iRiver hints at annotatable eBook reader

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 14 Jan 2008 at 09:20

iRiver looks to be bringing something new to the eBook party, with an annotatable reader.

At the moment the reader seems to be firmly in the concept stage with just a few pictures on the iRiver website and some Korean notes to accompany them. However, judging by the pictures the reader will be full colour and annotatable using a stylus - potentially hinting at a wider classroom role for the device.

While the nameless reader may just be a concept, iRiver has already shown a strong interest in the eBook market, and took the opportunity at CES to show off another prototype reader featuring touch sensitive, dual screens. Though the device is appears close to market, the company claims it still hasn't decided in which countries to launch it.

iRiver will be competing with Amazon's much touted Kindle reader, which launched in November. Despite solid reviews, doubts still remain over the viability of a market dogged by competing formats and DRM issues.