Sony announces global eBook reader release

29 May 10 08:55 by AdamT in category E-Readers and Tablets

As the eBook market hots up, Sony has unveiled plans to expand Reader sales across Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Initially launching its eBook Reader in the United States in 2006, Sony has since expanded into North America and parts of Europe. It is now targetting the Asia-Pacific market with launches planned in Japan, China and Australia, as well as expanding throughout Europe into countries such as Italy and Spain.

Sony has also detailed plans to launch a content delivery platform in Japan, offering newspapers, books, magazines and comics. The company intends to build “one of the largest eBook distribution platforms in Japan,” with telecoms operator KDDI, the Asahi Shimbun company and Toppan printing company, it said in statement.

Services are set to start by the end of this year, with the four companies each taking a 25 percent stake in the project.

1 Comments on Sony announces global eBook reader release

wconeybeer
Posts: 645
Posted on: 29 May 10 21:37
Sony makes a pretty solid ebook reader. I have a PRS-505 from CES '09 (they gave them out to buyers loaded w/marketing materials for Sony products), but IDK if I would've actually spent the money on one. One I had it, however, I loved it, & still use it regularly. The eInk display is really easy on the eyes & just like reading a book to me. No fading in direct sunlight is awesome. Plus, I like the way they've placed the buttons: convenient for the way one naturally holds a real book.

What Sony was missing for a long time was the connectivity of the Kindle (husband has a Kindle DX), but they just came out with the Daily Edition PRS-900 with free 3G wireless. Haven't seen one in person yet.

It's great to see them going global with this. I hope it will give them some staying power in the eBook market. They have a solid product, but tough competition.
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Sony announces global eBook reader release

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