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Understanding Tech Issues with Reliable Vision of Innovation

by Jerry Liao, Philippines


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Nintendo DS as an e-book reader

Dec 4, 2008 07:51

Nintendo recently announced that the company will soon be releasing an ebook title for the Nintendo DS which will allow DS owners to read classic books on the device. "100 Classic Book Collection" includes titles from Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Not only will it allow users to read books, the title will also include Wi-Fi connectivity so people can download more books in the future. Customization will also be available, such as changing the font size, bookmarking pages and doing text or quotes search.

The idea is cool considering that Nintendo DS is much more affordable compared to the Amazon Kindle and Sony eBook. But will this idea appeal to adults and kids? I ask this question because of the following considerations:

1. Nintendo DS is a gaming device. Kids will view it as a gaming device. They may read for a while, but the temptation to play their favorite games will always be there.

2. Most schools here in the Philippines prohibit students from bringing gaming devices to class. Adding the function of e-book reader to the DS will somehow make it legal or legitimate for students to lug the console to schools.

3. Adults will compete with the kids in sofaras using the Nintendo DS, unless the adults will agree to buy a separate DS for reading purposes only and another one just for gaming. Or is it just a matter of schedule?

Will the device increase the interest of kids to read more or to play more? That's a question which will be answered in the near future as more titles becomes available.

If the idea of having an e-book reading function in a gaming device works, I won't be surprised if other e-book readers start featuring gaming functions in the near future.

God bless us all!



8 comments   |   Share


 

    Talkback
leegc says...
Seeing the runaway success of the "adult-friendly" Wii, Nintendo is possibly re-positioning the DS towards adults too. Who knows?

Dec 04, 2008 08:46
 
 
Hillary says...
I have never ever had a reason to buy a Nintendo DS but now I do.

Dec 04, 2008 10:46
 
 
kalmo says...
I don't think DS will supports PDF formated e-book contents right? in that case, it will be text files...is that gonna give us any impression to read a book from DS compare to smartphone or PMPs these days?

Dec 04, 2008 10:54
 
 
ferdiei says...
you can download txt files from the Internet, though different people have their own preference with regards to reading format i.e. pdf... i must admit that foreign/obscure symbols do appear on plain-text format sometimes. find some samples here- www.gutenberg.org...

Dec 04, 2008 11:43
 
 
techguy says...
@leegc: The move of Nintendo may provide another reason why people will buy the device.

Dec 04, 2008 22:33
 
 
techguy says...
@hillary: Have you tried it? If not, you should. It's actually cool. The educational software are great for kids. Thanks.

Dec 04, 2008 22:35
 
 
techguy says...
@kalmo: I maybe wrong but I think affordability of the device, availability of content and readability will be key whether people will opt to read using the DS or smartphone / PMPs. Thanks.

Dec 04, 2008 22:39
 
 
techguy says...
@ferdiei: I agree. The foreign symbols will be a challenge. Also text files are lighter and smaller compared to PDF files right? That may spell the difference too. Thanks.

Dec 04, 2008 22:41
 
 
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About Jerry Liao

Jerry Liao is an IT consultant in the Philippines who conducts seminars on various tech topics. He is a regular columnist of Manila Bulletin, a member of the academe, a system developer and a system analyst. He is a frequent fixture in press conferences and tech launchings, most of which are posted at infochat.com.ph. He loves to tinker with the latest gadgets and gizmos, but his most cherish possession are his children.

 
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