Time developing e-book reader?
updated 09:35 am EDT, Fri September 11, 2009
Time changes mind, to release e-book reader
Time Inc. is planning on releasing an e-book reader in order to compete with Amazon's Kindle and other similar devices, according to a leaked internal document from the publisher. A recent NBC report says the magazine publisher will show the device before the end of the year. Time has previously gone on record to say it will not bring out its own e-reader, but has apparently since changed its mind.
The e-book market is dominated by Amazon's Kindle 2 and the larger Kindle DX, but also includes readers from Sony, and even fellow magazine and newspaper publisher Hearst is said to be developing its own reader. Time itself stopped short of committing to a project but acknowledged that it hasn't ruled out a reader of its own.
"We’re speaking with a number of hardware and software companies as well as other content companies about various projects," a spokesperson said.
An excerpt from the internal presentation obtained by NBC says Time is convinced the ideal user interface is the key to sales dominance in the segment. Other parts of the presentation reveal plans for an online store and developing a unique brand name.
Time is suspected of wanting to acquire a company to help it meet its goal or at least join with other partners in the venture. Handwritten notes on the leaked presentation say the firm has been in talks with other magazine publishers as possible partners, including Meredith, Hearst and Conde Nast.
