The New York Times is running a story this morning that discusses the possible salvation of newspapers lying in large format e-ink devices like the Plastic Logic Reader (pictured with this post). After discussing others who are known to be working on such a product, the article then notes:

"But it is Amazon, maker of the Kindle, that appears to be first in line to try throwing an electronic life preserver to old-media companies. As early as this week, according to people briefed on the online retailer’s plans, Amazon will introduce a larger version of its Kindle wireless device tailored for displaying newspapers, magazines and perhaps textbooks."

Shortly after this article started receiving attention online, invitations to a 9am May 6th Amazon Press Event to be held at Pace University in New York City went out to numerous online publications. The last such event held by Amazon was the unveiling of the Kindle 2, so many now expect a new large format Kindle to be announced Wednesday morning. The device would be closer to the size of a typical 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper according to continued speculation about the development of the device since it was first hinted at by CrunchGear last year. 

This larger format Kindle would offer actual page layout that would better fit publications such as newspapers, which currently offer trimmed down nearly text-only versions of themselves on the Kindle, and textbooks for use by college students. The fact that Wednesday's announcement is occurring at Pace University would appear to lend to the textbook speculation, so if a larger Kindle is announced, expect there to be some announcement regarding a deal with some textbook publishers as well. We'll be keeping our ears peeled on Wednesday morning and let you know what is announced.

This story around the web: