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First-rate iLiad ‘porn’ and a Flash demo of the Apabi Reader from China
May 2, 2006 | 1:10 am
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By David Rothman
Henrycat has lovingly photographed his new iLiad and included a bonus, a tasteful image of Gisele Bündchen, looking sexier than ever in E Ink. Meanwhile his review series continues. Compared to the Librie, Henrycat “can see a big diference when reading on the Iliad. It has much better contrast between the black and white. It is also quicker changing pages (after the caching delay).”
While I’m at it, I’ll pass on an overdue pointer to the nifty Flash demo of the Chinese Apabi Reader, which Henry tells me will indeed come in Western versions. It’ll be among the offerings for the iLiad. We’ll hope the day arrives soon when E Ink can show both Apabi and Gisele in color. (Via our friends at MobileRead.)
Related: The iLiad and the Founder e-book empire: China as E-book Central. Apabi–yes, that’s its Reader program shown below–is part of Founder. The stereotype is that the Chinese do hardware based on others’ work, 
Americans do original software, and Indians do grubby, routine programming. I refuse to accept the stereotype. Companies such as Adobe and Microsoft could be in for some rude surprises from Asia. Look at it this way. Tiny OSoft is obsessing Adobe e-booker Bill McCoy–now that OSoft’s powerful implementation of OpenReader is nearing a summer release. If a little two-guy shop in Tacoma can do that, imagine what a big Chinese conglomerate can do. Stock up on your Pepto Bizmol, Bill. (Reminder for latecomers: I’m among the ringleaders of OpenReader.)
A lesson from the 1980s–applicable to software: I remember going out to lunch with a State Department technology expert who assured me that the Chinese could never do sophisticated electronics.
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Comments:
in the global scenario, jobs are specialised in accordance with nationalities . however , the US IS GOING TO REMAIN THE GLOBAL LEADER , AS FAR AS THE computer industry is concerned. However , we have to look out for the chinese, with their huge numbers and collaborative efforts , they can potentially overrun us in no time.
Thanks, Sam. I won’t take it for granted that the U.S. will remain the leader in anything, computers included.
Corporate leaders and pols of both political parties seem too fixated on short-term results. What’s more, I see too much emphasis on industries such as financial services and not enough on companies that truly grow wealth.
Now on to other aspects of competition. While the West is competing with China in number of ways, I also can envision opportunities for Americans, just so the rules are fair in both directions.
Close to home, I’m delighted that the TeleBlog is drawing more and more readers from China itself and elsewhere in Asia, including a valuable contributor, Snappy!.
Meanwhile remember the three big considerations–(1) peace, (2) democracy and (3) living standards. I’d certainly like to see China do more in the second area.
As for overall priorities, though, here’s one classic example whose origins I can’t recall:
If you’re fighting a serious disease, should you care where the cure comes from?
Similarly, in the case of the iLiad, I’m more excited about the technology than about whether X or Y country is responsible.
At the same time, yes, in a general way, I am sad that U.S. politicians care more about Hollywood–especially pro-entertainment, anti-tech, school-hostile copyright laws–than about the development of the Net and technologies such as e-books.
By contrast, the nonAmerican iLiad certainly serves as a great example of more enlightened attitudes elsewhere. The Dutch and their Chinese friends deserve every bit of success they can achieve with it–they’re taken the risks, done the work. Same for the Sony, despite my dislike of its more proprietary approach. While E Ink tech comes from America, the leaders in exploiting it tend to come from outside the States, at least so far.
I’ll welcome other people’s thoughts, including, of course, Snappy’s!
Thanks,
David
Fear of litigation is already stifling innovation in the US. It amazes me that those in power cannot see it.
The arrogance of assuming “The Chinese could never do sophisticated electronics” is unbelievably stupid.
Unless changes are made in attitudes and practises the US WILL lose their position in this highly competitive world.
The U.S. is already not the leader in the computer industry. Most (like 90%+) notebooks are made in China, virtually all motherboards are made in China or Taiwan. Most motherboards are in fact DESIGNED by companies based in China or Taiwan too (it’s not just manufacturing being done there.) Chip companies are moving R&D out of the US too.. I hate to say it since I have a CS degree and have an interest in keeping some jobs here, but it’s true.