E-Quran an Odd Step for Intel

Intel recently stated that they are partnering with two Saudi Arabian software companies to develop a device, called the E-Quran, which will do little more than play a recorded version of the Islamic holy book.

While I am glad to hear than an electronic version of the Quran is being created, I wonder why semiconductor titan Intel is making this foray into the world of dedicated portable devices. It seems to me that a professionally designed podcast or audio file that could be played on a variety of platforms would be a more efficient means of distributing the holy book.

With companies such as Microsoft trying to grab market share in the lucrative mp3 player market, a dedicated device like the E-Quran seems like a step backwards towards the ill-fated e-book phenomenon that never materialized.

Computer users and uber-geeks quickly realized that reading an electronic document is much cheaper if you use a device that you already own, such as a computer.

The same can be said for an audio recording. Mp3 players abound, and in the already crowded field a dedicated device that plays one collection of files seems incredibly outdated.

Intel should have partnered with Apple, or another mp3 player manufacturer, to distribute their devices and then made available a recorded version of the Quran that could be played on any platform.