iRex is teaming up with book retailer Barnes and Noble to launch an e-book reader to rival Amazon's Kindle. The iRex device will include a 8.1-inch touch screen and 3G wireless connectivity. The touch screen will be controlled with a stylus rather than the user's fingers. iRex is the second e-book manufacturer to pair with Barnes and Noble, following Plastic Logic in July.
iRex's North American CEO, Kevin Hamilton, says the device will provide stiff competition for Amazon due to its screen size, which is more than two inches larger than the standard Kindle. He also claims the e-reader will provide a wide range of magazines and newspapers. "Signing this deal with Barnes and Noble positions iRex well in terms of content, and we'll team with other industry leaders to provide the network infrastructure and retail presence," he says.
Most of the books available on Barnes and Noble's e-book store are priced at around USD9.99 - about the same price as Kindle books. The company intends to expand to over 1m titles by 2010.
StrategyEye's related categories: E-book Readers, Print Publishers - Books & Journals
StrategyEye's related companies: Amazon.com, Plastic Logic, Barnes and Noble
