But, I know that the Sony Reader was an object of Bill Gates’ attention. He wanted to do one of his own. It’s maddening to me that Microsoft hasn’t been able to turn its Tablet PC team into a team that can build a world-class device like this.
All I’ll say until tomorrow is you gotta try this device. It’s not perfect, but for long-form reading it is a wonderful device. I am going to buy one of my own. It’d really be great to have on our trip to Europe for the plane ride next month cause my Mac’s batteries only last two hours each (I have two of them) and the flight is 10 hours.
Oh, and you should go back and read my April Fool’s joke on April 1 of this year. In that joke I predicted a device that almost matches Amazon’s new reader almost word-for-word.
The comments there are HILLARIOUS to read in comparison to today’s news. Here’s some of the funnier ones:
JR writes: “This is so implausible that you should have waited a few hours to post it. That way you could at least claim it as an April Fool’s joke.”
Adrian writes: “Took me a while though, maybe halfway down the post. You should have stopped at “Much easier than going to Borders and picking up a physical copy.” Um, it IS easier to use than going down to Borders and picking up a physical copy.
Mike writes: “Nice story, Robert, but no one takes a product to Half Moon Bay to use it in sunlight.” Um, this device is the first screen I’ve used (Sony Reader uses a similar screen) that works BETTER in sunlight than in low light. And it’s sunny out in Half Moon Bay right now. It’s not ALWAYS foggy here!
Evan writes: “Man, you clearly have no idea how to tell a proper lie.” Well, that’s true cause now it’s a lot closer to reality than a made-up story.
Tom writes: “Not being an Apple fan I did not catch the little clues. But I was about to become one. If Apple is smart they’ll make this product. After all, you’ve created the demand at no cost to them.” My April Fools joke was actually a prediction that Apple would do this. Turned out that Amazon did it first and did a kick-ass job on it.
Dave writes: “I was right with you up until the “tiny balls” part.” Um, you do realize that that’s EXACTLY how the Sony and Amazon Reader’s screen works, right?
Michael writes: “Critique: I prefer a post of this genre to to hew closer to the line of plausability. This one piled the doo doo higher and higher till it collapsed of its own weight.” Heheh, well, now Michael, what do you think? Nearly everything in my April Fools’ joke came true, albeit from Amazon.
polyGeek writes: “Since Amazon almost always screws up and releases product information prematurely I’m sure they will have a purchase page for this April Fools iReader by noon today. :-)” Amazon actually was amazingly able to keep Apple-like secrecy on this project. Yeah, some pictures leaked, but not much else. There’s still some details to come tomorrow too.
Lena writes: “Chris Carfi just told me it was an April Fool’s joke. But, seriously, I want this product. I’m bummed.” Now you can have it!
I give you a front-row seat on the future. Focusing most of my efforts now on next-generation augmented reality and artificial intelligence, AKA "mixed reality."
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER: http://clevermoe.com/scobleizer-news/
BUY OUR NEW BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Transformation-Robert-Scoble/dp/1539894444 "The Fourth Transformation: How augmented reality and artificial intelligence will change everything."
WATCH MY LATEST SPEECHES:
State of VR with Philip Rosedale (done in VR itself, very cool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zAA1EVGUZU
At GEOINT, June 2017: http://trajectorymagazine.com/glimpse-new-world/
Augmented World Expo, June 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4xHILvLD8E
At Leade.rs, April 2017: https://youtu.be/52_0JshgjXI
+++++++++++
BIO:
Scoble gives you a front-row seat on the future.
Literally. He had the first ride in the first Tesla. Siri was launched in his house. He's been the first to share all sorts of technologies and companies with you, from Flipboard to Pandora to Instagram.
Today he's focusing on mixed reality, AKA "next-generation augmented reality" which will include a new user interface for EVERYTHING in your life (IoT, Smart Cities, driverless cars, robots, drones, etc).
That's based on his view thanks to his past experience as futurist at Rackspace.
Best place to find Scoble? On his Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/RobertScoble
He has been a technology blogger since 2000, was one of five people who built Microsoft's Channel 9 video blog/community, worked at Fast Company Magazine running its TV efforts, and has been part of technology media businesses since 1993.
++++++++
SPEAKER PITCH:
Apple and Facebook now have revealed their Augmented Reality strategies, which means your business needs one too. Rely on Robert Scoble, the world's top authority on AR, to bring to your conference what businesses should do next.
SPEECH ABSTRACT #1:
TITLE: The Fourth Transformation: What's next in mixed reality (AR and AI) and the future of technology?
Here's an example of this talk at Leade.rs in Paris in April, 2017: https://youtu.be/52_0JshgjXI
Why "the Fourth Transformation?"
Soon we will have phones and glasses that do full on augmented reality. Everything you look at will potentially be augmented. This world is coming in late 2017 with a new iPhone from Apple, amongst other products. Microsoft is betting everything on its HoloLens glasses that do mixed reality and the industry is spending many billions of dollars in R&D and funding new companies like Magic Leap.
This future will be the user interface for IoT, Smart Cities, autonomous cars, robots, drones, and your TV.
This is a big deal and Robert will take you through what mixed reality is and how it will change every business.
Learn more about Robert's speaking style and contact his agent at http://odemanagement.com/robert-scoble/Robert-Scoble.html
++++++++
SPEECH ABSTRACT #2:
"The Next Two Clicks of Moore's Law."
Over the next four years, or two clicks of Moore's Law, a ton about our technology world will change. Scoble will bring you the best from his travels visiting R&D labs, startups, and innovators around the world.
He views the world through his rose-colored-mixed-reality glasses, which will be the new user interface for self driving cars, Smart Cities, IoT, and many other things in our world.
He'll send you off with some lessons for companies both large and small.
++++++++
SPEECH ABSTRACT #3:
"Personalized Meaning: What is Augmented Reality For?"
As we enter a far more technological world where even cars drive themselves, I predict we'll see a blowback toward the analog, more authentic world.
What role does augmented reality play in both worlds?
Get Scoble's insight into where augmented reality is going, see tons of real-world demos, and understand what he means by 'personalized meaning.'
CONTACT:
If you are looking to contact me, email is best: scobleizer@gmail.com.
++++++++
ENDORSEMENTS:
IZEA Top 25 Tech Influencers: https://izea.com/2017/07/07/25-top-tech-influencers/
Time: One of the top 140 Twitterers!
FT: One of the five most influential Twitterers!
Inc. Top 5 on list of Tech Power Players You Need to Know: http://www.inc.com/john-rampton/30-power-players-in-tech-you-need-to-know.html
Next Reality: #4 on top 50 AR influencer list: https://next.reality.news/news/nr50-next-realitys-50-people-watch-augmented-mixed-reality-0177454/
View all posts by Robert Scoble
Published
37 thoughts on “Amazon does yet another thing Microsoft wanted to do (my April Fools turns out to be true)”
Hmmm…I generally get 3hrs min and usually closer to 4 on my MacBookPro-17. That’s general computing/surfing. Haven’t tried movies etc.
Actually, I remember that my reason for not believing the April Fool’s Joke was the idea of you meeting some high up Apple exec with a top-secret device on the beach, and him letting you see it and talking about it. Even if it were true, then that guy would be so fired on Monday.
The tech didn’t seem outrageous to me – I think I just thought, “If only someone did do this.” But I assumed that even if they did, they’d bugger it up with DRM.
Actually, I remember that my reason for not believing the April Fool’s Joke was the idea of you meeting some high up Apple exec with a top-secret device on the beach, and him letting you see it and talking about it. Even if it were true, then that guy would be so fired on Monday.
The tech didn’t seem outrageous to me – I think I just thought, “If only someone did do this.” But I assumed that even if they did, they’d bugger it up with DRM.
I had a brief chance to handle a pre-production unit at Gnomedex. Love at first sight! It’s another iPhone IMO – a game changer in many respects over everything that has preceded it. And like the iPhone, it’s going to be a walled garden device which will p*ss off a lot of folks (not me).
And, like the iPhone, subsequent generations of this device will certainly be better than the 1.0 release. But, gadget boy that I am and voracious reader that I am, I’m probably buying one instantly.
I had a brief chance to handle a pre-production unit at Gnomedex. Love at first sight! It’s another iPhone IMO – a game changer in many respects over everything that has preceded it. And like the iPhone, it’s going to be a walled garden device which will p*ss off a lot of folks (not me).
And, like the iPhone, subsequent generations of this device will certainly be better than the 1.0 release. But, gadget boy that I am and voracious reader that I am, I’m probably buying one instantly.
As I look at the small stack of books on my desk, the larger stack of books on the floor by my reading chair, and the bookcases that are too full to hold any more, this device appeals to me greatly.
As I look at the small stack of books on my desk, the larger stack of books on the floor by my reading chair, and the bookcases that are too full to hold any more, this device appeals to me greatly.
I am so excited that I will probably buy one. The one thing I think it needs to address is second hand books. Books are insanely expensive especially in the US. So it is an advantage for both the seller and the buyer to have the ability to resell.
I was really disappointed when I found out it was an April Fools joke. I am an April Fool that has been talking about this device for ten years. I am glad to finally see it hit the market.
I am so excited that I will probably buy one. The one thing I think it needs to address is second hand books. Books are insanely expensive especially in the US. So it is an advantage for both the seller and the buyer to have the ability to resell.
I was really disappointed when I found out it was an April Fools joke. I am an April Fool that has been talking about this device for ten years. I am glad to finally see it hit the market.
Okay – you proved you have no idea what “irony” means yesterday. Now today you’ve proven you can’t spell “hilarious”.
The former was done while ranting/raving over not being treated properly – in your eyes. The latter was while bragging that you have NDA knowledge that us mere mortals don’t have.
Le Scoble, you’ve jumped the shark big time. Sorry to hear that dude.
Please, Robert, come down to earth. It really ain’t that bad.
Okay – you proved you have no idea what “irony” means yesterday. Now today you’ve proven you can’t spell “hilarious”.
The former was done while ranting/raving over not being treated properly – in your eyes. The latter was while bragging that you have NDA knowledge that us mere mortals don’t have.
Le Scoble, you’ve jumped the shark big time. Sorry to hear that dude.
Please, Robert, come down to earth. It really ain’t that bad.
Interesting, though overhere in the Netherlands @ selected bookshops you can already buy an ebook reader (http://www.irextechnologies.com/). In Belgium a newspaper has been testing it, and currently there’s a test in the Netherlands with selected newspapers as well.
It definitely is more expensive (Eur 649), but then you can also take notes with it, and annotate PDF’s. And it’s using a lot more formats.
It’s good to see some competition though, especially as it will put pressure on the price for these devices….
Interesting, though overhere in the Netherlands @ selected bookshops you can already buy an ebook reader (http://www.irextechnologies.com/). In Belgium a newspaper has been testing it, and currently there’s a test in the Netherlands with selected newspapers as well.
It definitely is more expensive (Eur 649), but then you can also take notes with it, and annotate PDF’s. And it’s using a lot more formats.
It’s good to see some competition though, especially as it will put pressure on the price for these devices….
While “the iPod of …” has become a cliché to describe any product with a semblance of distilled design sensibilities emanating from Cupertino, there is one fundamental strategic reason why Kindle won’t be like the iPod: content. The iPod had it, Kindle doesn’t. Read why here:
While “the iPod of …” has become a cliché to describe any product with a semblance of distilled design sensibilities emanating from Cupertino, there is one fundamental strategic reason why Kindle won’t be like the iPod: content. The iPod had it, Kindle doesn’t. Read why here:
“Turned out that Amazon did it first and did a kick-ass job on it.”
Since it doesn’t support PDF, I see it the same way I would see a music player that doesn’t support MP3 – no buy and definitely not kick-ass. If I can’t put all my previously bought PDFs on it then it is not useful. I will wait for another attempt by Sony (maybe they will finally get PDFs right) or wait for someone else.
“Turned out that Amazon did it first and did a kick-ass job on it.”
Since it doesn’t support PDF, I see it the same way I would see a music player that doesn’t support MP3 – no buy and definitely not kick-ass. If I can’t put all my previously bought PDFs on it then it is not useful. I will wait for another attempt by Sony (maybe they will finally get PDFs right) or wait for someone else.
Hmmm…I generally get 3hrs min and usually closer to 4 on my MacBookPro-17. That’s general computing/surfing. Haven’t tried movies etc.
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Hmmm…I generally get 3hrs min and usually closer to 4 on my MacBookPro-17. That’s general computing/surfing. Haven’t tried movies etc.
LikeLike
I remembered when you pulled that joke, and those responses. heh Who knew you were a psychic one. 😉
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I remembered when you pulled that joke, and those responses. heh Who knew you were a psychic one. 😉
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PXLated: my battery might have built up a memory already. I use my Mac a lot.
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PXLated: my battery might have built up a memory already. I use my Mac a lot.
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Actually, I remember that my reason for not believing the April Fool’s Joke was the idea of you meeting some high up Apple exec with a top-secret device on the beach, and him letting you see it and talking about it. Even if it were true, then that guy would be so fired on Monday.
The tech didn’t seem outrageous to me – I think I just thought, “If only someone did do this.” But I assumed that even if they did, they’d bugger it up with DRM.
LikeLike
Actually, I remember that my reason for not believing the April Fool’s Joke was the idea of you meeting some high up Apple exec with a top-secret device on the beach, and him letting you see it and talking about it. Even if it were true, then that guy would be so fired on Monday.
The tech didn’t seem outrageous to me – I think I just thought, “If only someone did do this.” But I assumed that even if they did, they’d bugger it up with DRM.
LikeLike
does it have a search funktion life strg+F5?
please give an answer, or email me on that,
thanks!
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does it have a search funktion life strg+F5?
please give an answer, or email me on that,
thanks!
LikeLike
I had a brief chance to handle a pre-production unit at Gnomedex. Love at first sight! It’s another iPhone IMO – a game changer in many respects over everything that has preceded it. And like the iPhone, it’s going to be a walled garden device which will p*ss off a lot of folks (not me).
And, like the iPhone, subsequent generations of this device will certainly be better than the 1.0 release. But, gadget boy that I am and voracious reader that I am, I’m probably buying one instantly.
LikeLike
I had a brief chance to handle a pre-production unit at Gnomedex. Love at first sight! It’s another iPhone IMO – a game changer in many respects over everything that has preceded it. And like the iPhone, it’s going to be a walled garden device which will p*ss off a lot of folks (not me).
And, like the iPhone, subsequent generations of this device will certainly be better than the 1.0 release. But, gadget boy that I am and voracious reader that I am, I’m probably buying one instantly.
LikeLike
As I look at the small stack of books on my desk, the larger stack of books on the floor by my reading chair, and the bookcases that are too full to hold any more, this device appeals to me greatly.
LikeLike
As I look at the small stack of books on my desk, the larger stack of books on the floor by my reading chair, and the bookcases that are too full to hold any more, this device appeals to me greatly.
LikeLike
I am so excited that I will probably buy one. The one thing I think it needs to address is second hand books. Books are insanely expensive especially in the US. So it is an advantage for both the seller and the buyer to have the ability to resell.
Guppy
LikeLike
I was really disappointed when I found out it was an April Fools joke. I am an April Fool that has been talking about this device for ten years. I am glad to finally see it hit the market.
LikeLike
I am so excited that I will probably buy one. The one thing I think it needs to address is second hand books. Books are insanely expensive especially in the US. So it is an advantage for both the seller and the buyer to have the ability to resell.
Guppy
LikeLike
I was really disappointed when I found out it was an April Fools joke. I am an April Fool that has been talking about this device for ten years. I am glad to finally see it hit the market.
LikeLike
Okay – you proved you have no idea what “irony” means yesterday. Now today you’ve proven you can’t spell “hilarious”.
The former was done while ranting/raving over not being treated properly – in your eyes. The latter was while bragging that you have NDA knowledge that us mere mortals don’t have.
Le Scoble, you’ve jumped the shark big time. Sorry to hear that dude.
Please, Robert, come down to earth. It really ain’t that bad.
LikeLike
Okay – you proved you have no idea what “irony” means yesterday. Now today you’ve proven you can’t spell “hilarious”.
The former was done while ranting/raving over not being treated properly – in your eyes. The latter was while bragging that you have NDA knowledge that us mere mortals don’t have.
Le Scoble, you’ve jumped the shark big time. Sorry to hear that dude.
Please, Robert, come down to earth. It really ain’t that bad.
LikeLike
Interesting, though overhere in the Netherlands @ selected bookshops you can already buy an ebook reader (http://www.irextechnologies.com/). In Belgium a newspaper has been testing it, and currently there’s a test in the Netherlands with selected newspapers as well.
It definitely is more expensive (Eur 649), but then you can also take notes with it, and annotate PDF’s. And it’s using a lot more formats.
It’s good to see some competition though, especially as it will put pressure on the price for these devices….
LikeLike
Interesting, though overhere in the Netherlands @ selected bookshops you can already buy an ebook reader (http://www.irextechnologies.com/). In Belgium a newspaper has been testing it, and currently there’s a test in the Netherlands with selected newspapers as well.
It definitely is more expensive (Eur 649), but then you can also take notes with it, and annotate PDF’s. And it’s using a lot more formats.
It’s good to see some competition though, especially as it will put pressure on the price for these devices….
LikeLike
While “the iPod of …” has become a cliché to describe any product with a semblance of distilled design sensibilities emanating from Cupertino, there is one fundamental strategic reason why Kindle won’t be like the iPod: content. The iPod had it, Kindle doesn’t. Read why here:
“Why is the new Kindle eBook reader from Amazon and not Apple?”
http://counternotions.com/2007/11/19/kindle-vs-iphone/
LikeLike
While “the iPod of …” has become a cliché to describe any product with a semblance of distilled design sensibilities emanating from Cupertino, there is one fundamental strategic reason why Kindle won’t be like the iPod: content. The iPod had it, Kindle doesn’t. Read why here:
“Why is the new Kindle eBook reader from Amazon and not Apple?”
http://counternotions.com/2007/11/19/kindle-vs-iphone/
LikeLike
“Turned out that Amazon did it first and did a kick-ass job on it.”
Since it doesn’t support PDF, I see it the same way I would see a music player that doesn’t support MP3 – no buy and definitely not kick-ass. If I can’t put all my previously bought PDFs on it then it is not useful. I will wait for another attempt by Sony (maybe they will finally get PDFs right) or wait for someone else.
LikeLike
“Turned out that Amazon did it first and did a kick-ass job on it.”
Since it doesn’t support PDF, I see it the same way I would see a music player that doesn’t support MP3 – no buy and definitely not kick-ass. If I can’t put all my previously bought PDFs on it then it is not useful. I will wait for another attempt by Sony (maybe they will finally get PDFs right) or wait for someone else.
LikeLike
[kyte.tv appKey=MarbachViewerEmbedded&uri=channels/6118/76346&embedId=10019518&locale=en]
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[kyte.tv appKey=MarbachViewerEmbedded&uri=channels/6118/76346&embedId=10019518&locale=en]
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