No Wi-Fi? No problem, says the United States Navy as it introduces an e-reader for sailors that can be used as reading devices while they are out at sea. The move aims to give sailors more access to the outside world through the e-reader without having complete access to the outside world while on missions underwater.
Going without Wi-Fi was key to the Navy's promotion of the new device as the institution currently bans the use of Kindles or iPads on its submarines, fearful an enemy could be able to hack into the tablets and corrupt the mission's goals. This, by giving sailors the ability to download books and magazines before heading out to see, this could alleviate much of the frustration and give sailors the relaxation they have been wanting.
The tablets connected to Wi-Fi wouldn't function very well anyway in the middle of the ocean as signals are few and far between.
Designed by digital technology producer Findaway World, the company has been able to avoid the Wi-Fi pitfalls by delivering a reader that is without Wi-Fi. Ralph Lazaro, the company's Vice President of Digital Products, was reported to have said that similar devices have already been created for the Army and other members of the armed services while deployed at the front lines.
Findaway said that it has shipped the first 365 e-readers to the Navy earlier this month and they hope to continue "rolling out its product until just about every sailor has his own e-reader."
"Navy Installations Command is constantly seeking to provide our proud sailors around the world with new tools and resources that can enrich their lives," Navy General Library Program (NGLP) manager Nellie Moffitt said in a statement.
"By partnering with Findaway World, we now have the ideal reading solution for the digital age."
According to the company, they have been developing products for the U.S. government and military for more than seven years.
"Since 2007, Findaway World has provided audiobook content to the men and women who serve our country," CEO Mitch Kroll said. "We're proud to partner again with Navy Installations Command and the U.S. Navy on this initiative and believe that NeRD will provide a unique and enriching ebook experience to the lives of officers and enlisted sailors."
