In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme, the managing director of Waterstone’s, James Daunt, has revealed the company's plans to design and sell its own eBook reader.

According to the BBC, Daunt said: ‘We in Waterstone's need to offer you a digital reader which is at least as good, and preferably substantially better, than that of our internet rival, and you will have a much better buying experience purchasing your books through us.

However, the move isn't a complete surprise, given that Waterstone’s has sold eBook readers from Sony and other manufacturers for a while, and you can also buy eBooks from the Waterstone’s site. The decision makes sense from a business perspective too, given that Amazon is now selling more eBooks for its Kindle device than physical books.

According to Daunt, the Waterstone’s eBook reader is ‘well down the planning line’ and due for release in spring next year. In the meantime, rumours abound that Amazon is developing a new colour tablet Kindle device with a capacitive touchscreen, although apparently the company isn't planning to develop any new e-ink displays until next year.

Do you have an eBook reader? Is this too little late from Waterstone’s? Let us know in the forum.
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