Griffin Book

Griffin Book. It was a second-generation e-reader developed and marketed by Griffin Technologies, released in late 2011 as a successor to the Griffin Scroll. The device distinguished itself by running a modified version of the Android operating system, offering access to a curated app store beyond standard e-book functionality. Positioned in a competitive market dominated by Kindle and Nook, it aimed to blend dedicated e-reading with limited tablet-like capabilities.

Overview

The Griffin Book was conceived as a hybrid device, merging the core reading experience of established e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite with the expanded functionality of a tablet computer. Its primary interface was a 6-inch E Ink display utilizing the Pearl technology for high contrast and readability. Unlike many contemporaries, it operated on Android 2.3 "Gingerbread," which allowed for the installation of applications from the proprietary Griffin AppMarket. This strategic choice placed it in competition not only with dedicated e-readers but also with early Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

History and development

Development of the Griffin Book began in 2010 following the modest success of its predecessor, the Griffin Scroll. Engineers at Griffin Technologies sought to address user feedback requesting more open functionality while retaining the benefits of E Ink for prolonged reading. The project, codenamed "Project Parchment," involved a partnership with E Ink Corporation for the display and Qualcomm for the integrated 3G modem. It was officially unveiled at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin in September 2011. Production was handled by a contract manufacturer in Shenzhen, with a global release commencing in November 2011 across major retailers including Best Buy and Waterstones.

Features and specifications

The device featured a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen display with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. It was powered by an 800 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor and included 256 MB of RAM. Internal storage was 2 GB, expandable via microSD card. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and optional AT&T-subsidized 3G for wireless content delivery. Its software core was Android 2.3, heavily skinned with a custom user interface called "Griffin UI" designed for E Ink's slower refresh rates. Notable hardware features included physical page-turn buttons, a micro-USB port for charging and data, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for its built-in MP3 audio player.

Software and applications

The Griffin Book's modified Android platform supported its defining feature: the Griffin AppMarket. This curated store offered applications optimized for the E Ink display, including Pocket for article syncing, Evernote for note-taking, and several chess and puzzle games. Primary e-book functionality was handled through the "Griffin Reader" app, which supported EPUB, PDF, and MOBI formats, with integration for purchasing from the Griffin Bookstore. Other pre-installed software included a web browser based on WebKit, a basic email client, and a calendar application. The operating system received one major update to version 2.4 in 2012, which improved touch responsiveness and added support for Adobe Digital Editions.

Reception and impact

Initial reviews from publications like CNET and TechRadar praised the Griffin Book's sharp display and innovative approach but criticized its sluggish performance compared to faster LCD tablets like the iPad 2. The Griffin AppMarket was noted for its limited selection. While it achieved a niche following among dedicated readers wanting light app functionality, it failed to capture significant market share from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Sales were discontinued in 2014. Its legacy influenced later E Ink devices, such as the Onyx Boox series, which further explored the Android-based e-reader model. The Griffin Book is often cited in retrospectives on the evolution of e-reading technology for its attempt to bridge two distinct product categories.

Category:E-readers Category:Android (operating system) devices Category:Products introduced in 2011 Category:Products discontinued in 2014