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News
Issue #2001 - 20 (May 2001)
(Updated May
16, 2001)
PRODUCTS
& SERVICES
Fictionwise Partners with Versaly to Bring eBooks to Mobile Phone
Users
eBook seller Fictonwise.com has signed a deal with mobile
games distributor Versaly Games Inc. to deliver popular titles to
mobile phone users.
Equipped with 3G mobile phones, paid subscribers will have access
to the Fictionwise library of 500 eBook titles from Versaly’s Web
site. Microsoft’s Stinger smartphone with its large 16-bit color
graphical screen and ‘always on’ Internet connection are being
promoted as the ideal device for receiving and viewing eBooks,
from such notable authors as Robert Silverberg, Larry Niven, and
Harlan Ellison.
"Although companies like Adobe have produced excellent eBook
readers for the desktop, and eBooks readers exist for PocketPC and
Palm personal digital assistants," Scott Pendergrast, a
publisher with Fictionwise told Newbytes, "the market for
mobile phone-based eBooks is much larger." He added that 3G
technologies coupled the popularity of mobile phones will now make
it possible for eBooks to reach a mass market.
"Entertainment on mobile phones includes much more than
games. Versaly is working hard to provide our subscribers with as
much quality content as possible to maximize the mobile phone
entertainment experience," said Matthew Feldman, president and
CEO of Versaly. "Both daily commuters and campers will
enjoy" the content and convenience of the offering.
Subscribers can expect to begin downloading titles from Versaly’s
Web site by the end of the year.
For more information: http://www.fictionwise.com/pr_versaly.htm
(Additional source Newsbytes)
Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: We have a serious
difficulty in accepting the proposition of smart phones being used
as e-books. The form factor is not right. The only limit to which
you can stretch current generation of smart phones with small
screens is for headline news. Sometimes, one wonders if the
technology missionaries understand how human factors and form
factors interface to each other. On the other hand, we saw
prototypes at Comdex in Chicago which we feel are appropriate for
eBooks.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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