Spring Design has announced the market's first e-book reader powered by Google's Android operating system. Called "Alex," the reader will boast full browser capabilities, and will be equipped with a "Duet Navigator" dual screen display. One is a 6" E-Ink EPD display for regular reading, while the other is a 3.5" color touch LCD panel for Web browsing and is actually an entirely self-contained Android device according to Gearlog.
The device includes earphones and features stereo speakers, an SD card slot, as well as browser bookmarks and history. Alex supports Wi-Fi connectivity and has integrated mobile 3G support for EV-DO and GSM networks – though Spring Design has yet to secure a carrier. The company says it's in discussion and enlisting major content partners, with plans to launch the device for "selected strategic partners" by the end of this year.