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News, features and resources for media and publishing professionals. Friday, June 20, 2003 Blogs | Subscribe | Interviews | Events | Films | Book Blog Media Cynic | Forum | Advertising | Classifieds | Jobs Gemstar Halts Ebook Device and Content Sales Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., announced that it will be closing its eBook subsidiary. Gemstar eBook has stopped selling ebook reading devices, and effective July 16, 2003, will halt ebook content sales. Gemstar entered the ebook marketplace in 2000 when it purchased NuvoMedia Inc. and SoftBook Press Inc., which at the time were two leading developers of ebook reading devices. Gemstar eBook launched later in 2000 with two stylish RCA-brand ebook reading devices. On Gemstar's website a message reads, "Effective immediately, we will no longer be selling eBook devices. To enable current users to purchase additional content, we will continue to sell content until 5 PM PDT on July 16, 2003, at which point we will cease to sell all books and periodical issues -- either directly to customers or through Powells.com." Existing content provided for Gemstar GEB 1150 and GEB 2150 devices will be stored at least through July 16, 2006. Gemstar said they closed the ebook division because they were not able to obtain the size and revenue necessary to support the current ebook operations in today's difficult business climate. For the next three years, Gemstar eBook said it intends to give current ebook users access to previously purchased content through eBook Online Bookshelves, and provide the Personal Content feature available through the web bookstore. Users who have prepaid for periodical subscriptions or monthly content plans will receive refunds for the unused portions of their pre-payments. During the transition, Gemstar eBook will determine whether it will continue to operate the ebook servers that support these services, or to shut the servers down entirely. Gemstar eBook said intends to provide users with advance notification of any shutdown. Related Links: · Gemstar Ebook Website · Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. Click here to return to the homepage of The Write NewsTM Click here to subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter. www.writenews.com Copyright © 1997-2007 by Writers Write, Inc. All Rights Reserved.