The E-Reader Space Lights Up

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which consumer goods editor and analyst Austin Smith discusses topics across the investing world.

The e-reader space continues to heat up: This time it's Barnes & Noble that's throwing down the gauntlet. Its Nook Simple Touch device will now be released with "GlowLight," a new feature that allows the device to be more easily read in low-light situations. While nifty, this shouldn't be read into as a game-changer in the war with Amazon.com's Kindle devices. For one thing, it's expected that Amazon will be releasing its own version in the future. Secondly, the DOJ's recent ruling against Apple will likely push the price of e-books back to where they were when Amazon had a stranglehold on the market: $9.99. Quite simply, Barnes & Noble can't compete at those prices.

Barnes & Noble is just one of the victims of the trend we highlight in our report: "The Death of Retail."You can learn more, including the names of those few companies that stand to profit from the change, by clicking here now.

At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smith has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Amazon.com.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendApple and Amazon.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.