Orange signs up testers for mobile newspaper service
Trialling electronic newspapers
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Orange has started a trial using eBook readers to deliver newspaper and magazine subscriptions over their 3G network, in much the same way as Amazon's Kindle e-book reader.
The trial involves 150 French guinea-pigs who have been equipped with devices described as having Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and access to subscriptions to Le Monde, Le Parisien, Les Echos, L’Equipe and Télérama. The service is demonstrated (in French) on the Orange Innovation website.
ITProPortal has pulled out some stills of the device, which is clearly the Iliad eBook reader from iRex Technologies - one hopes they've removed the virus by now. The Iliad has Wi-Fi, and a USB (host) port; it seems users will have to connect an Orange 3G dongle, at least for the trial. Iliad makers iRex signed a distribution deal with Les Echos last year, but over-the-air connectivity is a much smoother experience.
It's a shame that the 3G connectivity couldn't have been embedded, as it's the silent nature of Amazon's service which marks it out from alternatives. The user just picks up the device and reads the latest issue, without having to think about downloading or finding content. But if the trials go well that's no doubt what Orange have in mind, and the Iliad is a flexible platform which should allow such modification.
Delivering magazines direct to electronic readers makes sense, and adds a revenue stream for operators outside their traditional telephony services. Orange will surely customise their own device if the trials go well, though hopefully they won't try to jam a keyboard onto the bottom of it as Amazon felt compelled to do. ®
COMMENTS
Why not the UK as well
The one thing i would like to know why isnt it been trailed over here in the UK as well.
I would say - "fortunately PRS-505 has no wireless "!
I would say - fortunately PRS-505 has no wireless !
It's the best device I ever used, perfect for storing and reading books.
It serves the purpose just rigth, I really don't want to see RSS feeds or any other internet crap when I am on the road. Plenty of that on my office PC....
If you want colour you will get backlight and glare - no thanks!
yeah but no but yeah but no but
Unfortunately the Illiad is stupidly expensive and achieving portability by sticking a dongle in the top of it seems a bit silly.
The Amazon Kindle has to be one of the ugliest devices I've ever seen
The sony Prs-505 is the best looking and feels really solid and the leather cover makes sure it doesn't get damaged unfortunately it has no Wireless and the Bookeen isn't bad either.
Roll on faster refresh e-paper displays and colour. They really are far easier to read from for extended periods of time than traditional TFT or LCD displays.
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