Earlier this week Blackberry maker RIM announced a new tablet device and it’s already shaping up to be a major player in the ebook sector with both Kobo and Amazon announcing apps for the device.
RIM’s new 7″ PlayBook Tablet is expected to hit stores early next year and so far ebook retailers Amazon Kindle and kobo have confirmed ebook store and reader apps and the paid will be joined on the platform by ebook self-publishing platform Wattpad.
Amazon Kindle Director Dorothy Nicholls said the online retailer was “very excited” to be joining the new platform.
However bragging rights go to the ePub-supporting Kobo which will have its app preloaded on the new BlackBerry tablet.
“We are thrilled to be extending our extensive relationship with RIM into the tablet space,” said Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis in a statement issued by the firm.
“Readers will love the elegant design, crisp display and portable size and weight of the BlackBerry PlayBook, which is perfectly suited for long reading sessions. I am also excited by the possibilities of the BlackBerry Tablet OS, which will allow us to bring today’s bestsellers and classics, as well as other rich content, to BlackBerry PlayBook users.”
RIM’s Jim Tobin said: “Kobo is an excellent partner for RIM given the global nature of both our businesses and because Kobo provides a great customer experience, including regionalized apps, content and pricing.”