Time Inc. Developing An E-Book Reader. Documents Point To Interface Focus

Time Inc. is working on an e-book of their own that would compete with the Amazon Kindle and other e-book devices. Information about the reader came from an internal NBC document that was leaked onto the web and is now making it’s rounds.

The recent NBC report is showing that the e-book should be ready for sale by the end of 2009, a move that counters Time’s official statement in the past that they would not release any sort of e-reader.

With Hearst publishing already working to create their own e-reader and other major players such as Sony creating their own variations, it makes sense that Time would finally decide to jump into the reader market.

According to a recent statement by a Time spokesperson “We’re speaking with a number of hardware and software companies as well as other content companies about various projects.”

The NBC document also states that creating the ideal user interface will be the difference between success and failure in the already crowded market which is also dominated by the Amazon Kindle and DX models. Adding to their interface plans is an online store and the ability to create a unique brand name for the reader.

It’s also being reported by Electronista that Time Inc. may acquire another company or form a partnership in order to ensure that the reader is properly handled from inception to conception.

The report also points to possible publishing partners for the e-reader including Meredith, Hearst and Conde Nast.

Unfortunately no pricing estimates have been revealed at this time.