Bluefire launches Android-ready e-reader software for independent booksellers

Computerworld - Bluefire Productions today announced e-reader software that can be used by independent booksellers for Android devices. The software is a supplement to a free Bluefire e-reader version for iPad that was released last November.

The e-reader software on iPad is already used by Books-A-Million, a U.S. bookseller with 200 stores in 23 states, for its mobile storefront. Other booksellers such as Libri.de in Germany and Archambault in Quebec, Canada, are the newest retailers on the Bluefire platform, said Bluefire CEO Micah Bowers in an interview.

Bluefire built its e-reader with Adobe Content Server software, and it supports both ePub and PDF formats, Bowers said. The e-reader for Android is an HTML5 app running in embedded Webview.

Bowers said that while there are many e-reader devices and e-reader apps for use on different devices, "we offer a brandable e-reader solution." That capability means thousands of mostly small and medium-sized booksellers can compete with major brands such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com online.

"What we're trying to do is serve all those companies with existing relationships with customers who feel that they have a shot in this online publishing arena," Bowers added. "It's easy to deploy and powerful."

While the e-readers are intended to be free to end users, Bluefire didn't discuss the terms of its deals with booksellers.

Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at @matthamblen or subscribe to Matt's RSS feed. His e-mail address is mhamblen@computerworld.com.

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