Why didn't we see an eBook reader from Redmond?

Quick follow up on James' post regarding today's upcoming announcement from Amazon. The Kindle should be unveiled under an hour from the time I write this. As an avid eBook reader, I wanted to comment on something but it looks like Robert Scoble beat me to it over the weekend. I still want to share my thoughts in hopes that they're not taken as criticism, but constructive feedback. Whether the Kindle succeeds or fails, the question in my mind remains: why haven't we seen an eBook reader from Microsoft?

I realize that Microsoft traditionally doesn't do hardware. There are some recent exceptions: the Xbox platforms, computer peripherals, and more recently the Zune. But why not an eBook reader? Let's think of the random pieces that are scattered around Redmond for a sec...

• On the software side, you need a Reader platform. OK, check: we got that.
• Let's see, how about a lightweight operating system for mobile devices? Yup, got that too.
• Sounds like Amazon is offering up wireless connectivity for book downloads. Tens of millions of Windows Mobile smartphones come to mind here. No, Microsoft didn't make them, but they have the partnerships to make it happen I think.
• The Kindle will let you subscribe to newspapers and magazines. How could would that be? Probably this cool.
• Web browsing will be possible on the kindle. How many years has Internet Explorer been around?

You get the gist of what I'm saying here I think. And yes, there are many complications and engineering challenges to work out: no, you probably couldn't use Times Reader on a Windows Mobile device, for example. Still, I have to wonder in agreement with Scoble: is this a missed opportunity for the Tablet PC space? Or will Kindle light a fire somewhere to bring about a small slate with an embedded Tablet PC-rich OS? One thing's for sure: while the Kindle is getting all the attention, the spotlight for me is showing a stagnant Reader in Redmond.

Update: thanks to Dave Zatz, I see that Amazon has the product page and a video demo of the Kindle available. Looks like a UMPC could have fit the bill to me. ;)

Comments

[PJE]

The main issue is screen size and readability. The VGA screen on my Dell X50v and the 800x480 screen on my N800 (linux) provide very readable screens - if a little small.

There are very few smartphones/internet connected PDAs with anything other than 320x240 screens which is not sufficient to make a comfortable reading experience.

On an internet connected UMPC with a high res screen (1024x600 - 7") would make a nice book reader, but would also be much more expensive.

[SorianoD]

First, I'm sure somewhere on campus there's a team that's been working on such a reader for years.

However, Microsoft tends to be a follower and not a leader when it comes to bringing products to market: Internet Explorer, XBox, Zune. These are just some recent examples of releases that followed other products that proved successful in their respective markets. It's actually a pretty good business strategy to let other companies fumble around trying to create a new market and then rush in once it's established and try to "win".

Plus, Microsoft may believe that ebook readers are transitory devices like PDAs were. The PDA eventually got swallowed up by the phone. Ebook readers will likely be swallowed up too, maybe by the phone, maybe by UMPCs once they mature (or whatever they evolve in to), probably by something that we can't see coming because we're consumers and not producers of technology.

I'm sure they're just waiting for a DRM standard to naturally emerge as the "winner" in terms of uptake so that they can either break or take it over with their own.

[borax99 (Alain C.)]

Not available in Canada. Hope history doesn't repeat itself here: the Sony Reader has been out for about two years in the U.S. and Canadians are in the cold. As for the Kindle, it probably doesn't help that Canada has the highest cellular rates in the G8. Looks like I'll have to stick to ereader for a few more years.

Look, I really like ereader, but what burns about the Kindle being U.S.-only is the incredible variety (88,000 titles).

Aaaaaarghhhhhhh !

[Mike Cane]

MS Reader is indeed nice (yes, I did just *praise* something from MS, but wait!) -- yet I hated the fact that I wound up losing my notes and other things upon a GENIO PPC crash (yeah, tell me it's all supposed to be backed-up by ActiveStink. Go on, I dare ya!).

Anyway, MS has its hands full. Bleeding money from the XboX. Fixing the Vista debacle (nice self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head there, Ballmer. Do it again!). Licking its wounds over H.264 being accepted over its video format (thank god!). Must I say UMPC (especially in light of Eee!)? And then there's that four-letter word: Zune. MS cannot be looked upon for leadership. Its time has come and gone.

Besides, Apple will triumph with ebooks.

[Patrick Perez]

I bought a Sony Reader just last week, before the release info leaked about the Kindle. Oh well, the Sony is very nice as it is. I just don't think web browsing is suitable on e-ink displays, and I'd rather have the $100. Kindle will probably be successful as measured against previous e-ink devices, but who knows how well it will be in the grand scheme. $399 seems awfully high to kick-start a revolution (but the iPod did it, so who knows?)

I've tried reading on other e-book platforms. The Samsung Q1P made a nice reader. Good size screen. I have a Nokia N800, and the screen is higher pixel density than Kindle or Sony, but it's too small for 'book replacement' duty in my opinion.

People have talked about a possible ultra light Macbook, but I would go crazy over a jumbo iPod Touch. Think of it as the Cinema iPod. ~7" screen, <1 LB. It could be the reader we all want, as well as the sweetest PMP. By it not being a Mac (at least not outwardly) it could be the drm media vehicle to rule them all. Apple would make fortunes more! It seems the screen is the only thing not currently shippnig to make that a reality. But Apple has a history of getting new component exclusive deals, so maybe they have an OLED panel or ultra low power LED backlight panel up their sleeves?

Ahh, dreams....

To bring this back to MS, it seems a great MS device would incorporate the Silverlight technology used in the Times Reader, along with mobile OneNote on a Windows Mobile device. Easily done. OneNote may be the best software MS ever produced.

Patrick

[Mike Cane]

>>>$399 seems awfully high to kick-start a revolution (but the iPod did it, so who knows?)

I've been reading many, many Kindle Comments today. People who use the iPod analogy are usually reminded people could put their existing MP3s on it to play and further rip their new CDs to it. Not so with Kindle. Your current ebooks are stuck where they are.

I like the Sony Reader. The Kindle might be better. But ebook prices must plummet.

Hell, the ease and price of book ripping must plummet too. Look at the price of this:

http://www.booksnap.atiz.com/

-- plus you have to *manually* turn each page. Right, like I have time for that sh*t.

[jay]

Apple will triumph with ebooks.