The other day we heard about the new Barnes and Noble eBook Reader called the Nook running Android. Now Spring Design has unveiled Alex, which the company claims is the first e-book reader powered by Google Android. Hmmmm, where have we heard that? Similar to the B&N Nook, it also has two screens: a 6-inch panel based on e-ink (specifically, monochrome EPD, or electronic paper display) for regular reading, and a separate 3.5-inch color touch LCD for browsing the Internet and supporting content for the main screen.
The second screen is an entirely self-contained Google Android device. Alex includes a Wi-Fi radio, as well as internal 3G support on both EV-DO and GSM networks–assuming Spring Design can find carrier support for the thing. Could they actually be the manufacturer behind the B&N Nook?
Alex also includes earphones, stereo speakers, an SD card slot, browser bookmarks and history, and the ability to transfer content from the touch LCD to the e-ink display for easier reading. Spring Design said it’s currently in talks with said carriers, and is targeting a release before the end of this year.
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