The Amazon Echo line of smart speakers have just gained the ability to read aloud your first free audiobook from Audible. There are over 400,000 titles to choose from and you do not need a Prime account or a subscription to Audible. To get started, just say, "Alexa, read me ..." and the title you want to hear. There are two caveats. First, you need to be completely new to … [Read more...] about Amazon Echo Speaker will now play your first Audible Audiobook for Free
Archives for March 2018
Apple Acquires Digital Magazine Subscription Service Texture
Texture is one of the few companies operating in the unlimited magazine space and they primarily compete against Magstar and Zinio. They initially launched under the name Next Issue, but rebranded themselves in 2015 and started a massive marketing campaign in Canada and the United States. Apple has just acquired Texture to make a major push in the digital magazine … [Read more...] about Apple Acquires Digital Magazine Subscription Service Texture
Amazon Kindle Oasis 2 Now Available in Gold
Amazon has just announced their first alternative color option for the Kindle Oasis 2, champagne gold. This new color option will be on the back of the unit and also the sides, the front of the e-reader will continue to be black, in order to make the text pop out. It will be available on March 22nd and it will cost $30 extra. The gold colored Kindle Oasis 2 is going to cost … [Read more...] about Amazon Kindle Oasis 2 Now Available in Gold
Digital Manga has Overtaken Print for the First Time
Digital manga sales in Japan have overtaken print for the first time ever. According to a survey by the Research Institute for Publications, sales of digital manga last year are estimated to have risen 17.2% from a year earlier to 171.1 billion yen, while sales of prints fell roughly 14.4% and generated $166.6 billion yen. The research body of the All Japan Magazine and Book … [Read more...] about Digital Manga has Overtaken Print for the First Time
Alexa Video Calling and Messaging Now Available on Tablets
Starting today, customers can use Alexa calling and messaging on Fire, Android, and iOS tablets. With this update, customers can use their tablet to place video and audio calls, or message anyone – for free by asking Alexa. With your Fire HD 10, you’ll be able to place a call to Mom or send a quick voice message to a friend completely hands free by simply asking Alexa. Or, … [Read more...] about Alexa Video Calling and Messaging Now Available on Tablets
Kobo Aura H2O is Discontinued
Kobo has discontinued their first generation Aura H2O, which is their first generation waterproof e-reader. This device first came out in 2014 and it was the last model that had an SD card to increase the internal storage. Kobo continues to sell the Kobo H2O edition 2, which debuted last year. Kobo only has three e-readers in their current portfolio. The Kobo Aura One, Kobo … [Read more...] about Kobo Aura H2O is Discontinued
New Report Proclaims Audiobook and eBook Usage is on the rise
A new report by Pew has proclaimed that ebook and audiobook usage is on the rise. One in five US adults have listened in an audiobook last year and one in four has read an ebook. Print books remain the most popular format for reading, with 67% of Americans having read a print book in the past year. While the sheer amount of e-book readers are similar to those from a survey … [Read more...] about New Report Proclaims Audiobook and eBook Usage is on the rise
Is the Kindle really easier on the eyes or is it a marketing gimmick?
The Amazon Kindle is the world's most popular e-reader and in all of their marketing material it says the display is easy on the eyes, allowing you to read for hours at a time. Amazon also mentions that reading in the dark on a Kindle is better than a smartphone or tablet. Is there any truth to this? The Amazon Kindle line of e-readers employ e-paper displays, made by E-Ink. … [Read more...] about Is the Kindle really easier on the eyes or is it a marketing gimmick?
Sony is Developing a New Digital Paper e-Reader DPT-CP1
Sony plans on releasing a smaller, more affordable version of their Digital Paper digital note taking device. The model is being called the DPT-CP1 and it just hit the FCC, which means an official announcement should occur in the next few weeks. The DPT-CP1 application was filed by Netronix, who manufactures Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other e-readers, such as the Good … [Read more...] about Sony is Developing a New Digital Paper e-Reader DPT-CP1
New Sony Digital Paper Firmware will be Released this Spring
The Sony Digital Paper DPT-RP1 will receive its first firmware update sometime this spring. This digital note taking device will receive some pinch and zoom enhancements for PDF files and receive support for huge PDF documents, making them easier to browse and navigate. The DPT PC app will also get an upgrade and allow you to project whatever is on the e-reader on your PC, it … [Read more...] about New Sony Digital Paper Firmware will be Released this Spring