e-reader

For other uses, see E-reader (disambiguation).
A third generation Kindle
A BEBook e-reader.

An e-reader, also called an e-book reader or e-book device, is a mobile electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals.

Any device that can display text on a screen may act as an e-reader, but specialized e-reader designs may optimize portability, readability (especially in sunlight), and battery life for this purpose. A single e-reader is capable of holding the digital equivalent of hundreds of printed texts with no added bulk or measurable mass.[1]

Overview

An e-reader is similar in form to a tablet computer. A tablet typically has an LCD screen capable of higher refresh rates which makes it more suitable for interaction. Tablet computers also are more versatile, allowing one to consume multiple types of content as well as create it.

The main advantages of electronic paper e-readers are better readability of their screens, especially in sunlight, and longer battery life.[2] This is achieved by using e-paper technology to display content on devices. Commercially sold electronic paper is mostly available in black and white (16 shades of gray). The Sony Librie, released in 2004 and the precursor to the Sony Reader, was the first e-reader to use electronic paper.[3] The first color e-reader on the market was the Ectaco jetBook Color, with a 9.7" screen, and its muted colors were criticized.[4]

Many e-readers can use the internet through Wi-Fi and the built-in software sometimes provides a link to a digital OPDS library or an e-book retailer, allowing the user to buy, borrow, and receive digital e-books through a library or retailer. In this way, the books owned by the user are managed in the cloud, and the e-reader is able to download material from any location. An e-reader may also download e-books from a computer or read them from a memory card.

Many of the major book retailers and third-party developers offer free (or premium or ad-paid) e-reader applications for desktops, tablets and mobile devices, to allow the reading of e-books and other documents independently of dedicated e-book devices.

Research released in March 2011 indicated that e-books and e-readers are more popular with the older generation than the younger generation in the UK. The survey carried out by Silver Poll found that around 6% of over-55s owned an e-reader compared with just 5% of 18- to 24-year-olds.[5] According to an IDC study from March 2011, sales for all e-readers worldwide rose to 12.8 million in 2010; 48% of them were Amazon Kindles, followed by Barnes & Noble Nooks, Pandigital, and Sony Readers (about 800,000 units for 2010).[6]

In 2012, there was a 26% decline in sales worldwide from a maximum of 23.2 million in 2011. The reason given for this "alarmingly precipitous decline" is the rise of more general purpose tablets that provide e-book reading apps along with many other abilities in a similar form factor.[7] In 2013, ABI Research claimed that the decline in the e-reader market was due to the aging of the customer base.[8] In 2014, the industry reported e-reader sales worldwide to be around 12 million, with only Amazon.com and Kobo Inc. distributing e-readers globally and various regional distribution by Barnes & Noble (US/UK), Tolino (Germany), Icarus (Netherlands), PocketBook International (Eastern Europe and Russia) and Onyx Boox (China).[9]

Precursors

An idea similar to that of an e-reader is described in a 1930 manifesto written by Bob Brown titled The Readies,[10] which describes "a simple reading machine which I can carry or move around, attach to any old electric light plug and read hundred-thousand-word novels in 10 minutes". His hypothetical machine would use a microfilm-style ribbon of miniaturized text which could be scrolled past a magnifying glass, and would allow the reader to adjust the type size. He envisioned that eventually words could be "recorded directly on the palpitating ether".[11]

Popular e-readers

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ray, C. Claiborne (October 24, 2011). "The Weight of Memory". The New York Times. Q&A (column). p. D2.
  2. ↑ Falcone, John (July 6, 2010). "Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which e-book reader should you buy?". CNet. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Sony LIBRIe – The first ever E-ink e-book Reader". Mobile mag. 2004-03-25. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  4. ↑ "Ectaco jetBook Color E-ink reader". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  5. ↑ "E-book popularity set to increase this year". Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Nearly 18 Million Media Tablets Shipped in 2010 with Apple Capturing 83% Share; eReader Shipments Quadrupled to More Than 12 Million" (Press release). IDC. 10 March 2011.
  7. ↑ Tibken, Shara (December 12, 2012). "RIP e-book readers? Rise of tablets drives e-reader drop". CNet.
  8. ↑ Smith, Tony (25 January 2013). "Tablets aren't killing e‐readers, it's clog-popping wrinklies – analyst". The Register.
  9. ↑ The State of the e-Reader Industry in 2015 September 24, 2015
  10. ↑ Brown, Robert "Bob" (2009). Saper, Craig J., ed. The Readies. Literature by Design: British and American Books 1880–1930. Houston: Rice University Press. ISBN 9780892630226. OCLC 428926430. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  11. ↑ Schuessler, Jennifer (2010-04-08). "Bob Brown, Godfather of the E-Reader". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-12-06.

External links

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