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The 21st
Century Reader The technology already exists to create a reading device that could rescue the paper-based news industry, while also providing students with multimedia alternatives to over-priced, overweight, and inferior textbooks. We only need to pair an ultra-thin screen (think MacBook Air) with e-ink technology (think Amazon Kindle) to create a multimedia reading device for the 21st century: The 21c. With video and audio capability, along with high-quality text display, the 21c would provide wireless access to news outlets, libraries, bookstores, social networks, and web sites across the world. Note to Amazon: Making the Kindle bigger is smart, but the main problem with the device is its visual display. Until we get a reader that can show high-quality color images, educational publishers, newspaper readers, and the general public won't buy in. |
Note to Apple: "Thinovation" needs a purpose. It's cool that the Air fits into an envelope, but what's the point if it doesn't increase the utility of the machine?
Note to Google: Developing a multimedia reading device is the next major step in the dissemination of information in the digital age. The device could remake education and revitalize news delivery by bringing reading into the 21st century -- just the kind of challenge that Google should be rising to meet.
Questions or comments? E-mail me.