June 12, 2006
We have heard talk of the e-newspapers for close to 30 years and how it is just about read to be introduced to the consumer. The time for its arrival may finally be here.
Some of the biggest newspapers in the world are planning on offering some form of an electronic newspaper that will enable users to download the online editions to flexible, reflective digital screens that is said to be much easier on the eyes than current laptop or cellphone devices.
The flexible versions of these readers could possibly be available in 2007.
The early forays into this area failed because of high prices and there not being enough online content to justify its price. That and the non-flexible devices that didn't suit consumers. Now there are inexpensive digital screens that will be able to be rolled up and put in your pocket.
With the newspaper industry circulation dropping every year for the last 20 years, they feel that this could be the key to competing in the present news and entertainment climate.
From the cost point-of-view, it is said that this could cut expenses by 75 percent. This may actually be the biggest benefit of the technology if it is accepted by consumers.
I'm not sure that another device that can download data from the Internet will be embraced in a large way by consumers. With all the current devices, will one more be welcome? I don't know. Just like cell phones, maybe they'll be more of a vanity item.
Is this something that you would want to use for your news viewing?
