In a surprising move, tech startup Astropad has launched Bookcase, a innovative accessory that transforms smartphones into e-readers. This clever device, priced at $50, allows users to hold their phone like a Kindle, complete with a MagSafe mount and NFC chip that triggers a companion app and Do Not Disturb settings.

While Amazon's Kindle dominates the e-reader market, Astropad's Bookcase fills a previously unknown gap in the market. The company, known for its creative solutions, has a history of turning iPads into drawing tablets and creating a second screen feature that Apple later adopted.

Bookcase is set to start shipping later this year, and its impact could be significant for the tech and startup community. This innovative product has the potential to change the way we consume digital content and could pave the way for new reading experiences.