The e-book market is transitioning from its early development phase into a more mature growth stage (Figure 1). Initially driven by companies like Amazon.com and Sony in Japan, the market has seen an influx of new players offering diverse services across multiple devices. One key trend is the expansion beyond traditional e-books to include magazines, newspapers, and other digital content.
With this broad range of content available, a variety of reading devices have emerged to meet different user needs. These devices vary in design, functionality, and target audience, reflecting the growing diversity in the market. For instance, while some focus on portability and long battery life, others emphasize high-resolution displays and multimedia capabilities.
Figure 1: Operability and UI Differences
New e-book readers such as Sony’s Reader Daily Edition and Barnes & Noble’s Nook have taken steps to differentiate themselves from Amazon’s Kindle series by focusing on improved usability and unique user interfaces. For example, Apple introduced the iPad in April 2010, which, although not solely an e-reader, offered a powerful platform for digital content, including color-rich magazines and comics. Its large, high-resolution display made it ideal for visually engaging material.
In addition, there are e-readers that use e-paper technology for black-and-white displays, with some models featuring screens as large as 10 inches. Companies like Plastic Logic and Skiff LLC have been working on such devices, with plans to launch them in 2010. These innovations reflect the industry's push toward more versatile and user-friendly options.
Moreover, the e-book terminals that have helped drive the market are continuously evolving. For example, Sony’s Reader Daily Edition shares similarities with the Nook, but both aim to stand out by enhancing user experience through better operability and innovative interface designs. This competition drives continuous improvement in the sector.
Excellent reading experience is crucial for success in the e-reader market. While the hardware of many tablet-style devices may be similar, the real differentiator lies in the software and user experience. Even manufacturers without cutting-edge technology can produce functional devices based on existing designs. However, without a focus on user convenience and a seamless reading experience, these devices may struggle to gain a competitive edge.
One of the key factors in differentiation is the use of touch panels. Unlike the Kindle, which lacks a touchscreen, both the Reader Daily Edition and the Nook incorporate touch capabilities, each with their own unique approach. The Reader Daily Edition features a full-screen touch panel that enhances intuitive navigation, while the Nook uses a dual-screen design with a color LCD as the main display, offering enhanced interactivity.
Fujio Noguchi, Vice President of Digital Reader Business at Sony Electronics, noted that “all companies in this industry recognize the importance of touch panels as a key development area.†This highlights the growing emphasis on user interaction and device responsiveness.
This article explores two of the latest e-readers on the market—Sony’s Reader Daily Edition and Barnes & Noble’s Nook. It dissects and evaluates them from the perspectives of operability, user interface, and hardware. Through this analysis, we uncover the specific hardware and software improvements that contribute to a superior reading experience.
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