Sharp has iPad rival in the pipeline

Sharp is to launch an e-reader that the company claims will rival the iPad.

According to Chunichi, the device sports a colour LCD display but more importantly, Sharp’s president Mikio Katayama hinted that the device has the potential for 3D display in future.

The device is expected to launch in the United States and Japan this year, with a Chinese launch expected next year.

Sharp has already made significant investments in to the third dimension, with a 3D smart phone expected to hit the market this year, and a 3D-without-glasses display in development.