Libreka Expands to Austria in 2012 with TrekStor Liro Color eReader Launch
The German eBook platform Libreka is expanding into Austria, reports the MVB Marketing and Publishing Service of the Book Trade. By 2012, the project of the German Book Trade Association aims to establish a foothold in Austria, offering its services to booksellers.
Libreka positions itself as a partner for book retailers who do not have their own eBook offerings, providing a sales commission through various models. Currently, with approximately 28,000 German-language eBooks, Libreka’s collection is still smaller compared to competitors like Amazon (46,000) or Kobo (81,000).
In addition to the shop, the eBook retailer will soon offer its own eBook reader, which provides direct access to the store and can also be added to the inventory of interested booksellers. However, there is some skepticism accompanying this, since the device in question is the TrekStor Liro Color – an eReader with an LCD screen.
The Liro Color should not be confused with the Weltbild eBook Reader 3.0, which is also manufactured by TrekStor. Unfortunately, the eBook Reader 3.0 did not impress in our test. Unlike the Weltbild device, the Libreka reader will feature a touchscreen and WiFi, allowing direct access to the integrated eBook shop.
The price is recommended at 99 euros, which is relatively high, positioning the LCD reader in direct competition with the Amazon Kindle 4 (99 euros), as well as the Thalia Oyo 2 (119 euros) and Kobo Touch (129 euros). However, the Liro Color has one advantage: it runs on the Android operating system and may therefore even be used as an affordable tablet substitute. Under “Read Everything,” you will find a short demonstration video of the device, allowing you to get an idea of its potential.
