The Future of Book-Reading?
With all the hype about Apple’s iPad, take a look at the recent comments from Sony about the future of book-reading:
The humble book has but 5 years before it’s surpassed by the digital versions according to Sony as it reaches out to Apple to welcome the company’s move into the ebook reader market with the launch of the Apple iPad.
“The introduction of another mobile device, which includes digital reading as part of its functionality, is a good thing for the digital book business,” Steve Haber, president of Sony’s digital reading division told Pocket-lint.
Although many journalists have been quick to question how ebook readers will stand up against the onslaught of marketing and interest in the Apple iPad and its new iBook store, Sony thinks the move is a good thing from the Curpertino based company.
“Mobile devices with reading capabilities will play a key role in the paradigm shift from analogue to digital content. At Sony, we’re focused on devices optimised for digital reading and believe that digital books sales will surpass print sales within five years, if not sooner.”
With Sony hoping the traditional book will be dead in 5 years, how long before e-ink is replaced?
27 January 2010 22:39 GMT / By Stuart Miles
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/31099/sony-welcomes-apple-ibook-store
When they come up with an ereader I can swat flies with, use to mop up spilt beer, read in the bath or that’s so cheap I’m not worried about getting mugged for it or leaving it behind on the tube, they’ll be onto something…
I’m with you, I can’t ever see reading on a computer over a physical book. That said, even if only 20% of people opted for digital, that would be enough to completely change the industry, wouldn’t you think?
There is something much deeper at stake here.
The issue is one of what I would call “Temporary Text”.
No longer will there be fixed printed reference points as any book text can be changed electronically at will at any time.
The printed word must be promoted and retained for proper reference and discussion.
goodbyeoldgod.com
Great point Geoff, but do you think culture would move to digital enough to wipe out paper-print altogether?or maybe it’s more like the music industry is today, where you can download it, butthe physical book has has a more sentimental or consumer-artistattachment. For example, it’s becoming very common for music CDs to provide special editions to entice consumers back into physical sales with theadded benefit of additional material – and it’s working. Maybe books will go on a similar path, becoming the premium version and digital being the cheap one.
Do you think Christian stores would become locations to purchase the digital devices, or aim at the premium physical market – or both?