Findaway World and the Navy General Library Program (NGLP) have formed a partnership to create a new ebook reader for sailors called the Navy eReader Device (NeRD).
The custom-designed ebook reader gives sailors access to popular titles, such as Game of Thrones, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ender's Game, The Camel Club and The Stand, according to PC Magazine.
"Navy Installations Command is constantly seeking to provide our proud sailors around the world with new tools and resources that can enrich their lives," said Nellie Moffitt, manager at NGLP. "By partnering with Findaway World, we now have the ideal reading solution for the digital age."
The Navy does not allow access to devices like iPads and Nooks because they take up too much space and could make vessels vulnerable to security threats with their Wi-Fi, Geekosystem reported.
The NeRD does not include ports, card readers, Internet connectivity or ways to add and delete titles. The device comes pre-loaded with 300 books.
Findaway said it has spent seven years serving the U.S. government and military. The company has delivered over 1 million digital media devices to 70 countries, PC Magazine reported.
"Since 2007, Findaway World has provided audiobook content to the men and women who serve our country," said Mitch Kroll, CEO of Findaway. "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."
The device includes work from popular publishers, including Simon & Schuster, Hachette, HarperCollins and Random House, Geekosystem reported. Books commonly read among the military also include those from Tom Clancy and James Patterson.
NeRDs will not be available to civilians, but the devices will be given to sailors, officers and their families for free.
