A week or so ago I was speaking with Fabian, when he mentioned an idea that was rolling around his head. Basically he enjoyed reading blogs but preferred reading a hard copy of something as opposed to subjecting his eyes to a computer screen. Seems like the people at Google noticed this as well, and they have developed a really creative and innovative solution almost identical to what Fabian had proposed to me.
I read about Google’s idea this morning on TechCrunch as they highlighted the new patent. If followed through properly, Google could revolutionize the publishing, blogging and advertising industries all at the same time. Based on the patent filings, it would seem that Google is looking to provide a service that allows users to select blog content and have it published in either a hard or soft copy format. The business model is rather slick as well, as Google will be able to target ads to specific reader profiles and preferences.
To take it one step further they are also considering putting kiosks in department stores allowing people to quickly select their favorite subscriptions and get a print out. Imagine getting a weekly magazine subscription of your favorite blogs to take with you on the go. Over course, snail mail isn’t the fastest way of getting information but it sure is nice to take a break from behind a computer screen and relax with a nice magazine. I think Google really nailed a user pain here and I am eager to see how they execute it!
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Amazon released an interesting product today which is basically a eBook product similar to Sony’s portable reader. Amazon’s product isnt pretty but it makes a lot of sense for them, as they can leverage their virtual book inventory (Amazon has spent considerable time and money to digitize its book especially for previewing) while connecting to already vast customer base. The major differentiator from similar products is Amazon created a distribution system to deliver to book thru cellular or wireless networks so you can always purchase books on demand. Though not optimal for all situations, this would a nice treat on a plane as this light device can replace several heavy book or magazines. Cost about $400
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/amazon-pitches-a-wireless-ipod-for-books/index.html?ref=business
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11038811
Also this product has vast implications for the text book market for schools.
yea i saw that amazon kindle product. im not sold… aside from the fact that its hideous, cant they just create an appplication for blackberry or iphones that does the same thing and is much more practical for them and their consumer???