 Karma: 2682 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: N/A	True, but I was referring to ebook reading apps. Simple upscaling, without the appropriate font-rendering fixes, is going to look decided sub-optimal. It's not a hard fix, but for readability...

02-17-2010, 06:03 PM	#68
DawnFalcon Banned Posts: 2,094 Karma: 2682 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: N/A	Well, consider this - where do they generate their revenue, in the large, from, pilotbob? Yep, hardware sales. Where does Amazon generate it's revenue from? Software and content sales. Not the same situation.

02-17-2010, 06:16 PM	#70
DawnFalcon Banned Posts: 2,094 Karma: 2682 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: N/A	No. The situation Apple and TiVo are in (although both have engaged in what can only be termed asshattery which would make one thing otherwise) are hardware sales. While Apple does make a chunk off content, the amount it makes is thin-margin and static compared its hardware sales. On the other hand, Amazon make the vast, vast majority of their revenue from the sale of IP - both software and content (hard and soft). Any hardware they produce which is not integrated into their majority platform is going to be standing alone on the margins it makes, and they cannot compensate with volume and expertise like hardware-centric companies.

02-17-2010, 06:44 PM	#73
DawnFalcon Banned Posts: 2,094 Karma: 2682 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: N/A	Okay, pilotbob - I think I've established the disconnect. I was specifically talking about the viability of the hardware Amazon produce themselves. Unless it integrates into their own content store, it'll struggle in the marketplace.

02-17-2010, 08:14 PM	#75
DawnFalcon Banned Posts: 2,094 Karma: 2682 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: N/A	It depends, BKeeper. It depends a lot. On what, you ask? If Amazon are allowed to sell stuff on the iPad or not. Which we do not yet know.

Advert

Advert