Playster has fired their entire staff two weeks ago and only a few executives remain with the company. Management has asked everyone to keep it a secret and not to post about it on social media. Playster will not be investing anymore money into new digital content, which means they will no longer be adding new audiobooks or ebooks to the platform.Playster was initially … [Read more...] about Playster fires all of their employees and is on life support
Archives for January 2019
Ultraviolet is going out of business
When Barnes and Noble started to make tablets, one of the big selling points was the Ultraviolet service. When you bought a DVD from the bookseller you could enter a code on the Ultraviolet website and get free access to the digital edition and then watch it on your Nook HD, Nook HD+ or Nook Color. When July 31st rolls around, Ultraviolet is going out of … [Read more...] about Ultraviolet is going out of business
Scribd has over one million subscribers
Scribd is an unlimited audiobook and ebook subscription service and they have been in business since 2007. They initially started as a document sharing site and eventually branched out into audio, ebooks, newspapers, magazines and comics. In October 2013, Scribd officially launched its unlimited subscription service for e-books and in 2016 they pivoted their business from an … [Read more...] about Scribd has over one million subscribers
The Sony PRS-T1, PRS-T2 and PRS-T3 has reached end-of-life
Sony was one of the earliest entrants to the world of e-readers and they released over a dozen models over the years. In 2014 the company exited the commercial sector and sold their customers to Kobo, which helped the Canadian company secure over 400,000 new users. Kobo issued an update for the Sony e-readers that were considered modern for the time and removed the Sony … [Read more...] about The Sony PRS-T1, PRS-T2 and PRS-T3 has reached end-of-life
Kobo Mini receives mandatory software update
The Kobo Mini has just received a mandatory software update and it must be installed by February 28, 2019. Without this update, the Kobo Mini eReader will no longer be able to exit the setup process after a factory reset is performed. If you are unable to do this before February 28, you will need to install the update manually using the Kobo Desktop Application for Windows or … [Read more...] about Kobo Mini receives mandatory software update
The Kobo WIFI E-Reader is losing access to the Kobo Bookstore
One of the big reasons why Kobo has been successful is because they have always supported their old e-readers with modern firmware updates. The Kobo WIFI was the second e-reader Kobo produced and it was released in 2010, this device has received a multitude of updates over the years but it has official reached the end of its life.As of February 28, the Kobo Wifi will no … [Read more...] about The Kobo WIFI E-Reader is losing access to the Kobo Bookstore
Kobo Arc and ARC HD receiving mandatory firmware update
Kobo released the ARC tablet in 2012 and an HD model the next year. Some people are still using them today or buying one from an online marketplace for the very first time. Kobo has stated that "Your Kobo Arc tablet requires a mandatory software update by February 28, 2019. To stay aligned with global internet security standards, we are releasing a mandatory software update for … [Read more...] about Kobo Arc and ARC HD receiving mandatory firmware update
The Kobo Aura One is discontinued
Kobo has discontinued the Kobo Aura One e-reader. It is out of stock on the company's own website and all of their retail partners in Canada, EU and United States are no longer carrying it. This e-reader has basically been replaced by the Kobo Forma.The Aura One was the largest e-reader that Kobo ever produced and it originally came out in 2016. It was the first device that … [Read more...] about The Kobo Aura One is discontinued
Amazon Crossing Kids Brings Intl Works to Young Readers
There's a great big world out there, and Amazon's latest imprint is making sure that kids in the States have a chance to be a part of it. Amazon Crossing is already in place as Amazon's own imprint for translated works, and now Amazon Crossing Kids seeks to bring international titles to young readers in the US.According to a statement from the company, "Building on the work … [Read more...] about Amazon Crossing Kids Brings Intl Works to Young Readers
Boyue Likebook Mimas vs Onyx Boox Note
The Boyue Likebook Mimas and Onyx Boox Note are two of the latest generation 10.3 inch digital note taking e-readers that have a WACOM layer and a capacitive touchscreen display. They both come with a different type of stylus to make notes, edit PDF files and make annotations. They also double as ebook readers, with built-in software to read all of the most popular formats. … [Read more...] about Boyue Likebook Mimas vs Onyx Boox Note
e-Reader companies need to embrace USB-C
E-Reader companies have had little reason to embrace new formats for the USB port. The two most common ports are Micro USB and Mini USB, since they are cheap and venders can cut down on costs. Amazon, B&N and Kobo all use outdated technologies for their ports for charging the e-reader and transferring data. There are only two brands that use USB-C in limited models; Boyue … [Read more...] about e-Reader companies need to embrace USB-C
Print or Digital Isn’t the Issue in Kids’ Reading
Ever since the dawn of widely available ebooks and e-readers, there's been an educational debate surrounding kids' interactions with digital. While some advocates support the ability to read anywhere, enjoy a virtually limitless supply of content, and engage in educational content like never before, critics don't agree. In fact, multiple studies took aim at kids' ereading on … [Read more...] about Print or Digital Isn’t the Issue in Kids’ Reading
