E-books

The late Stieg Larsson is the first author to sell one million books for Amazon's Kindle. He became the first member of Amazon's "Kindle Million Club", which only applies to paid books. Larsson is best known for the "Millennium Trilogy" crime novels.

via PCWorld

Earlier today we reported that Sharp is set to enter the e-book and e-reader market. Now we hear that they have developed a new format XMDF (ever-eXtending Mobile Document Format). The new format enabled video, animation and presentations. Sharp has demoed two prototype readers, a 5.5" and 10.8" device, but didn't disclose any details.

via Engadget

Sharp says that they plan to enter the e-reader and e-book market. Their plan is to offer an e-book distribution service and compatible readers in 2010. The readers will also enable users to watch videos and listen to audio. They have already signed up several Japanese and worldwide publishers.

via Reuters

Amazon says that Kindle e-reader sales has tripled since the price dropped to $189. They also reveal that e-book sales has overtaken hardcover book sales: by 43%. In July, the ratio is actually 9:2 in favor of e-book sales!

via Amazon

China Telecom is delaying its e-book service again, to "Late July". The project hasn't been canceled, but that the content isn't ready yet for launch. Chine Mobile has launched their own e-book service in May, and has served more than 15 million users since. China Mobile expects the new platform to attract more than 200 million users soon. China Unicom also has plans for a similar service, according to the report.

Via InformationWeek

Borders' e-book store is now live - with over 1.5 million titles. it is powered by Kobo (although they offer several e-readers to buy, including the Kobo, Sony readers and the Aluratek Libre). You can also download Border's PC and Mac e-reader software (with Android and Blackberry applications coming soon).

Via Engadget

Barnes & Noble are now offering free coffee to users of their e-book software - customers need only show a cafe server an open e-book running the Barnes and Noble software. This is a limited time offer.

Devices qualifying for the promotion are Nook e-readers, iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, Blackberry phones, the HTC HD2 and Windows or Mac computers.