A German firm has announced plans to launch a cheap as chips electronic book which analysts suspect could reshape the market, posing the biggest threat yet to the Kindle.
Competitively priced at just a tenner the txtr beagle has been shorn of all connectors to cut costs and utilises Bluetooth to access new books from mobile phones via a smartphone app.
The company claim the gadget will be ready to launch within weeks and state: “The txtr beagle is the smallest eReader in the world. It is mostly just 5mm thick, and it weighs just 128 grams, making it the world's lightest 5" or 6" E Ink eReader available.
“Unlike other eReaders, there is no need for chargers or cables.
“The location of the batteries not only creates an elegant silhouette but also becomes an ergonomic feature as it rests easily in the palm of a hand.”
By comparison Amazon’s Kindle costs £69 for the cheapest model, although its functionality includes web browsing and the ability to purchase books directly.