A few months ago, I wrote a post about how the future of books depended on Barnes and Noble. Recently I heard some encouraging news: Barnes and Noble is joining forces with Microsoft to battle industry giants Amazon and Apple in the eReader market.
Barnes and Noble stock rose when the company announced late in April that Microsoft will invest $300 million in the development of the Nook and B&N’s digital book division. Both companies should benefit: B&N will get a much needed infusion of resources, and Microsoft will gain access to new content.
Publishers are excited about the deal, and so am I. As much as I enjoy Amazon and Apple products (I just got a new iPad- love it!), I know that a healthy market needs competition. I’d hate to see Amazon take over the book world, control the cost of books, and therefore control authors. Now I have hope that it won’t.
The NPR story that shared this good news warned that the new B&N/ Microsoft company, called “Newco”, has a lot of catching up to do, since Apple has perfected its tablet over the past decade. Wes Miller, an analyst at the independent research firm Directions on Microsoft, says that Microsoft has a tendency to put out products that are “good enough” to turn a profit, but if it wants to seriously compete with Apple in the tablet market, it needs to step up its game.
I can’t deny that I like the iPad and the Kindle. The iPad has that nice big screen, and although the backlighting could make one’s eyes weary with regular use, it comes in handy at night when your spouse wants to sleep and you want to stay up reading! I’ve never used the Nook, and welcome anyone’s review of the product.
Of course, I will always love old fashioned, “hard copy” books, but I hope that if B&N can stay afloat through its eReader, that will not only help the company, but also the future of traditionally printed books.
Which tablet / eReader do you prefer and why? How do you respond to the news of a partnership between B&N and Microsoft? Do you fear an Amazon takeover? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comments link below. And as always, thanks for stopping by. Happy reading, in whatever format you choose!
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Julia
I like reading novels on my Kindle because I can change the font size (no need for reading glasses) and I can read for hours without my eyes getting tired. The ipad is great for anything with pictures though, so I read magazines on it.
Yes, the Kindle is much easier on the eyes. Have you tried “Flipboard” for the iPad? It makes reading magazine articles much more appealing.
Thanks ladies!
Susan, yes there are benefits to both formats.
Laura, Yes, competition will benefit everyone!
Heather, thanks for commenting. I also like the built in dictionary – the Kindle has one too!
I love my Nook tablet. I’m not sure what the difference is between that and the Kindle Fire, aside from the ease of download of borrowed books…Kindle fire is wireless, while my Nook is not. Anyway, I prefer my nook over a traditional book for its ease of use (seems easier to carry around to me) and the wonderful built in dictionary!!!
I think you nailed it when you said Amazon needs competition to keep the book market healthy. I didn’t agree with the publishing houses moves over the past several mothad, that was against the rules no matter the intent. But a little competition to keep book prices fair for authors and readers is a win-win situation!
You know I love my iProducts, so I’m a cheerleader for Apple. But honestly, I still prefer holding paper in my hands. I guess I’m old school, but I love feeling the pages and seeing the progress I’ve made and knowing how many pages are left.
However, I DO LOVE that with an ereader the next book is just a tap away.
Great post, Julia!