CES: Skiff Targets Kindle Crown

Another eBook reader is about to hit the market, one which features a stainless-steel foil display

Skiff’s new ebook reader is claimed to be the first of its type to be optimised for newspaper and magazine content, although Amazon would argue the toss over that claim.

The Skiff Reader is just over a quarter-inch in overall height, and is claimed to be the thinnest e-reader announced to date. It features a high-resolution electronic-paper display at 11.5-inch in size (measured diagonally) and a resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (UXGA).

A full touchscreen enables users to navigate and engage with the newspapers, magazines, books and other digital content they purchase through the Skiff Store, as well as personal and work documents. The device weighs just under half a kilogram and lasts over a week of average use between charges.

It features what is said to be the next-generation of e-paper display – one based on a thin, flexible sheet of stainless-steel foil. This contrasts with the fragile glass that is the foundation of almost every electronic screen – and a primary source of vulnerability and breakage risk in the devices that incorporate them.

The Skiff Reader will feature the Skiff service and digital store, allowing consumers to wirelessly purchase and access a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, books, blogs and other content from multiple publishers. Newspaper and magazine content delivered by Skiff will feature visually appealing layouts, high-resolution graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates, supporting key design qualities that help publications differentiate themselves and attract subscribers and advertisers.