Irex managed to get their ereaders into Best Buy stores, but increasingly competitive devices from Amazon and Sony undermined their high-priced models.  No word on whether the new IRX Technologies will continue with the same hardware or launch new designs.

[via The Digital Reader]

The life of iRex Technologies‘ DR-800SG and iRex 1000S is a fascinating story, for sure. We watched as it released one thing, fought to release another, and then slipped out of the mind’s eye for months. Even with the fact that Best Buy started selling the DR-800SG online back in February, it doesn’t look like the company has any good news to report. On Tuesday, iRex Technologies was forced to file for bankruptcy in the Netherlands.

According to the company’s CEO, Hans Brons, the company was forced to file for Chapter 11 due to “financial difficulties.” We know that if you promise a product for a holiday release and don’t deliver, bad things can happen. But, to think that missing the launch window by a few months meant the demise of a company, well that’s simply staggering.

You can probably also chalk it up to the competition that released in the same expected months of iRex’s eReader launch. Apple’s iPad, and then even before that: Barnes and Noble’s nook eReader. Missing the holiday season probably had a lot to do with it, yes, but we can’t overlook the competition, either. There is some hope from Brons that the company will survive this, and will resume business soon enough, but nothing is for sure. “The expectations are still positive,” Brons said. We never like to hear about a company going under, so we’ll have to see where this goes.

[via Best-eReaders; thanks Ben!]

Preorder customers – who ordered a DR800SG directly from iRex themselves – started getting their units back in late January 2010.  First impressions were of an excellent quality display with a touchscreen display that doesn’t obscure the E Ink panel, while build is strong though leading to a slightly heavy unit as a result.

In-store availability, meanwhile, will be gradually rolled out over the coming months, so if you want to check out the ereader before you lay out the cash it’s probably a good idea to call ahead.  A Kindle will be cheaper, but the iRex gets you the flexibility to buy titles from Barnes & Noble, NewspaperDirect and LibreDigital.

Build quality is reportedly good, though the unit is a little heavy overall as a result, but slotting in-between the Kindle and Kindle DX in size makes a decent compromise of bulk versus display scale.  The DR800S powers back up from standby in just 3 seconds, though to get access to the microSD card slot you have to unscrew the battery compartment.

Best of all, though, is that screen quality is reportedly very good, with the touchscreen layer not impeding visibility.  Page turns are slightly faster than on a Sony 900 ereader, but there’s no “intelligent zoom”; previous iRex iLiad ereaders allowed you to outline an area of the page with the stylus and have it automatically zoom in, but that’s missing from the DR800S.  More impressions here.

[via MobileRead]

iRex have declined to explain the exact nature of the delay, which leaves us unclear as to whether it’s a hardware problem, a content delivery issue or something else.  The ebook reader was to bring together the combined efforts of the Verizon 3G network, Barnes & Noble’s eBookstore, Newspaper Direct and LibreDigital, and – perhaps most valuable of all – prized shelf-space in Best Buy.

For that, iRex were suggesting a price tag of $399.99, though with preorders not yet being taken and no listings – apart from one very short lived product page on the Best Buy site – it’s hard to tell whether they’ve stuck to that price.  That product page, incidentally, suggested the DR800SG would in fact drop for $449, significantly higher than the $259 price of the Kindle or the nook.

As well as the B&N eBookstore’s 750,000 titles, owners will also be able to load PDF, EPUB, Newspaper Direct, Fictionwise, eReader and TXT files onto their DR800SG.  It will come with a stylus but also be finger-touch responsive, allowing for page-turn swipe gestures or one-tap bookmarks.  Meanwhile what sounds like a capacitive version is apparently coming in Q2 2010, with a color ebook reader also planned but for a later date.

Like Amazon have with the Kindle, unlimited Verizon access will be included in the sticker price of the DR800SG.  Internal storage is 2GB, and there’s a memory card slot too.  The $399.99 price includes a leather cover.

Press Release:

IREX TECHNOLOGIES TURNS THE PAGE ON eREADERS WITH NEW 8.1-INCH CONSUMER DEVICE

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2009 – IREX Technologies today wrote a new chapter in digital reading, combining technology that provides a traditional reading experience with an open approach to buying and transferring content. The company unveils the IREX DR800SG – a sleek, 8.1-inch, touch-screen eReader that offers multi-mode 3G wireless capabilities.

Complementing the modern design of the device, users can purchase books, newspapers or magazines from a wide variety of sources. In addition, IREX supports multiple formats including industry standard ePub format and multiple DRM solutions, rather than a single, “closed” proprietary format that locks content to a specific device.

The IREX device is supported by key partners Barnes & Noble, Inc., Best Buy, Qualcomm and Verizon Wireless, which together provide access to the content, retail presence and the most reliable wireless network in the country, setting the DR800SG apart in an increasingly competitive market.

“Consumers are ready for eReaders, but the device is only one piece of the equation. People want an enjoyable, easy reading experience with no-hassle access to content. IREX’s strategy – based on giving consumers choice – and the partnerships we have in place make it easier for them to purchase a device, access content and enjoy it wherever they are,” said Kevin Hamilton, North American CEO of IREX Technologies. “IREX has been a driving force behind the evolution of eReaders since its founders invented e-paper display technology based on E Ink Corporation’s electronic ink. With the DR800SG, we bring to market all that readers have been asking for: a stellar device that puts the reader in the driver seat with regard to where they buy content and what they do with it.”

IREX teams with industry leaders
The IREX device includes the Barnes & Noble eBookstore from Barnes & Noble, the world’s largest bookseller, giving users access to more than 750,000 titles, including new releases and bestsellers at $9.99. Barnes & Noble expects its eBookstore (www.bn.com/ebooks) will increase to well over one million titles within the next year, inclusive of every available eBook and eBook originals from book publishers.

“The Barnes & Noble eBook strategy is very much aligned with IREX’s approach to the market,” said William J. Lynch, president of BN.com. “IREX’s open platform, powered by Barnes & Noble’s comprehensive eBookstore, is an appealing proposition for people who love to read. Barnes & Noble is the world’s largest bookseller, so we understand how to create a great shopping experience for people looking for simple and convenient access to their favorite subjects, authors and material.”

3G wireless connectivity for the IREX device is powered by Verizon Wireless’ network – the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network. With wireless connectivity, customers can purchase and quickly download an eBook from an airport gate, couch or coffee shop – without being tethered to a PC.

“Verizon Wireless invests heavily in its network to provide consumers with the best wireless experience possible, regardless of whether they’ve purchased a device directly from us or are using one of the devices certified through our open development program,” said Tony Lewis, vice president of open development for Verizon Wireless. “Our 3G network enables IREX devices to quickly access content in more places, giving IREX customers a distinct advantage over customers with other eReader devices.”

The IREX device also leverages the Gobi™ multi-mode 3G embedded module which contains Qualcomm’s mobile broadband technology for connectivity to 3G networks around the world. The IREX DR800SG is the first eReader to leverage Qualcomm’s technology to support global connectivity enabling the device to be activated in any market. The IREX DR800SG will launch in Europe the first half of 2010. Additionally, users will have the ability to download content to the device while traveling abroad next year.

“Wireless connectivity has the potential to enhance many aspects of everyday life, and the IREX DR800SG is an example of the type of flexibility and enhanced user experience that can be delivered through 3G,” said Barry Matsumori, vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “Qualcomm’s Gobi technology will bring a new level of freedom to consumers using the DR800SG worldwide.”

Best Buy will carry the DR800SG at select stores beginning later this fall. Giving users access to the device through a retailer recognized for providing hands-on interaction with technology will drive increased awareness and understanding of eReaders, as potential buyers can see, touch and even test the product – a must do for consumers buying an eReader device.

Key product specifications
· Big screen, compact design – some competitive devices offer a similarly-sized device but with a much smaller display area. IREX’s 8.1-inch screen is ideal for books, magazines and newspapers with detailed graphics.

· Purpose-built device – the DR800SG uses the latest electronic paper display technology to deliver an experience that is closer to reading ordinary paper than possible with a netbook or tablet device. It also has longer battery life and is lightweight.

· Easy navigation – the device turns pages faster than competing products, and navigation is easy with an interactive touch screen and straightforward buttons. Users can search their library or add a bookmark with a tap of a stylus or skim an eBook with a touch of a thumb.

· Customized reading – users can enlarge or reduce text size and margin widths or select portrait or landscape mode to suit their preferences.

“The availability of new devices that empower consumers with the freedom to purchase content from a variety of sources will be a major driver to the success of the digital publishing market,” says Allen Weiner, research vice president, Gartner. “Sleek devices with consumer-friendly features – including the capability to purchase content on the go – that support open eBook standards will introduce the eBook experience to an entirely new generation of readers. Publishers, who have been on the sidelines waiting for market maturity, will now be inspired to become eReader evangelists.”

Pricing and availability
The IREX DR800SG with a leather cover will be available in October at select Best Buy locations. The device has an MSRP of $399.99. Wireless access to download content is included in the cost of the DR800SG and no contract is required.

By using the Gobi radio, it means that the iRex DR800SG will also work outside of the US, unlike the Kindle which has a CDMA modem and can only function on Sprint’s network.  Owners will be able to buy new content while abroad, as well as load on ePub files, the open ebook format.

The iRex DR800SG will go on sale in Best Buy stores, too, by the end of November, with the retailer planning to train its staff in ebook technology as well as setting up demonstration areas in-store.  iRex are promising a color version in 2011, although the feasibility of that timescale is being disputed by e-paper manufacturers.

The new reader would also have a touchscreen and would be used in conjunction with likely just one store for obtaining e-book purchases. The rumored name for this gadget is the Digital Reader 800 and it would be the first time an iRex device landed stateside.

Shipping is anticipated near the holiday season though pricing is not yet known. The participating carrier is not yet known, either, thought AT&T is definitely out as they’ve just signed up with Plastic Logic for their 2010 3G-based e-book reader.

Details on the subtractive e-ink technology are scant, but it is compared to physical printing whereby colors act as filters to absorb portions of white light striking them and reflect back the desired hue.  The additive system, meanwhile, mixes together backlit or illuminated colors to create hues, often requiring filters that can reduce overall quality.

iRex believe that their subtractive e-ink displays will offer print-quality visuals to magazines and other full-color publications, and push them ahead of the crowd.  Meanwhile color e-paper producers have reportedly delayed their launches to 2010, in the face of technical issues.

[via MobileRead Forums]

Press Release:

iRex Technologies Developing a High Quality, Full Color Digital 
Reader. 

Eindhoven, 2 June 2009 ‐ The world’s leading provider of e‐reading solutions, Netherlands‐based iRex Technologies (www.irextechnologies.com), announced  new progress on development of a next generation of color, writable ultra‐thin digital readers expected to launch mid 2011. This news reaffirms and substantiates  iRex’s position as a leading innovator in the digital reading market following their 2008  launch of the  iRex DR1000.  Leading the way for others, the DR1000 was the first commercially available ‘writable’ digital reader with a 10.2 inch screen. 

Speaking at  the Society  for  Information Display  (SID) conference  in San Antonio, TX  (USA),  iRex’s  leading display expert  Alex  Henzen,  confirmed  the  company’s  commitment  to  push  the  boundaries  of  electrophoretic  display technology in order to meet consumer demand for competitively priced, high quality digital readers. 

“The ultimate  goal of  an  electronic paper display  is  to mimic  the  appearance of pigment on paper.  This means more  than  just  bright  color,  the  reflection  also  has  to  be  diffuse,“  explained  Henzen.  “iRex’s  subtractive  color mixing  technology will allow us  to produce a wide  range of colors  in high  resolution  to deliver magazine‐quality color to our e‐reader customers.

The  current  color  solution  for  electrophoretic  displays  –  those displays  universally  found  in  e‐readers ‐  employ additive  color mixing  techniques  and  filters  that  compromise  the  reading  quality  of  the  display.  The  new  iRex solution will  be  based  on  subtractive  color mixing  similar  to  physical  printing which will  offer  three  times  the brightness of current color prototypes. 

“iRex is in constant dialogue with its customers and partners.  As a result, iRex was the first to recognize the demand for a writable large screen reader allowing full page PDF files and e‐newspapers to retain their original look, feel and layout.  The next step is color,” comments Willem Endhoven, VP of marketing and business development at iRex Technologies. “It is our mission to innovate with our partners and support them in delivering their content in the best possible way to their target audience.  A high quality color solution will open the gates for color rich periodicals to publish their content on the electronic paper platform.”

The DR1000S takes 50 seconds to boot, from initially pressing the power button to being able to navigate menus.  It’s something owners will be doing a lot, too, as iRex don’t seem to have added a standby mode.  E-paper uses less power than a traditional LCD display, of course, but it still drains the battery; iRex may have a hard time persuading people content with their paper books that 50s to “open the cover” is worth it.

Happily a firmware update (to 1.02) aided battery life, and the display does seem to work well.  Image renders – particularly when asked to show a color image, which has to be reworked into greyscale – takes anything up to 10s depending on the size of the picture, but quality is decent.   

Check out the full post for all the details, but at $749 the iRex DR1000S still seems like it’ll be a tough sell.

The big difference is of course in screen size.  While the Iliad has an 8.1-inch e-ink display, the DR1000S has 10.2-inches; contrast is also improved and overall whiteness is better.  Screen refreshes (see the video below) are faster, but the OS seems more menu-driven than before.

Best feature, though, sounds to be the auto-crop, which intelligently strips out the margins to fit as much text to the page and at as large a font as possible.  Whether that’s worth $749 remains to be seen, of course.

The range starts with the Digital Reader 1000, which has a lithium-ion battery rated to “last for days”, while the 1000S adds a Wacom digitizer and stylus so you can notate your documents.  The 1000SW is the wireless model, again with the digitizer.  Each weighs under 570g and is 1.2cm thick; storage is via SD card, with 1GB supplied, and there’s a mini-USB port to connect to your computer.

iRex claim the Digital Reader 1000 is an open system, “able to read all common formats”, including Word, PDF and PowerPoint.  The 1000 is priced at $649 and the 1000S at $749; both are available now.  The 1000SW will ship later, priced at $849.

The iRex Reader 1000 will work with e-books, PDFs, Word documents or HTML.  The screen can display 16 shades of grey, and iRex are apparently aiming it at business customers. 

Greenberg also makes price estimates, suggesting $650 for the basic Reader 1000, rising to $750 for a version with a pen-enabled display, and finally $850 for the full pen-enabled, wirelessly-connected e-book.  That makes for a pretty expensive device: Amazon’s Kindle, which admittedly has a mere 6-inch screen, comes in at $360 with integrated EVDO. 

[via MobileRead]

Company spokesperson Karel Byloos describes the announcement as “a new era in digital reading”, which presumably means iRex is trying to take on both the Sony Reader and Amazon’s Kindle.  Since the latter has a Sprint data connection for remote downloads, there’s a possibility that iRex have integrated some form of cellular WWAN into a new e-book device.

Other speculation includes a larger Iliad device, with a 9.7-inch display, together with software updates for the existing range.  Currently both a WiFi and non-WiFi version of the 8.1-inch device are available.

[via MobileRead]