Hearst Skiff Reader
Hearst Skiff Reader
Optimized for magazines and newspapers, the Skiff Reader offers a durable 11.5-inch (1600 x 1200) "Metal Foil" touchscreen display, but it's still just a quarter of an inch thick.
Connecting to the upcoming Skiff digital store via Wi-Fi and Sprint's 3G network, the Skiff Reader will support yet unannounced content partnerships including books, specially focusing on large format print like above-mentioned magazines and newspapers—including "visually appealing layouts, high-resolution graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates."
The Skiff Reader, the initial dedicated device to integrate the upcoming Skiff e-reading service, is remarkably sleek and easy to use. At just over a quarter-inch in overall height, the device is the thinnest e-reader announced to date. It features the largest and highest-resolution electronic-paper display yet unveiled in a consumer device, at 11.5" in size (measured diagonally) and a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels (UXGA).
A full touchscreen enables users to intuitively navigate and engage with the newspapers, magazines, books and other digital content they purchase through the Skiff Store, as well as personal and work documents. The device weighs just over one pound and lasts over a week of average use between charges.
The Skiff Reader is designed not just for sleekness but also for durability. It is the first consumer product to feature the next-generation of e-paper display – one based on a thin, flexible sheet of stainless-steel foil. This contrasts with the fragile glass that is the foundation of almost every electronic screen – and a primary source of vulnerability and breakage risk in the devices that incorporate them
Connectivity & Content
In addition to 3G, the Skiff Reader will also support wireless connectivity via WiFi.
The Skiff Reader will feature the Skiff service and digital store, allowing consumers to wirelessly purchase and access a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, books, blogs and other content from multiple publishers.
Newspaper and magazine content delivered by Skiff will feature visually appealing layouts, high-resolution graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates, supporting key design qualities that help publications differentiate themselves and attract subscribers and advertisers.
Besides the Skiff Reader, Skiff is working with major consumer electronics manufacturers to integrate Skiff's service, digital store and client software into a range of innovative devices. By supporting a variety of devices from multiple manufacturers, and through complementary applications for major smart phone platforms, Skiff will make it easier for publishers to distribute content and advertising across a range of devices and form factors, an increasingly important goal as the e-reading market continues to grow.
The Skiff Reader will feature the Skiff service and digital store, allowing consumers to wirelessly purchase and access a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, books, blogs and other content from multiple publishers.
Newspaper and magazine content delivered by Skiff will feature visually appealing layouts, high-resolution graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates, supporting key design qualities that help publications differentiate themselves and attract subscribers and advertisers.
Besides the Skiff Reader, Skiff is working with major consumer electronics manufacturers to integrate Skiff's service, digital store and client software into a range of innovative devices. By supporting a variety of devices from multiple manufacturers, and through complementary applications for major smart phone platforms, Skiff will make it easier for publishers to distribute content and advertising across a range of devices and form factors, an increasingly important goal as the e-reading market continues to grow.
Specifications
Physical specs
Device Dimensions: 9 inches (228.6 mm) by 11 inches (279.4 mm) by 0.268 inches (6.8 mm)
Weight: 17 9/16 oz (498 grams)
Magnesium housing
Display
Size: 11.5 inches (292.1 mm) measured diagonally
Resolution: 1200 x 1600 pixels, 174 ppi
Technology: Rugged Metal-Foil e-Paper Display, Silicon thin-film-transistors (TFT) on flexible stainless-steel substrate, Shatter-proof, crack-proof
Full touchscreen: Supports both finger and stylus operation
Power
Battery life (approx): One week of average life (thousands of page turns with periodic wireless use)
Rechargeable high-capacity Lithium Ion battery
Recharging Time: 2-3 hrs.
Connectivity
Long-range wireless: 3G-enabled
Short-range wireless: WiFi-enabled
Wired (for sideloading content): USB 2.0 over standard mini-USB port
Storage and audio
Internal memory: 4 GB (with 3+ GB available for content)
External (Add-On) Memory: SDHC 2.0 standard compliant SD-card slot
Audio: Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm standard audio jack
.
