Copia comes from DMC Worldwide. GalleyCat described it this way here: "... it's a bit of everything: an eBook platform and store, a social networking gateway, and a full line of E-Ink eReaders."
Zikkir included DMC Worldwide's statement on the Copia here:
"The COPIA platform is the first of its kind to combine content, collaboration, social networking and e-commerce together to connect people through a collaborative experience."First, there are actually an array of six Copia e-readers, which allow you to connect with your social network on Facebook and Twitter (photo courtesy of the Copia website here).
The Copia website reports the e-readers will boast WiFi, G3 and USB connectivity, up to 4 GB internal storage with optional Micro SD card and a long-life battery good for up to two weeks.
On January 6, Digital Trends indicated the e-readers would go on sale online in April with prices ranging from $199 to $299 depending on the amenities readers want.
By February 18, Publishers Weekly reported "b&w devices will be priced from $200 to $300—easily the most attractive pricing in the latest wave of e-ink devices." While a Copia spokesman "would not give a specific price on the color e-reader, he said it would be priced 'aggressively' to compete in a high-end device market that will be taking its cue from the $499 price point set by Apple's forthcoming iPad device." The e-reader will be available in retail bricks-and-mortar stores in June.
Engadget said that Copia "intends to support other companies' hardware too with its ePUB distribution service."
Like LibraryThing and GoodReads, Copia will allow you to compare your personal library with those of your friends. Of course, Copia also provides access to an retail site where you can search, get recommendations or purchase both e-books and p-books.
Digital Trends reported here:
DMC will initially offer two product lines—the Ocean and the Tidal—with three readers each, along with an open platform the enables publishers and users to connect through a collaborative environment. Plus, third party device makers will be able to make new devices that latch into the Copia platform.According to their website here, DMC Worldwide services its clients "out of offices in New York City, Vienna, Amman, and Washington, D.C."
Go here to Engadget to see a video of the Copia being described at CES.
If Copia lives up to its billing, this may begin the next generation of e-reading devices, allowing consumers to connect through their e-readers.
2 comments:
My prediction is that when the dust settles in a year or two, the Kindle and Apple's iPad will be the last men standing, because each one is blessed with the mystique and good will (used purely in the commercial sense) associated with each company. None of the other ereaders or semi-multi-function devices have anything over the Kindle and iPad, and people worry about buying an expensive device from a company they've never heard of.
Hi, Peter: Nice to know you're still out there. Good to hear from you.
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