Amazon

The graphite and display overhaul that Amazon gave its Kindle DX earlier in the month has now been applied to its third generation 6-inch model. The new Kindle will be available with 3G and Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi only, is 15 percent lighter and 21 percent smaller than its predecessor but still retains the 6-inch display and now comes with double the storage capacity.  Read More

The next step in the evolution of e-Ink technology sees 50 per cent better contrast resulting in sharper, clearer text and crisp, detailed images. Amazon's new graphite Kindle DX takes full advantage of the new technology, also offering a couple of new fonts, new security features and social networking integration. And the new DX comes in at over US$100 cheaper than its predecessor too.  Read More

Nintendo has done very well out of its innovative motion controllers but maintaining its spot at the top of the console sales charts was always going to be an uphill battle once rivals caught up (or overtook) with their own brand of fully-interactive gaming. Project Natal seemed a little ambitious when it was first demonstrated last year, but 12 months and a rebranding later, Kinect appears to be ready for pre-order and most importantly, we have a price.  Read More

The British Library has announced that users of Amazon's Kindle e-reader will be able to download more than 65,000 19th century classics for free this coming spring in a special format that will have the look of a genuine first edition. Works from famous authors like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy and Jane Austen will be reproduced using the original typeface and illustrations to add an antique feel to the e-reader technology.  Read More

If you’re looking to purchase an e-reader and just can’t fathom the minefield of differences, check out this chart that comprehensively compares Amazon’s Kindle 2 and Kindle DX, Sony’s Daily Edition, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Plastic Logic’s Que proReader, and Apple’s iPad in 20 categories including hardware spec, software and content.  Read More

There’s been a definite buzz around eBooks and eBook readers in recent times, and despite Asus challenging the price point last year we’re yet to see what we’d guess to be an affordable enough solution to break the mass-market. There are some pretty tidy devices on the shelves though, with Amazon’s Kindle proving popular enough to ‘go global’ last October, a move that has now been repeated with the spacious Kindle DX.  Read More

Amazon is perhaps the best placed to really push the eBook reader as a global solution and with recent announcements confirming that local libraries will be offering eBook rentals there seems to be plenty going on in this area to warrant further support. To this end, Amazon has officially released its Kindle software for the PC, allowing users to purchase, download and read hundreds of thousands of books from the official store.  Read More

It would come as no surprise to hear that your typical local library isn’t exactly a hive of activity these days. The availability of information online and swathes of technology capable of distracting us during quieter times has seen memberships declining. But a scheme designed to embrace modern alternatives to the weighty tome could breathe new life back into the service. Taking a leaf from Amazon’s book, if you’ll pardon the pun, select local libraries in the UK are now subsidizing conventional methods by offering eBook rentals online.  Read More

Amazon has announced an international version of its Kindle e-book reader. Priced at US$279, the global version of the Kindle will work in over 100 countries and shares the same specs as its U.S. only counterpart - a 6" diagonal E Ink anti-glare display, slimline 8" x 5.3" x 0.36" footprint, 2GB internal memory (1.4GB of which is available for user content - that's enough for 1,500 books) and a weight of just 10.2 ounces (0.29kg).  Read More