Sharp entered the eReader market with a splash this morning with the unveiling of two tablets specifically designed for the Japanese market.
Sharp is launching two versions of its Galapagos tablet, which will support the company's e-bookstore when it launches in December.
The first is intended for on-the-go use and features a trackball and a 5.5-inch LCD screen that "reads like a paperback book," and the second is described as a "home type" with a 10.8-inch high-resolution HD LCD screen that can display magazines across a two-page spread.
Both devices connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi and support XMDF e-book format, which can display Japanese expressions such as vertical writing and ruby. The Galapagos tablets also come equipped with a Web browser and a pre-installed social media application that allows users to share their comments and book lists with friends.
Sharp did not disclose which operating system the devices are using but some media outlets are reporting the tablets run on Google's Android OS.
Sharp has not announced a specific launch date or details about pricing.
Sharp's e-bookstore will launch with about 30,000 newspapers, magazines and books. The company plans to announce further details about content and pricing when the service starts later this year.