COOL-ER Ebook Reader Getting AT&T 3G And WiFi In Mid-2010

COOL-ER ebook reader manufacturer Interead have obviously decided they can no longer rely on pretty colors to sufficiently differentiate their device, and so are throwing some AT&T 3G into the mixture too.  As of mid-2010, the company will update the COOL-ER with optional WWAN connectivity; there'll also be a WiFi option, though it's unclear if that's on the same device as the 3G unit or a different SKU.

Reviews of the COOL-ER we've seen have described the device as "rough around the edges", highlighting some crashing and poor logo choices.  Still, much of the critique has been regarding the absence of wireless connectivity, something this mid-2010 refresh will address.

Interead haven't confirmed how much the new COOL-ER with 3G (or for that matter with WiFi) will cost, but we're presuming the ongoing service fees will be built into the initial purchase price, a la the Kindle and nook.  The company have also partnered with NewspaperDirect, who will offer periodicals to the current-gen model and the upcoming versions.

Press Release:

Interead to Connect Next Generation ereader With AT&T 3G Mobile Broadband Service

COOL-ER ereaders in 2010 to use nation's fastest 3G network

Interead, makers of the COOL-ER line of ereaders, and AT&T* today announced an agreement that will deliver users of the COOL-ER 3G ereader, scheduled for release in mid-2010, the nation's fastest 3G mobile broadband experience.

The current model COOL-ER, first launched worldwide in May, 2009, works in every country on the planet and comes in eight eye-catching colors. It supports books written in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, Japanese and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Books from COOL-ER's companion online bookstore, COOLER-EBOOKS.com, can be shared with up to five other readers to let friends and families share the works they love. Weighing in at only 5.6 ounces–less than a paperback–COOL-ER supports books in all of the most commonly used ebook formats. QVC will start selling the COOL-ER on Friday, Dec. 11.

In 2010, Interead will launch its next generation of connected COOL-ER ereaders, including WiFi and 3G models. These models will be available from national retailers including QVC.

Neil Jones, Interead's CEO, commented: "We have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the COOL-ER and the COOLER-EBOOKS.com bookstore. In selecting providers, we have actively sought those who share our vision and commitment to an ideal reader experience, and we're thrilled to team with AT&T to deliver content over the nation's fastest 3G network."

"Compact and elegant, Interead's COOL-ER 3G will be an impressive addition to its family of readers and to the marketplace," said Glenn Lurie, president-Emerging Devices and Resale, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We're seeing tremendous demand for ereaders and we are excited to provide the wireless connectivity that will keep consumers connected to the content they most desire on this state-of-the-art device, on the nation's fastest 3G network."

Interead also today announced a partnership with NewspaperDirect, to make more than 1,300 newspapers and magazines available to COOL-ER ereaders through both the existing COOL-ER and forthcoming 3G and WiFi models.

Neil Jones continued: "With the addition of thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world, we'll be able to give readers on every COOL-ER ereader exactly the content they're looking for in precisely the way they want to receive it–quickly and reliably–wherever they are."

For more information, visit www.COOLREADERS.com.

* AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Interead

Based in Reading, England and Miami, Interead and COOL-ER are the creation of seasoned entrepreneur Neil Jones. COOL-ER, the lightest and most elegant ereader available, works in nine languages, comes in eight colors, and accommodates all popular ebook formats. For more information, visit www.Interead.com.