Sharp to launch e-readers

Electronics maker Sharp is planning on entering the e-reader market this year, the firm has said.

According to Reuters, the Japanese company announced plans today which include setting up an e-book distribution service and launching compatible readers in the coming months.

The firm says it has the backing of publishers in Japan and abroad.

Sharp’s plans will compete with Google, which announced earlier this month that it is planning an e-book service in Japan early next year.