You are here: DIME Home > Technology > Top 3 Operating Systems for E-Readers

Top 3 Operating Systems for E-Readers

A good e-reader starts with a good base - an exceptional operating system. When it comes to the driving force behind popular e-readers, three systems stand out above the rest. An overview of the operating systems for digital readers reveals the top three. Discover the basic truth about the latest e-readers.

Author: Marco Gustafsson
Date: Jan 12, 2010 - 6:18:42 AM

Printer friendly page

During 2009, e-readers were operating at maximum efficiency with over 2.2 million devices being shipped to stores. In 2010, the demand is expected to increase by more than 50%. T heir operating systems create the necessary base for these popular devices. Many first-class eBook Readers run full operating systems and can function like a computer.

Google Android

It is not surprising that Google Android tops the list of operating systems for e-readers. The Barnes and Noble 'Nook' was the first e-reader to use Google Android. Since that launch, Google Android has been used in various e-readers and that trend is expected to continue into the future.

Google Android gives users access to 1,000,000 free, public-domain books digitized by Google. All devices using the Android system can tap into Android apps and vice versa. In addition, Google understands that the real power of the open source Android lies with the Operating System Defaults. Google eBooks will serve as the default on every Android device.

The innovative eDGe e-reader, created by Entourage Systems, runs Google Android operating system. The eDGge is a netbook/e-reader combination which offers users the convenience of a Google toolbar on the right screen. Running on Wi-Fi and 3G networks, users can surf the internet, watch videos, or engage in video chat with this device.

Spring Design's 'Alex' will also support Android apps. Yet any applications which require internet access will work only with Wi-Fi. With this dual-display e-reader, the 6.5" e-ink screen for reading sits above a 3.5� color LCD. Users can display images and video, view notes, and even browse the web.

Expected to be released in 2010, the proposed Netronix, a collaboration between Texas Instruments and a Taiwanese networking specialist, is also an Android-based e-reader. Android e-readers allow portability of books (between Android e-readers) as well as access to Android apps.

Linux

The new Skiff reader is a Linux-based system. The Skiff reader is said to be the largest ( 11.5") and thinnest (0.25") with the highest-resolution (UXGA - 1200 x 1600) . T he Skiff reader is expected to be on sale later in the year. Interested buyers will be able to find it online and at over 1 000 Sprint stores in the US.

Sony Reader runs the MontaVista Linux Professional Edition operating system. Sony ebook Library is not supported on Linux. Yet when this device is connected, it grants access to its flash memory and memory card slots (as if they were USB Mass Storage Devices).

Amazon's Kindle DX runs Linux-2.6.22.19. Operating system updates are received wirelessly and install automatically during a period in sleep mode in which the wireless is in operation. As it was noted in the article " Amazon Offer Kindle for Sale in Europe - Will they Succeed ", the device is being offered globally on the 3G network with no charges for the wireless connectivity that is used to download eBooks (Digital Book Readers). With its Wacom touchscreen, Illiad runs Linux 2.4 kernel.

Due to its open Linux operating system, Illiad can run third-party applications created for it. The Hanlin eReader v3, one of the first Open Source e-readers, is built on the Linux operating system. China's Hanvon uses Linux 2.6 and Cool-er, Pocketbook, and Bookeen also run Linux.

Windows

Although Windows is slipping in popularity, it will remain a major player in operating system market for many years into the future. Sony PRS-505/SC Digital eBook Reader, with its company software Sony ebook Library, is similar to iTunes and requires Windows. The software will not work on the 64-bit version of Windows XP but does support Windows Vista and Windows 7. Recent announcements point to the use of Windows 7 in new color 'slate' e-readers such as Archos or HP. The Taiwanese company , M SI , h as also created an e-reader/computer combo which runs Windows 7.

E-readers with operational systems , s uch as the leading Google Android , e ncourage openness. These innovative devices are 'cracked' to allow users to run Android apps as well as download music and access social networks. Yet Fortify Software, the application vulnerability specialist, has issued a warning to corporations about possible security issues with modified e-readers. When a devise is 'cracked' or repurposed in this manner, there isn't any way to check the security of the operating system 'cracks' or newly installed programs.

For usage outside the corporate world, however, e-readers have few drawbacks. E-reader companies are always trying to improve on features, performance, and design. E-readers have made a tremendous impact on the reading experience - what we read, where we read, and how we read books and newspapers. More and more people are choosing e-readers and their state-of-the art operating systems are helping to drive that demand.

View all articles by Marco Gustafsson

Link to this article:

Code to copy: <a href="http://www.dime-co.com/technology/Top-3-Operating-Systems-for-E-Readers.shtml">Top 3 Operating Systems for E-Readers</a>

5 things that you can keep track of using a GPS device.

Jun 21, 2011 - 10:27:08 AM

GPS Tracking is a brilliant use of technology. As part of a satellite tracking system, a small device can be used for so many different things from tracking a person to tracking an airplane! As long as the device is somewhere on the planet, with reasonable coverage of the above skys, you can track it!... [Read the full story]

WebDigg - The Revolution in Web Statistics

Jun 21, 2011 - 8:20:59 AM

If you want to know how much traffic is coming to your site, which pages are bringing the most traffic, Alexa stats, Whois information, twitter posts, Safety Report, competitors websites, where are your visitors coming from, and when is traffic coming in, you just have to analyze your website’s statistics.... [Read the full story]

The Advantages Of Digital Radio Unplugged

Jun 12, 2011 - 9:37:44 PM

Digital radio is radio with digital quality sound, uninterrupted relay, and much better reception. There are many advantages of digital radio when compared to other kind of transmission. Some features or advantages are mentioned below.... [Read the full story]

Technology products: do they make life easier or more complicated?

May 26, 2011 - 4:29:35 AM

In the last few years technology has invaded our lives, changing our habits, the way we work, study, have fun and communicate. Every day a new technological instrument is launched on the market, be that cameras, new pc or mobile models, more and more sophisticated televisions and so on. And if adults consider all this as something new, the new generations, the ones that were born and have been growing in this technological epoch, consider all these constant evolutions and the launch of new, advanced products as something very natural, and not only interesting. ... [Read the full story]

Newest Articles in Popular Topics:

Business & Marketing

Computers & the Internet

Entertainment

Health & Fitness

Finding Ways To Save Money And Maximize Revenue In Business

Cooper's Golf Park Tees Off Their New Website

Fiinovation Adjudged CSR Team of the Year & Caring Company at World CSR Day

Reasons Why Kale Realty is the Best Real Estate Firm in All of Chicago

Montreal Tech Startup Kangaroo Rewards Launches Mobile Loyalty Program for Local Merchants

It is time we break out of the SEO Shelter

3 Strong Reasons You Should Start Your Own Blog

Evolve Your Career With CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

High speed VMware Backups - Powered by UltraBlaze(�) from Vembu

Things to Consider When Selecting a Domain Name for Your Website

Fling Boom "Launches" This Holiday Season

Beautiful Abstract Canvas Art is Up for Grabs

Buying Art as a Gift: Tips From an Expert

Complete Guide to the 2014 Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival Released by Jackson Mountain Homes

Learn Blues Music Online-Alternative to Traditional Piano Lessons

Causes and Treatment of Acne

What Type Of Constipation Home Remedies Are There?

Manual Wheelchairs: Buying One

Instant Facelift with Dental Implants

Lasik Surgery Leading Correction Of Vision Issues

Home & Family

Shopping

Sports

Travel

Enhance Your Learning Experience Through Best Responsive Elearning Development Tools

Best Apps for Learning German

Esvees is Cranbourne's Elite Hair Dressing Company

Ozone Generator

Practical Tips When Choosing Gates and Gate Openers for Your Home or Business

Why Cases are Required for Mobile Phones?

Are Dealership Services Worth It?

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Named Must-Shop SUV for Towing from AutoTrader.com

Online Selling With An Appraisal Advantage

Macsome AudioBook Converter released New Version V2.0.4

Aditi Ashok signs off with a double

Softball Coaching: Avoid Becoming A Nattering Nabob of Negativity

Softball Coaching Tips - The Funnel Approach

Pick Up Specialized Advice on Jumping Exercises Which Are Highly Effective

Vertical Jump Training Tactics to Increase Your Athletic Performance

Tips for Choosing the Right Paris Short Lets

Hostels - the best choice for working womens and college students

Perfect holiday? Book a cruise and sail in Croatia!

Say Aloha to Your Best Vacation Ever with Kohala Coast Properties

The Perfect Guide for a Fantastic Family Trip to Kansas City

Search for articles:

Follow & Share Your Favorite Video Articles

Tell a Friend About This Site

Tweet about this site

Follow @dimeco

Subscribe to the eMarket Smarts^TM Newsletter in order to keep up to date with what's happening with dime-co.com, get the emails on new video articles, featured articles, and more. Your privacy is always protected. We never rent, sell or trade your private information

Recommended Associates

Latest Articles in All Categories

Putting Up a Small Commercial Printing Business

So You Might Be Unemployed And Desire To Become A San Francisco Real Estate Investor Now

Meditation and Mindfulness: Dealing With Emotion

CPA Websites: Five Essential Ideas for Composing Convincing Articles

Set Goals In Order to Come Up With Your Action Plan

Is the Air in Your Home Safe to Breathe?

Coarse Fishing Tackle Review: The JW Young 13ft Trotter Rod

Section 1031 Exchanges For San Diego Real Estate Investors

Phoenix Real Estate Investing For Highest Possible Earnings

Legendary are the Volk Racing TE37 Wheels

Developing the Next Generation Wall Station (ChaseDesk™) for Healthcare - A Case Study

What are step down transformers?

Introducing Sharehype, the Revolutionary Tool for Online Marketers

Rewards To Shopping For Austin Real Estate On The Web

Hydroponics for Beginners

Do you write?

Would you like submit your articles and have them approved on a priority status? Find out more about how you can become a Priority author for pennies a day! Click here.