Spring Design announced its Android based Alex e-book reader

On October 19, 2009, Spring Design announced its new Alex e-book reader that runs on Google Android OS. Two days after Alex’s announcemet, Barnes & Noble launched its first Nook e-book reader which also runs on Google Android 1.5. Like the Nook e-book reader, Alex comes with dual screen and featuring “Duet Navigator,” a dual screen interaction technology. The device allows its user to transfer web content to the upper screen to save power. So, if you are reading a big article on some newspaper or website you will not have to worry about power. Spring Design is currently working with content partners, it will release the device by the end of this year.Here is a video clip of the device:

Display: Alex has two screens- one big six inch E-inkE-Ink EPD display and a 3.5inch LCD touchscreen with interactive controls for playing media files and internet browsing. Through the lower screen users can also create enhanced contents for their e-books. They can add multimedia content to their e-books using features like “Web grabs” and “Link Notes,” developed by Spring Design. Technology for the Soul reports:

Spring Design pioneered its patented dual-screen device with ‘touch and extend’ capability in 2007, and has been working with major book stores, newspapers and publishers over the past two years to share its vision and the capabilities of the dual screen device. Alex brings together the efficiency of an EPD display with the responsiveness and richness of navigational convenience of the LCD screen. Its removable SD card gives users extensive storage, allowing them to expand their text with multimedia “add on” editions.

Memory extension: Via SD card slot.

Wireless connection: Wi-Fi or mobile networks such as 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM. Its touch capability makes it a great device for Internet browsing.