Three big publishers and a number of smaller publishers have signed onto a “made in Spain” e-book platform called Libranda, Publishing Perspectives reports. It will use EPUB with Adobe DRM, and allow purchased books to be read on up to 6 PCs and 6 mobile devices by default (though publishers may choose to use more restrictive settings).
Unfortunately, e-books in Spain will be sold with a value-added tax of 18% rather than usual 4% for printed books. For taxation purposes, e-books are apparently considered computer software rather than books.(See also the discussion topic in which Edward Nawotka asks if this is fair.)
The article does not say who makes the e-book device shown in the illustration. It looks like another iteration of the Netronix EB-600 (the basis for the Cool-er, Kobo, Pocketbook, and Viewsonic devices).
It is interesting to see European countries start coming out with their own e-book platforms, bravely standing up to the cultural imperialism of the Amazon Kindle. It remains to be seen how well Libranda will work out, especially with that 18% VAT handicap.
It is important to note that the ebooks will not be sold directly to end customers from this platform. Apparently, Libranda is targeted at bookshops, who will in turn sell to consumers. Yes, the middlemen want their cut, too. This platform aims at maintaining the status quo, which does not make sense when moving from traditional to digital distribution.
You are right, that is the Inves 600, a Netronix EB-600 clone.
It is also needed to clarify that “bookstores” are indeed a very reduced number of generalistic corporations, like El Corte Inglés, FNAC and a very few more. Just imagine that you in America were forced to buy your ebooks in Wal-Mart. What???
This is not a brave challenge against Amazon. The brick&mortar part is a clear sign of a very old-fashioned attitude and perspective.
Keeping in mind the high rate of use of P2P in Spain, it is pretty clear that they are going to be in problems in some years. Amazon has shown that the best recipe against piracy is lowering prices AND facilitate shopping. Just compare whispernet with going to a “bookshop” and buy an ebook.
Think this is a Papyre: http://grammata.es/