On Monday, Amazon will take the wraps off the much-anticipated Kindle 2.0.  Engadget  published what appear to be real pictures, which include clues to what some of the new features may be. For example, more prominent speakers suggest that audio will play a larger role in the next version of the Kindle. (I'm hoping for a feature that will allow you to simultaneously listen to an Audible audio book while reading the written version).

Amazon's recent announcement that it will be releasing Kindle editions of e-books for reading on the iphone put more pressure on the Kindle. If Amazon's integration with other hardware device like the Tivo are any indicator, it's likley that Amazon will release an easy-to-use iphone application that will allow users to browse Amazon's store, purchase, and download Kindle titles directly from the iPhone.

If that prediction ends up being true, where does that leave the Kindle?

In order to compete even with the new platforms Amazon is targeting--and at a price point above the iPhone--Kindle 2.0 will have its work cut out for it.

Any predictions on what new features will be unveiled on Monday?

Welcome to the Reading Bytes blog.

This blog will cover the world of e-reading from the perspective of someone who's been fortunate enough to work in the electronic publishing for the past 18 years. My bio, available via the link on the left, gives the gory details, but I've been fortunate to work with great colleagues and authors over the years. 

More exciting to me than the past is the future. I believe the e-reading market is going to grow significantly in the coming years, and the purpose of this blog is to offer news, context and ideas as this young industry matures.

I look forward to your comments, ideas and participation!