'Cruz' E-Reader Powered by Android Unveiled
New combatants have entered the increasingly crowded e-reader arena. Virginia-based company Velocity Micro announced today the launch of its Cruz series of e-readers, which will be powered by Google's Android operating system
The three e-reader devices, all with seven-inch screens, are the Cruz Reader, the Cruz Tablet and a first-of-its-kind, kid-friendly reader called the Cruz StoryPad.
The $199 Cruz Reader will have a 4:3 screen aspect ratio, a touch screen, Wi-Fi, 10 hours of in-use battery life and access to two million e-books from Borders' virtual bookstore app .
At $299, the Cruz Tablet possess faster Wi-Fi access, a 16:9 screen aspect ratio and four gigabytes of storage space with expandable memory (Velocity Micro did not give built-in memory specs for the Cruz Reader in its press release).
The third entry in the Cruz lineup is the $149 Cruz StoryPad. According to its maker, the device "packs tons of multimedia features into a kid friendly, drop resistant [sic] package, letting children read, learn, and interact using a simple and intuitive touch interface."
The StoryPad also comes with some preinstalled "classic" audio books that children can read along to, rather like bedtime reading from parents. The e-reader will be colored pink, blue or green, presumably for girls, boys and maybe those little ones who like slimy things, respectively.
As all use Google's mobile device operating system Android , included apps are Google's Dictionary, Notepad, Calendar, Alarm Clock, Contacts and Games.
The Cruz Reader and StoryPad will be available in August with the Cruz Tablet to follow on September 1.
• People Read Real Books Faster than E-Books on iPad and Kindle
• Amazon Kindle Drops to $190, Starts Price War with Nook
• iPad Will Force Netbook, E-reader Makers to Evolve or Die
