Icarus Launches Updated Illumina eReader with Android 4.2, Dual-Core CPU
eBook readers which run Android are nothing new, but today I came across one which made my heart skip a beat.
The Dutch ereader retailer Icarus has unveiled an updated version of their Illumina HD ereader. Initially launched last fall, the Illumina HD sported a 6″ Pearl HD E-ink screen with frontlight and touchscreen. The new model launching today sports a sleaker, slimmer design with fewer buttons and runs Android 4.2 on a 1GHz dual-core CPU.
If you’re having trouble breathing right now, you’re not alone. The new Illumina HD is an excellent candidate for the title of best E-ink Android tablet.
This ereader has a 6″ Pearl E-ink display, and not the Carta screen found on a few ereaders at the moment. It has both a frontlight and a touchscreen, and on either side of the screen it has page turn buttons. Crack open the case and you’ll find a 1GHz dual-core CPU with 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, a microSD card slot, and Wifi.
The Illumina HD ships with a reading app which supports Epub, PDF, FB2, and Mobi. It runs Android 4.2, and while there’s no mention of Google Play the product listing does say that:
It comes with several apps pre-installed and you can even install your own apps, from your favorite reading app to social media or productivity apps.
The Illumina HD does ship with several apps, including a file manager, Dropbox, a web browser and an email client.
The Illumina HD might not have sound or the best screen on the market, but it does have a better CPU and run a newer version of Android than any other ereader on the market. This is my leading candidate for the title of E-ink Android tablet, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
It is up for pre-order from Icarus for 119 euros plus shipping, and yes you can get it shipped internationally. It’s scheduled to ship on 24 July.
Are you planning to get one?
Update: I am not. Cooler heads than mine have convinced me that I should take the negative reviews posted to MobileRead seriously. Several people have commented on devices made by Boyue (the Chinese OEM which licensed the design to Icarus). When you add the reviews to the poor service I am getting from Icarus, I think the new Illunina HD is not worth getting.
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