Belgian newspaper to test iRex iLiad digital version this month

[Bob Russell]

A Blegian newspaper, De Tijd, is about to begin a trial of a digital version that is targeted specifically for the iRex Iliad e-book reader device. The trial begins this month with 200 test users, and will last for three months.

More information can be found in this Ifra article (PDF).

Via Poynter Online.

[luag]

if the trial takes 3 months...when will they sell iLiad? ^^;

[TaKir]

Originally Posted by luag

if the trial takes 3 months...when will they sell iLiad? ^^;

In the end of 2006, q1 2007.
After tests they will need time to make some changes (software&hardware).

[Bob Russell]

The time tables may not be tightly related. In other words, I think it is unlikely they would hold up release of Iliad because of the trial timeframes for any particular publication.

[luag]

so...this trial does not equal beta-testing?
i mean...what if problems occur during trial?

[Bob Russell]

Fortunately, this trial is really about bringing the publishing industry together to work with e-Reader device makers, not just iRex. This eNews trade group that is involved includes such publishing heavyweights as New York Time and Tribune Interactive, but I think other partners are involved in this trial also. It was initiated not because of device trial, but because they want to help newspaper publishers move forward with digital publishing and to take a more important role in control of customers, rather than relegating much of that power and influence to device makers.

The project manager for the trial is Peter Bruynseels. He said that “for us it represents an opportunity to get a feel for the market response, and for the creative agencies to experiment with the advertising potential of the new
technology. For everyone concerned it is a valuable opportunity to get a step ahead on the market as we believe that eventually this or similar devices will enter the market and become commonplace for this kind of application.”

I see the iRex device as something that can be released independently from the results of this newpaper trial, because the device is much more than just a newspaper reader. In fact, that role will probably develop and be tweaked over time. But other newspapers will be watching carefully to learn about the whole digital distribution concept, as well as how to best handle advertising.

BTW, the target audience for the trial is made up of De Tijd readers who are "investors, influencers, and decision-makers."

[Bob Russell]

Hmm, just noticed TaKir's post... is that speculation based on the timeframe of the test, or is that some inside info?

[Alexander Turcic]

I hope this is just speculation. If they tarted end of 2006 or beginning of 2007 as the official release date, they'll probably lose a lot of potential customers to Sony. Well unless Sony plans to postpone the release of its Sony Portable Reader.

[drachasor]

Originally Posted by Alexander

I hope this is just speculation. If they tarted end of 2006 or beginning of 2007 as the official release date, they'll probably lose a lot of potential customers to Sony. Well unless Sony plans to postpone the release of its Sony Portable Reader.

Not just that, it is quite possible by then more readers equivalent to the Iliad will be out. If the initial readers do well, who is to say that Sony won't release a larger one of their own? Additionally, perhaps better e-ink technology will be available (with a better refresh rate)....all in all, I doubt they'd delay things unless something disasterous has happened--and it would be very bad form to inform people of this at the moment they were supposed to release the device; they'd probably lose customers over that alone.

[Snappy!]

As the Chinese saying goes ... "(When the) night is long, (there will be )many dreams". => if they drag it out, many things can happen.

[CommanderROR]

I hope they don't drag it out...I'm already hoarding free ebooks and lots of stuff I'll probably never read anyway...so if they don't come to market soon I'll go nuts...well..more nuts anyway...