Spring Design Strikes Deal With Google To Bring More Books To Its Alex eReader

Spring Design, developer of the dual-screen Alex eReader, has struck a deal with Google that gives users of the device access to more than one million Google Books online or downloaded using Alex’s touch-screen browser and search apps. Spring Design is set to debut its Alex eReader at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas later this week.

The device will feature a Google Android-based platform with full Web browsing capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, audio and video playback and image viewing in a variety of formats. The Alex eReader will also be able to run a number of Android apps.

The Alex eReader boasts a 6” EPD (Electronic Paper Display) screen which allows users to browse the Web in full color while simultaneously searching for and reading digital books. Users can thus click on hyperlinks within online books that lead to relevant information or multimedia content found online in order to enrich their reading experience. EPUB digital books can be searched and downloaded using Google API applications provided by Alex’s eReader.

Spring Design made headlines late last year when it sued Barnes & Nobles for alleged infringement by stealing trade secrets and copying features from the Alex eReader for its Nook product. Google, meanwhile, is still caught up in litigation with authors and publishers over its Book Search product, although preliminary approval of a settlement was reached on November 19, 2009.