Kindle Competition with Astak 's Pocket PRO eBook Reader Software

Astak Inc has reportedly said its new Pocket PRO ebook reader is a strong contender against Amazon’s Kindle with the installation of Adobe Digital Editions firmware on the device. The firmware will make the 5-inch reader to support more than 20 open file formats and will help users purchase and read copyright-protected eBooks in PDF format from major eBook stores, such as Powell's Books and Books on Board.

 

The San Jose, Calif.-based company, which focuses on consumer electronics offerings, as well as security surveillance products, said that it is the second company to have acquired permission from Adobe to use this firmware next to Sony.

 

Astak said that by supporting more than 20 DRM free-formats the device allows users to read any non-copyrighted eBook available on the Internet, such as public domain titles from Gutenberg, which gives the user freedom to choose from hundreds of different eBook Web sites.

 

The highlights of the Pocket PRO are an internal Epson controller and a 400 MHz processor and the device comes with 512MB of storage and a SDHC card can expand it up to 16GB. A single battery charge lasts for 8,000 pages and users can even playback MP3s while reading. There’s also text-to-speech, multiple font sizes and eight-level E-ink screen that approximates the experience of reading printed text. The PDF reflow improves the readability of the documents stored on the Pocket PRO.

 

The device weighs 6 ounces, making it easier for users to carry it anywhere they go and users will be carrying hundreds of books for the weight of one. The Pocket PRO makes its users feel like they are having their own library in their pockets.

 

Walter Shan, project director of Astak's eBook reader department, said that the Pocket PRO will give customers freedom of choice, whether it is classic titles or new releases, customers can read it all on one device. 

 

Users can get the 5-inch Pocket PRO eBook Reader by the end of the month for about $199.