Orange has started a trial using eBook readers to deliver newspaper and magazine subscriptions over their 3G network, in much the same way as Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader.
The trial involves 150 French guinea-pigs who have been equipped with devices described as having Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and access to subscriptions to Le Monde, Le Parisien, Les Echos, L’Equipe and Télérama. The service is demonstrated (in French) on the Orange Innovation website.
ITProPortal has pulled out some stills of the device, which is clearly the Iliad eBook reader from iRex Technologies – one hopes they’ve removed the virus by now. The Iliad has Wi-Fi, and a USB (host) port; it seems users will have to connect an Orange 3G dongle, at least for the trial. Iliad makers iRex signed a distribution deal with Les Echos last year, but over-the-air connectivity is a much smoother experience.
The two companies and their advisers have been talking in recent weeks, but achieved no breakthroughs that would lead them to a friendly deal by Saturday, said people familiar with the matter. That’s the day Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has set as a deadline for Yahoo to reach a friendly deal before Microsoft goes hostile, threatening to lower the price in that case.