SPONSORED — While reading has long been a treasured way to relax or learn, traditional print books can be a heavy burden — literally. These days, technology is changing what “curling up with a good book” looks like.

E-book reading on the rise

A 2014 consumer survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that while 69 percent of respondents had read a print book during the previous year, electronic books were making inroads with 28 percent of total readers and nearly half of readers under 30 doing so on an e-reader device.

Traditional paper books are still holding sway, but e-books are claiming a significant niche in the publishing market. After all, e-reader devices offer easy access to a plethora of titles, features and on-the-go portability.

Not just a pleasure read

The market for digital publishing also extends to businesses. They benefit from access to leading-edge, industry-specific information, reference materials and other “how-to” resources anywhere, anytime, via e-readers, smartphone or tablets, without the need for storage and transit of bulky volumes. The latest downloadable e-titles also are business budget-friendly, usually carrying significantly lower price tags than their print counterparts.

A world of device options

Most e-book products have similar basic functionality such as fast page turns, high-contrast “E Ink” screens and built-in Wi-Fi capability — and many feature touch screens that include keyboards for adding notes or searching terms. Some models have edge-lit screens and memory card slots for loading additional files. For a multipurpose option, Frontier offers the Samsung Galaxy Note and Tablet so you can surf the Web before diving into a good book.

Higher-end e-book readers are equipped with backlit color displays, which are ideal for reading periodicals, enjoying graphically intense presentations, such as comic books, or browsing the Internet. However, this feature comes with a tradeoff of diminished battery life and more strain on the eyes than from E Ink screens.

Getting app support

Advances in apps also have made it easy for leisure and business readers to access e-books through smartphones or tablets. According to Lifehacker.com, Google Play Books is the best choice for Android users because of its advanced research tools, ability to upload existing collections, easy cloud and cross-device syncing and a content library of more than 4 million titles.

The world of literature has always been expansive, but now, new device options and widely available high-speed Internet are making access to e-books and other digital content quick, easy and convenient, it is virtually limitless.

To learn how a Frontier Communications High-speed Internet can enhance your e-book reading experience, please visit http://west.frontier.com/fios/internet.