Whitcoulls Launches NZ’s First eBooks Platform

MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 27 May 2010

Whitcoulls Launches New Zealand’s First eBooks Platform Changing the Way We Read Books Forever

Whitcoulls has today launched its unrivalled eBooks offering, giving New Zealanders the ability to read eBooks anytime, anywhere and on any enabled device of their choosing.

Book lovers will be able to choose from over 2 million titles, including a great range of dedicated New Zealand content delivered on the Whitcoulls eBooks platform.

From midday today, Whitcoulls will also start selling its own eReader device, the Kobo eReader, which will retail in selected stores and online for $295 – making it the best value eReader in New Zealand.

New Zealand is only the 4th country in the world where the device has been launched. The Kobo eReader is also available to buy in Canada, the USA and Australia.

Group Managing Director of REDgroup Retail, owner of Whitcoulls, Dave Fenlon, said todays launch would change the way we read forever.

“Through our partnership with global eBook retailer Kobo, we are bringing a whole new level of choice, control and flexibility to New Zealand book lovers,” he said.

Mr Fenlon said the new Whitcoulls eBook platform offered unrivalled functionality to consumers. “Whitcoulls eBooks unique technology lets the customer choose how and on what device they want to read. We are all about making eBooks available no matter how customers want to read them,” he said.

“In keeping with our device agnostic approach, customers can download eBooks directly from the Whitcoulls website and read them on iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android smart phones, PC, laptop, on the soon-to-be released iPad, or their dedicated eReading devices including the Kobo eReader.”

“We have developed a range of free apps for the iPhone, iPad and other leading devices in the market so eBooks can be downloaded directly to those devices.”

“If you use multiple devices to eRead, our eBook platform will let you read the same book

seamlessly across all of them. Left your iPhone or eReader at home? Soon our unique technology will allow you to bookmark your place and take you to that same page on any compatible device you have enabled for Whitcoulls eBooks.”

Whitcoulls Managing Director Peter Kalan believes there is a very strong appetite for eBooks here. ““New Zealanders are avid readers and early adopters of new technology.

Mr Kalan said that the Whitcoulls eBook content offering would also lead the market with a huge range of eBooks available to download at launch with everything from fiction classics to new releases, crime, science fiction, romance titles and local content.

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“Im particularly pleased that we have been able to make local content available by working

with New Zealand publishers and authors to enhance the already extensive Kobo range.

We recognise the importance of bringing Kiwi stories to Kiwi readers,” he said

“We are delighted to have secured content deals with New Zealand publishers, both large and independent, ensuring long term sustainable content for our eBook platform. A diverse range of local authors have come on board and that number will continue to grow.”

“New titles will constantly be added to the already 2 million available ensuring we always have a comprehensive content offering.”

Mr Fenlon added that in addition to the groundbreaking eBooks platform and leading content, customers could also turn to Whitcoulls for the Kobo eReader - a device optimised for eReading. The Kobo eReader supports the industry standards ePub and PDF and will continue to do so.

The Kobo eReader connects to the Whitcoulls desktop application, giving readers access to over 2 million eBooks. www.whitcoulls.co.nz

“With its use of eInk, light weight frame, one button navigation and storage capacity, the Kobo eReader is the perfect choice for those looking for a device purely for reading,” he said.

“The Kobo eReader represents exceptional value at just $295 for a device which comes preloaded with 100 free eBooks and is so simple to use.”

The Kobo eReader holds up to 1000 eBooks and can be expanded to 5000 with the insertion of a memory card. It operates using eInk technology, meaning it is kinder on the readers eyes than a backlit device and is energy efficient with the battery lasting up to 2 weeks – or 8000 page turns.

Weighing only 221 grams, the device features a six inch display screen with 5 adjustable font sizes for easy reading. The Kobo eReader also features a quilted back making it comfortable to hold.

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Editors notes:

The Novel Chandelier

To mark the launch of New Zealands first eBooks store, Whitcoulls is unveiling a dramatic hanging installation at Aucklands Britomart on Friday 28th May. Roughly the same height as a two-storey building, the aptly named „Novel Chandelier is made up of 1,000 books suspended from the ceiling – and demonstrates just how many books the Kobo eReader can hold. Passersby will also get to experience the eReader for themselves.This inspiring visual demonstration will be on public display at Britomart until 7pm Thursday 3 June.

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