Marvell, the supplier of communications, storage, and wireless chips, has teamed up with E Ink to notch up against competitors by introducing a "highly integrated" turnkey platform, to be powered by the ARMADA 166E processor, for the next-generation of e-readers.

In addition, both Marvell and E Ink have also collaborated with FirstPaper to amalgamate "unique" technology into the ARMADA platform which, having already been integrated into a few e- readers including the enTourage eDGe, and proReader from Plastic Logic, provides for the design of large screens that can effectively deliver graphic intensive content.

Noting that the key features of the platform include the accelerated display of high-resolution PDF files and zero-power mode, Weili Dai - Marvell Vice President and general manager of the consumer and computing business division - said: "This is a total platform solution that includes Marvell key technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G modem, and power management."

Speaking during an interview, Dai also acknowledged the fact that the e-readers' market, presently dominated by Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Reader, is perfectly poised for expansion.

Dai said: "The timing is right for the e-reader market to take off in volume. The ARMADA e-reader has the potential to deliver the first mass market product accessible and affordable to billions of consumers around the world."