Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sony Reader WiFi officially drops to $129.99]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/sony-reader-wifi-officially-drops-to-129-99/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/sony-reader-wifi-officially-drops-to-129-99/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/sony-reader-wifi-officially-drops-to-129-99/#comments
Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing's for sure -- e-readers just keep getting cheaper. The latest to see a dip in price is the Sony Reader WiFi, which debuted at $149.99 just a couple of months back, but has now received a permanent drop to $129.99. What's more, Sony is also running a trade-in program through the end of December that will give you an additional $50 off if you turn in any old e-reader. Not quite the instant discount that an ad-supported Kindle gives you, but certainly not a bad deal if you're looking to upgrade from an older model.

Sony Reader WiFi officially drops to $129.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersprice dropPriceDropreaderreader wifiReaderWifisonysony readersony reader wifiSonyReaderSonyReaderWifiFri, 02 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony not giving up on Readers, new models expected in August]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/sony-not-giving-up-on-readers-new-models-expected-in-august/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/sony-not-giving-up-on-readers-new-models-expected-in-august/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/sony-not-giving-up-on-readers-new-models-expected-in-august/#comments Sony Readers Word has come, straight from the mouth of Sony's vice president of digital reading, Phil Lubell, that the company has some new Reader models in the pipeline. According to Bloomberg the latest Kindle competitors will probably land in August, just ahead of the launch of the S1 and S2 tablets. Beyond that, it's all just a guessing game, but it's probably safe to assume the touchscreens and pleasantly hefty aluminum bodies will remain. Let's just hope, for the sake of Sony, the new models also come sporting a new low price. With the company's entry-level Pocket Edition starting at $180, it's had a hard time keeping up with the Nook and Kindle which start at $139 (without ads).

Sony not giving up on Readers, new models expected in August originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersPhil LubellPhilLubellreaderrumorrumorssonysony readersony readersSonyReaderSonyReadersFri, 15 Jul 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/#comments
The e-reader market just got a lot more crowded this week with the launch of the touch-enabled Nook and Kobo eReader Touch Edition. Will either device be able to take down the Amazon's industry defining Kindle? We've broken down the specs on the two new readers, the Kindle, and Sony's comparable Reader Pocket Edition (PRS-350SC) to find out which device will come out on top. There's a lot of overlap features between the different readers, like infrared touchscreens and Pearl E Ink displays. All of those important details and more in the chart after the break. Check it out, because you obviously like reading things.

Continue reading Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart

Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookchartchartse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershead to headHeadToHeadkindlekoboKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderTouchEditionnookPRS-350SCreadersonysony readerSony Reader Pocket EditionSonyReaderSonyReaderPocketEditionversusThu, 26 May 2011 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple rejects Sony Reader app, really doesn't want you buying content from others (update: Apple says it needs official in-app purchases)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apple-rejects-sony-reader-app-doesnt-want-you-buying-content-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apple-rejects-sony-reader-app-doesnt-want-you-buying-content-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apple-rejects-sony-reader-app-doesnt-want-you-buying-content-f/#comments It's been quite a while since Apple's tight reins on the App Store were a subject worth discussing, but they're back in the spotlight now following the company's rejection of Sony's Reader app for iOS. The reasons given to Sony were that Apple will not no longer accept applications that permit in-app purchases of content that don't go through Apple itself, and, moreover, will not tolerate apps that access material purchased through external content stores. So the Sony Reader Store is out -- but wait, doesn't the Kindle app spend its time serving up Kindlebooks? No comment has been offered on the matter from either Apple or Amazon, while Sony's Reader Store page describes the situation as "an impasse" and promises to seek "other avenues to bring the Reader experience to Apple mobile devices." In the mean time, you can get the Reader app for Android or just read your ebooks on a device dedicated to that task.

Update: As noted by Harry McCracken over at Technologizer, it has actually been Apple's longstanding policy to forbid in-app purchases -- the Kindle and Nook apps send you to a browser -- so Sony's desire to do so will have been the major cause for the Reader application's rejection. That doesn't invalidate the second concern expressed in the New York Times article, that Apple will no longer tolerate content brought in from external stores, which is a displeasing development, if true.

Update 2: Looks like McCracken nailed it -- Apple's come out with a statement pointing out that the App Store guidelines require that apps that allow content purchases must also allow them in-app through Apple's official iTunes-backed system. We can't imagine that Sony is thrilled with the idea of cutting Apple in on Reader content, but if they want to play ball, they should be able to score an approval. Notably, Apple says that they are "now requiring" this even though the guidelines haven't changed, suggesting they're just now getting around to enforcing it; the effect on iOS' Kindle and Nook apps isn't yet known, but we wouldn't be surprised if Apple started nudging them in the direction of pushing updates. More on this situation as we have it.

Apple rejects Sony Reader app, really doesn't want you buying content from others (update: Apple says it needs official in-app purchases) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleapple app storeAppleAppStoreapplicationsappsAppStoree booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchreaderreader storeReaderStorerejectedrejectionsonysony readerSonyReaderTue, 01 Feb 2011 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony aims for half of Japan's e-reader market by 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-aims-for-half-of-japans-e-reader-market-by-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-aims-for-half-of-japans-e-reader-market-by-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-aims-for-half-of-japans-e-reader-market-by-2012/#commentsGiven the dominance of Sony's Walkman over in the Land of the Rising Sun, it's a little surprising to think that Sony has been all but silent regarding the Japanese e-reader market. We heard back in May that the mega-corp was planning an e-reader launch in Japan by the year's end, aiming to build out an elaborate e-book distribution platform with local telecom operator KDDI. Fast forward a few months, and it seems as if thing's are finally falling into place. New reports are suggesting that the 5- and 6-inch Sony Reader devices will be on sale in Japan on December 10th, with pricing set for ¥20,000 ($237) / ¥25,000 ($297), respectively. Additionally, it's planning to crack the seal on an online e-bookstore with around 20,000 titles, and that one should be ready to roll prior to the "year-end shopping rush." Perhaps more stunning, however, is Sony's intentions to "sell 300,000 Readers in the first year and win half the domestic market by 2012" -- that's according to Sony Marketing Japan president Nobuki Kurita. Bold words, Sony, but we love the ambition.

Sony aims for half of Japan's e-reader market by 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book storee-booksE-bookStoree-readere-readersebookebook readerEbookReaderelectronic bookElectronicBookjapanreadersonysony readerSonyReaderSun, 28 Nov 2010 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader app hitting iPhone and Android devices in December]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/sony-reader-app-hitting-iphone-and-android-devices-in-december/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/sony-reader-app-hitting-iphone-and-android-devices-in-december/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/sony-reader-app-hitting-iphone-and-android-devices-in-december/#comments Playing catchup, are we? Sony's hot on the trail of Amazon and Barnes and Noble, who already have e-reading apps for the Android and iOS platforms, with its own freshly announced Reader offering set for release next month. The functionality in this upcoming slice of software will be familiar: you get to access books already purchased at the Reader Store or pony up cash for new ones, while making bookmarks, notes and highlights on your mobile device. Throw in adjustable fonts and you've got your boilerplate beginning to a decent mobile e-reader. Now you just need to pick your fave ebook purveyor.

Sony Reader app hitting iPhone and Android devices in December originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapplicationcoming soonComingSoone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersiosiphonemobile appMobileAppreaderreader appreader storeReaderAppReaderStoresonysony readerSonyReaderTue, 23 Nov 2010 03:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony demoes flexible electronic paper display, tickles our fancy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/sony-demoes-flexible-electronic-paper-display-tickles-our-fancy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/sony-demoes-flexible-electronic-paper-display-tickles-our-fancy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/sony-demoes-flexible-electronic-paper-display-tickles-our-fancy/#comments Say, did the air just get a little richer in vapor? Sony has titillated its home nation with a demonstration of a new flexible e-paper display, which looks set to compete with LG's, HP's, Toshiba's, and hell even Sony's own, flexi-display ventures. Employing a plastic substrate, the above prototype is apparently capable of being rolled up like a regular old newspaper -- presumably fly-swatting is not a problem either -- but we have our usual reservations about yet another flexible display teaser. Oh, they're all gorgeous and revolutionary, it's just that we're not seeing too many of them in our local Walmarts, you know?

Sony demoes flexible electronic paper display, tickles our fancy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-papere-readere-readerselectronic paperElectronicPaperflexibleflexible e-paperFlexibleE-paperfutureprototypereaderrollablesonysony readerSonyReaderWed, 15 Sep 2010 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony refuses to get caught up in a price war with Kindle, intends to compete on quality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/sony-refuses-to-get-caught-up-in-a-price-war-with-kindle-intend/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/sony-refuses-to-get-caught-up-in-a-price-war-with-kindle-intend/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/sony-refuses-to-get-caught-up-in-a-price-war-with-kindle-intend/#comments Boy, Sony sure loves to drag its heels when it comes to obvious industry trends. First netbooks were "a race to the bottom," now the company's saying it "won't sacrifice the quality and design" of its e-readers in order to lay claim to being the cheapest. This comes as a reaction to the Kindle's aggressive new $139 entry price point and continues Sony's reluctance to fiddle with what it sees as a successful formula. We're not going to second-guess the reasoning (too much), but it's not like there's that much room to differentiate yourself when you're using the same E Ink tech as the competition, is there? Guess if all else fails, Sony can always innovate the hell out of those leatherette cases and bundle them with the Reader.

Sony refuses to get caught up in a price war with Kindle, intends to compete on quality originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlecheapcheapeste booke bookse inke readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEInkkindleprice cutsPriceCutsquotereactionreadersonysony readerSonyReaderFri, 30 Jul 2010 04:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader Daily Edition reviewed: unworthy of cost premium or love]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/sony-reader-daily-edition-reviewed-unworthy-of-cost-premium-or/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/sony-reader-daily-edition-reviewed-unworthy-of-cost-premium-or/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/sony-reader-daily-edition-reviewed-unworthy-of-cost-premium-or/#comments For all the fuss made at its launch back in August, Sony's Reader Daily Edition has all but dropped off the map in terms of interest. Remember, Sony's response to the Kindle gave us a 7-inch touchscreen device with free AT&T 3G data for a street price of $399. Now we've got a proper in-depth review of the thing. On the plus side, the interface is simple and easy to understand right out of the box with nice, oversized icons suitable for your meat digit manipulation. Unfortunately, the Daily Reader was also sluggish. According to Laptop, it was common to suffer a delay of a few seconds after tapping an icon or other interface item. Worse yet, about a third of the time the Daily Reader's touchscreen display wouldn't respond to taps or swipes at all. Conversely, page turns responded with a relatively snappy (for E-Ink) one second delay -- faster than both the Nook or the Kindle. The EPD display was also a bit "dull" compared to non-touchscreen e-readers like the Kindle and Nook thanks to the additional screen layer that enables touch -- a common issue that affects all touch-enabled e-readers, we might add. This resulted in some eye strain in medium to low light. Connectivity also proved a sore spot. AT&T's network would inexplicably drop out during testing. It was plenty fast, however, when available, capable of delivering new books to the device in just seconds. Performance still lagged both the Kindle and Nook during comparison testing though. Laptop's verdict isn't surprising then, finding the $140 premium you'll pay for the Daily Reader difficult to justify compared to the EPUB supporting Nook or Kindle 2 with its better design and superior content selection.

It's worth noting that Laptop did not test the Daily Reader's library finder services that lets you check out e-books from the local branch for free for a period of up to a month. A shame; as library nerds we think that's one of the killer features compared to the competition.

Sony Reader Daily Edition reviewed: unworthy of cost premium or love originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily editionDailyEditione-book readerE-bookReadere-inke-readerebook readerEbookReaderereaderreaderreader daily editionReaderDailyEditionreviewsonytouchscreenWed, 03 Mar 2010 02:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony says the Reader is selling 'very well,' thank you very much, isn't planning color versions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/sony-says-the-reader-is-selling-very-well-thank-you-very-much/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/sony-says-the-reader-is-selling-very-well-thank-you-very-much/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/sony-says-the-reader-is-selling-very-well-thank-you-very-much/#commentsSony says the Reader is selling 'very well,' thank you very much, isn't planning color versions With all this talk of iPads and Kindles shaking up the print world, few people are sparing a thought for Sony's noble Reader series, so the company would like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is "selling very well." Fujio Noguchi, Deputy President of Sony's e-book division, indicated that the gadget is its most popular item in the Sony Style store, with the Touch Edition selling the most units. He says that his focus is on "readability" and that the company will continue to use e-paper, good news for those with sensitive eyes, but that Sony has no plans for a color Reader until color e-ink screens are of sufficient quality. So, for now, you'll just have to buy yourself the one on the left above if you're looking to tickle your cones.

Sony says the Reader is selling 'very well,' thank you very much, isn't planning color versions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colore-inke-readerreaderreader touch editionReaderTouchEditionsonysony readersony reader touch editionSonyReaderSonyReaderTouchEditionFri, 29 Jan 2010 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[E-reader privacy policies compared: Big Kindle is watching you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/e-reader-privacy-policies-compared-big-kindle-is-watching-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/e-reader-privacy-policies-compared-big-kindle-is-watching-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/e-reader-privacy-policies-compared-big-kindle-is-watching-you/#comments
 It's definitely shaping up to be the year of e-book readers: the Amazon Kindle is flying off (virtual) shelves, and we'd expect the Barnes & Noble Nook to start moving at a decent clip once the kinks get worked out. But any device with an always-on 3G connection to a central server raises some privacy questions, especially when it can broadcast granular, specific data about what you're reading -- data that's subject to a wide spectrum of privacy laws and regulations when it comes to real books and libraries, but much less so in the digital realm. We'd say it's going to take a while for all the privacy implications of e-books to be dealt with by formal policy, but in the meantime the best solution is to be informed -- which is where this handy chart from our friends at the Electronic Frontier Foundation comes in. As you'd expect, the more reading you do online, the more you can be tracked -- and Google Books, the Kindle, and the Nook all log a ton of data that can be shared with law enforcement and various other third parties if required. Of course, we doubt the cops are too interested in your Twilight reading habits, but honestly, we'd rather users weren't tracked at all. Check the full chart and more at the read link.

[Thanks, Tom]

E-reader privacy policies compared: Big Kindle is watching you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNooke-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerebookebook readerEbookReadereffElectronic Frontier FoundationElectronicFrontierFoundationereadergooglegoogle booksGoogleBookskindlelawlawslegalnookprivacyprivacy policyPrivacyPolicyreadersonysony readerSonyReaderSun, 27 Dec 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony staying conservative with Reader device, aware of current tablet mania]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-staying-conservative-with-reader-device-aware-of-current-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-staying-conservative-with-reader-device-aware-of-current-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-staying-conservative-with-reader-device-aware-of-current-t/#comments Sony's Sir Howard Stringer played the tease at today's Reader content partnership presser, stating that while Sony could make the device into a multimedia tablet, it would rather wait and see if consumers warm up to current devices. Stringer's watching if people find the form factor "comfortable and helpful" before Sony starts "plowing on a thousand apps" or building a "Vaio Reader." We don't really know how much e-reader acceptance points to the demand for color multimedia tablets, but in regards to the (non-existant, ever-present) Apple Tablet, Stringer says "we're all working on variations of the same thing." Hopefully we'll figure out what exactly he means by that before we grow old and start reading books or something horrible like that.

Sony staying conservative with Reader device, aware of current tablet mania originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple tabletAppleTablete-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerhoward stringerHowardStringerreadersir howard stringerSirHowardStringersonysony readersony tabletSonyReaderSonyTablettabletvaio readerVaioReaderThu, 17 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony e-readers get exclusive Dow Jones, New York Post content]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-e-readers-get-exclusive-dow-jones-new-york-post-content/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-e-readers-get-exclusive-dow-jones-new-york-post-content/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sony-e-readers-get-exclusive-dow-jones-new-york-post-content/#comments
Hoping to read the New York Post on an e-reader anytime soon? Then your choices just got quite a bit more limited, as the newspaper has signed a deal that will see Sony offer the only version of the paper for digital reading devices. Joining it are various exclusive offerings from Dow Jones & Company, including The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch, which won't be completely exclusive to Sony readers, but will be available in special editions only available on Sony readers -- that includes The Wall Street Journal PLUS, a digital edition of the morning paper that also features an update of the day's events after the close of the markets. Owners of the Sony Reader Daily Edition will also naturally be able to get the day's papers wirelessly delivered to their readers, with subscriptions running between $9.99 and $19.99 a month.

Sony e-readers get exclusive Dow Jones, New York Post content originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily editionDailyEditiondow jonesdow jones companyDowJonesDowJonesCompanye-readerereadermarketwatchnew york postNewYorkPostreadersonysony readersony reader daily editionSonyReaderSonyReaderDailyEditionthe wall street journalTheWallStreetJournalwall street journalWallStreetJournalThu, 17 Dec 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader Store goes 100% EPUB on Friday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sony-reader-store-goes-100-epub-on-friday/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sony-reader-store-goes-100-epub-on-friday/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sony-reader-store-goes-100-epub-on-friday/#comments Listen up Sony Reader owners: you've got three days to change your ways. On December 11th, the eBook Store from Sony will be renamed the Reader Store with a new URL to prove it. In addition to a new store layout, the change also extends the open EPUB format to Sony's entire inventory of eBooks. In fact, any new electronic books will only be available in EPUB which helps explain the motivation for Sony's PRS-500 trade-in program. As such, we can say goodbye to Sony's proprietary BBeB ("BroadBand eBook") format which goes the way of ATRAC (outside of Japan, anyway). Sony's also making its Reader Library 3.1 software for Mac and PC available on the same day with support for the imminent Reader Daily Edition launch and compatibility with Windows 7 and OS X Snow Leopard -- how timely.

[Thanks, Ben]

Sony Reader Store goes 100% EPUB on Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily editionDailyEditione-booke-readerebookelectronic bookElectronicBookepubereaderreaderreader storeReaderStoresonyTue, 08 Dec 2009 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to expand PlayStation Network into Sony Online Service, sell music, books, videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-expand-playstation-network-into-sony-online-service-sel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-expand-playstation-network-into-sony-online-service-sel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-expand-playstation-network-into-sony-online-service-sel/#comments Sony had a big management meeting in Japan today, where the tech giant announced some extremely vague plans for what's initially being called the Sony Online Service -- a new "iTunes-like" service built on the PlayStation Network that will sell books, music, and movies. That's really all we know for now -- Sony execs didn't set a launch date or provide any specifics -- but the move's been rumored for a while and makes total sense, considering Sony's huge investment in running PSN and vast array of products it could tie into the service, like the Reader e-book line, the PSP, and the various Network Walkmans. Now, whether or not Sony can manage to make good on this massive potential remains to be seen -- we've got high hopes, but this isn't a small challenge.

Sony to expand PlayStation Network into Sony Online Service, sell music, books, videos originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-book storeE-bookStoreebook storeEbookStoremoviemovie storemoviesMovieStoremusicmusic storeMusicStorenetwork walkmanNetworkWalkmanonline storeOnlineStoreplaystationplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkps3pspreadersonysony online serviceSonyOnlineServicestorevideovideo storeVideoStoreThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's 3G-enabled Reader Daily Edition up for pre-order, content deals coming next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sonys-3g-enabled-reader-daily-edition-up-for-pre-order-content/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sonys-3g-enabled-reader-daily-edition-up-for-pre-order-content/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sonys-3g-enabled-reader-daily-edition-up-for-pre-order-content/#comments Amazon and Barnes & Noble may be swiping the limelight, but Sony's clearly playing for keeps with its $399 Reader Daily Edition. The 7-inch e-book reader has just been listed for pre-order over at SonyStyle, and with it will come wireless access (via AT&T) to the company's own eBookstore. We're told that the company will "announce newspaper and magazine content providers within the next month," and of course, no monthly fees will be tacked on from browsing and buying books. If plans stay on track, we should see the first shipments leave next month -- so, is Santa treating you with one, or what?

Update: Looks like not everyone will snatch one of these before that fateful day in December, so we'd suggest either settling on a Kindle / Nook or preparing your wallet to deal with 'Tickle Me Elmo' levels of eBay insanity.

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Sony's 3G-enabled Reader Daily Edition up for pre-order, content deals coming next month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g reader3gReadere booke book readere readere-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookebook readerEBookReaderEReaderpre orderpre-orderPreOrderreadersonysony readerSONY READER DAILY EDITIONSonyReaderSonyReaderDailyEditionWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader follows Kindle to the Great White North, conquers entire high school (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sony-reader-follows-kindle-to-the-great-white-north-conquers-en/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sony-reader-follows-kindle-to-the-great-white-north-conquers-en/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/sony-reader-follows-kindle-to-the-great-white-north-conquers-en/#comments Why, it was just yesterday that Amazon finally acknowledged the existence of our friendly neighbors to the north, saying "Why not?" before shipping a few Kindles northward. Now Sony is announcing its Reader is also set to take off, but in a very different way. The Reader has always been available in Canada (no pesky wireless contracts to negotiate), but ownership will now be compulsory for students at Toronto's Blyth Academy, who will each be provided with a Touch Edition and who must surely be a little nervous after what happened at Princeton. All textbooks will be replaced by digital equivalents, meaning smaller book bags, fewer strained backs, and no more quality time with parents making covers out of brown paper bags. Slightly uncomfortable promotional video is included below.

Continue reading Sony Reader follows Kindle to the Great White North, conquers entire high school (video)

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Sony Reader follows Kindle to the Great White North, conquers entire high school (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blyth academyBlythAcademycanadareaderreader touch editionReaderTouchEditionsonysony readersony reader touch editionSonyReaderSonyReaderTouchEditionWed, 18 Nov 2009 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Making book with ePUB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/switched-on-making-book-with-epub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/switched-on-making-book-with-epub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/switched-on-making-book-with-epub/#commentsRoss Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
The ePUB standard, developed by Adobe, allows consumers to purchase books at a variety of digital stores and use them on a wide range of compatible devices without the manufacturer having to explicitly support them. That may sound a bit like the PlaysForSure initiative that Microsoft tried mounting to challenge the iPod but ultimately shifted away from (at least for MP3 players) in favor of the Zune, but ePUB has a better shot than PlaysForSure did.

First, unlike PlaysForSure, which was playing catch-up to the already dominant iPod, ePUB is appearing relatively early in the market; it need not break anyone's "stranglehold." Second, after attracting the support of Sony, the format achieved a significant coup with the support of Barnes & Noble, which noted last week that it was "excited" to be supporting the format in its forthcoming Nook e-reader.

Continue reading Switched On: Making book with ePUB

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Switched On: Making book with ePUB originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeamazonbarnes and noblebarnes nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblecolumncolumnsdrmebookebook readerEbookReaderepubfeaturedfeautureskindlereadersonyswitched onSwitchedOnSun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/video-sonys-ceatec-concept-party-includes-walkman-bracelet-and/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/video-sonys-ceatec-concept-party-includes-walkman-bracelet-and/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/video-sonys-ceatec-concept-party-includes-walkman-bracelet-and/#comments We've yet to see a trade show where Sony left its Rhode Island-sized booth at home, and CEATEC is no exception. Aside from pushing its 1080p 3D installations with an epic amount of force, the company also had a smattering of swank new concepts on display that caught our eyes. A 0.2 millimeter-thin flexible OLED display was alive and displaying content, while an ultrathin Reader mock-up looked more like a MID and less like a Kindle. Without question, the two items that took our breath away were the all-panel laptop (which tossed the traditional keyboard in favor of a single, swooping display) and the Walkman bracelet, which did little more than talk dirty to us and get our imaginations working overtime. Unfortunately, all the good stuff was behind bulletproof glass with practically zero information to digest, but you can indulge your senses anyway in the gallery below and video after the break.

Gallery: Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED

Continue reading Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED (video)

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Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bendable displayBendableDisplaybraceletceatecceatec 2009Ceatec2009engadget videoEngadgetVideofeaturedvideofeaturesflexible displayFlexibleDisplayhands-onlcdoledreadersonysony readerSonyReadervaiovaio xVaioXvideoTue, 06 Oct 2009 05:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony outs pink Vaio W, Pocket Reader bundles for Breast Cancer Awareness Month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/sony-outs-pink-vaio-w-touch-reader-bundles-for-breast-cancer-aw/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/sony-outs-pink-vaio-w-touch-reader-bundles-for-breast-cancer-aw/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/sony-outs-pink-vaio-w-touch-reader-bundles-for-breast-cancer-aw/#comments
Sony's announced it will support Breast Cancer Awareness month by outing two new bundles -- and both of them are super pink. The first bundle will include a Berry Pink 10.5-inch Vaio W with an Intel Atom N280 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive, plus a matching sleeve and mouse. The second bundle will include the special edition Rose Pocket Edition reader with a gold clutch case, plus download codes for four e-books. Sony has said it will donate $110,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in conjunction with October sales for these bundles. The Vaio W bundle will run you $499, while the reader bundle is $199. Both can be ordered now at Sony Style.

[Via Slashgear]

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Sony outs pink Vaio W, Pocket Reader bundles for Breast Cancer Awareness Month originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksbreast cancer awareness monthBreastCancerAwarenessMonthe-readere-readershandheldslaptopsnetbookspinkpocket editionpocket readerPocketEditionPocketReaderreaderreaderssonyFri, 02 Oct 2009 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/video-sony-reader-touch-edition-gets-touched-desktop-software/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/video-sony-reader-touch-edition-gets-touched-desktop-software/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/video-sony-reader-touch-edition-gets-touched-desktop-software/#comments Sony's Daily Edition may be taking a front row seat in everyone's hearts and minds right now, but let's not forget just three weeks prior the company revamped its other two, decidedly network connectivity-free e-book reader models. MobileTechReview got its hands on the PRS-600 "Touch Edition," which scores points for an easy-to-use dictionary and enhanced note-taking abilities that are purported to sync to the desktop, at least eventually. Turns out the screen isn't as sharp as the PRS-505 and there's a bit of glare, but there's certainly more contrast with the new device. Last we heard both readers were due for check out by the end of this month, although as of this writing only Pocket Edition seems to be available on Sony Style -- and if you're already enjoying a Sony reader, you'll be happy to know that 3.0 desktop software is now making the rounds for PC and Mac. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Tom]

Read - PRS-600 review
Read - SonyStyle store
Read - eBook Library Software 3.0

Continue reading Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0

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Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderprs 600prs-600Prs600readersonysony readersony reader touchsony reader touch editionSonyReaderSonyReaderTouchSonyReaderTouchEditiontouchtouch editionTouchEditionThu, 27 Aug 2009 03:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Readers cozy up for a family portrait]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-readers-cozy-up-for-a-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-readers-cozy-up-for-a-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-readers-cozy-up-for-a-family-portrait/#comments It's too bad Sony doesn't have a working prototype to show of its new Daily Edition Reader (pictured on the right), but we got to look at all three of the Readers up next to each other, and it paints quite the picture of familial unity. We asked to see the Daily Edition without its cover, but apparently it's built into the device -- though you can change it out for an alternative, and the battery is replaceable. Check out the close-ups below.

Gallery: Sony's Readers cozy up for a family portrait


Sony's Readers cozy up for a family portrait originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily editionDailyEditiondigital readerDigitalReaderfeatureshands-onreadersonysony readerSonyReaderTue, 25 Aug 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-announces-daily-edition-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-announces-daily-edition-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-announces-daily-edition-reader/#comments
It flew under the radar until a quiet leak this morning, but Sony's just announced the Reader Daily Edition, as well as updated Mac-compatible eBook Library 3.0 software and a new library content service. The Reader Daily Edition has a seven-inch touchscreen with 16 levels of gray as well as a AT&T 3G modem, enabling it to pull content wirelessly -- it'll launch in December for $400, and the 3G access will be free, but limited to accessing the Sony eBook store. Yeah, sorry -- no web browser here. We're a little more geeked about the library finder service, which enables you to check out ebooks and other digital content from your local public library on any of the Readers -- for free. The New York Public Library is the flashy public launch partner, but there are "thousands more" looped in through a partnership with Overdrive.com -- check out the huge selection of top-tier content you can get through the Chicago Public Library, for example. Interestingly, the library buys a fixed number of "copies" of each title and "checks out" the licenses, so you're on a time limit -- licenses will revert after 14-29 days depending on your local branch's rules. Yeah, it's a little DRM-y and there's a lot of interesting new media and copyright implications there, but it's still a pretty amazing idea, and it's definitely a major advantage over the Kindle. We're gunning for more info now, we'll let you know as soon as we find out more -- until then, check two more images after the break.

Update: We're told that partnerships with university libraries were "only a matter of time," but sadly there's no timetable for a European launch at the moment.

Read - Sony Reader Daily Edition PR
Read - Overdrive.com partnership PR

Continue reading Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts

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Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdaily editionDailyEditionlibraryoverdriveoverdrive.comreadersonyTue, 25 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's 'Daily Edition' Reader launch event]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-daily-edition-reader-launch-event/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-daily-edition-reader-launch-event/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sonys-daily-edition-reader-launch-event/#comments We're huddled up in an obscure corner of the New York Public Library, waiting for Sony to drop its new Reader news on us. There are numerous publishing people here, and for our money we'd say a wireless-equipped, "daily" news sort of device is about to descend upon us, but we'll find out for sure when Sony gets on the makeshift stage and tells all.

10:30AM: The President and CEO of the New York Public Library is up front, and he says the digital content of the NYPL will be available to Sony Readers for free.


10:34AM: Steve Haber, president of Sony's Digital Reading Business Division is up now, and he likens the transition from books to digital books to vinyl to CD and film to digital photo.

10:38AM: Launching 3.0 eBook Library software. Mac and PC compatible, notes made on the touch edition can be printed.

10:40AM: Library Finder. You can register for a library card, and then check out ebooks from the "library" over the internet. Content expires in the number of days specified by the library. No late fees!

10:43AM: Sony Reader Daily Edition! 3G, 7-inch touchscreen, $399. Picture is up top.

10:53AM: Check out some "hands-on" photos below. He didn't let us touch it, and apparently this isn't even a working prototype. Still, from our angle, it's looking pretty slick!

Gallery: Sony's 'Daily Edition' Reader launch event


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Sony's 'Daily Edition' Reader launch event originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdaily editionDailyEditionebookfeatureshands-onin the wildInTheWildreadersonysony readerSonyReaderTue, 25 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony teases Daily Edition Reader, announcement imminent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-teases-daily-edition-reader-announce-imminent/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-teases-daily-edition-reader-announce-imminent/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/sony-teases-daily-edition-reader-announce-imminent/#comments We're actually about to head out the door for a Sony Reader announcement of some sort, and this "Daily Edition" device that just popped up on Sony's "Words Move Me" site sure seems like a prime candidate. Is Sony trying to mix in a bit of the Kindle's wireless-based up-to-date-ness at long last? We'll find out in about an hour.

[Thanks, Skippy]

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Sony teases Daily Edition Reader, announcement imminent originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily editionDailyEditionebookreadersonysony reader daily editionSonyReaderDailyEditionTue, 25 Aug 2009 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Sony PRS-600 Touch is fast but too dim to satisfy PRS-505 owner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/video-sony-prs-600-touch-is-fast-but-too-dim-to-satisfy-prs-505/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/video-sony-prs-600-touch-is-fast-but-too-dim-to-satisfy-prs-505/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/video-sony-prs-600-touch-is-fast-but-too-dim-to-satisfy-prs-505/#comments Touch, it's the panacea of e-book readers, right? Sure, just so long as readability isn't sacrificed in the process. Flickr user Doodlydood uploaded some pics and video of Sony's new $300 PRS-600 (on the left above) reader and did a quick comparison with his legacy PRS-505. Unfortunately, the glare from the plastic resistive touchscreen is an issue and the weak contrast, like the touchscreen PRS-700 before it, pales by comparison to Sony's two year old PRS-505 with glass display. On the flip side, page turns on the new 600 were fast and "work extremely well" compared to the PRS-505. Unfortunately, that's a minor victory when the whole purpose of an e-reader it to well, you know... read. See for yourselves in the videos after the break.

[Via Lesen.net, thanks Johannes]

Continue reading Video: Sony PRS-600 Touch is fast but too dim to satisfy PRS-505 owner

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Video: Sony PRS-600 Touch is fast but too dim to satisfy PRS-505 owner originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505600e-booke-readerebookereaderhands-onin the wildInTheWildprs-505prs-600readerresistivesonytouchscreenMon, 24 Aug 2009 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony takes Reader openness one step further, will offer EPUB titles only]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/sony-takes-reader-openness-one-step-further-will-offer-epub-tit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/sony-takes-reader-openness-one-step-further-will-offer-epub-tit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/sony-takes-reader-openness-one-step-further-will-offer-epub-tit/#comments
Slowly but surely, the mega-corp who has historically clung tight to its own formats while the world opts for others is finally seeing the light. Just over a year after Sony pushed out an update that enabled its Reader to use purchased books in the open EPUB format, the outfit is now promising to sell digital books only in that format by the year's end. Moreover, Sony is aiming to nix its "proprietary anti-copying software in favor of technology from the software maker Adobe that restricts how often e-books can be shared or copied." Once the switchover takes place, books purchased in Sony's online store will be readable on any device that supports EPUB, one of which will be Plastic Logic's forthcoming e-reader. And to think -- if only this change of heart would've happened prior to the introduction of ATRAC...

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Sony takes Reader openness one step further, will offer EPUB titles only originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobebookse inke readere-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEInkePUBEReaderopenopen sourceOpenSourcerandom houseRandomHousereaderreadingsonysony readerSonyReaderThu, 13 Aug 2009 07:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader Pocket and Touch editions lower cost of entry, online e-book store follows suit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/sony-reader-pocket-and-touch-editions-lower-cost-of-entry-onlin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/sony-reader-pocket-and-touch-editions-lower-cost-of-entry-onlin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/sony-reader-pocket-and-touch-editions-lower-cost-of-entry-onlin/#comments As it turns out, those Sony Reader leaks from earlier this week were spot on. The company just went official with the PRS-300 and 600, which will more affectionately be known as the Pocket and Touch editions, respectively. The latter (pictured left, not to scale) is the 6-inch resistive touchscreen model replacing the PRS-700, with Memory Stick / Duo and SD card slots. The backlighting layer from its predecessor has been dropped to improve touch responsiveness and to alleviate concerns of glare. It also comes packing a stylus and a digitized copy of the Oxford American English Dictionary and will be available in red, black, and silver. The Pocket Edition, on the other hand, is your standard fare with no touchscreen or expandable disk port, and palettes including blue, silver, and rose. Both models have USB 2.0, 512MB internal memory, and no WiFi whatsoever -- Sony assures us a WiFi version is coming and there'll be news on those coming soon, but this isn't it. There's also Mac compatibility, a first for the series, that's trickling down to older models via a firmware update. Touch and Pocket will be available by the end of August and will retail for $299 and $199, a substantially more competitive price point than its previous generation. Speaking of which, as of tomorrow, the Sony's e-book store is dropping the prices of its bestsellers from $11.99 to $9.99. A win all around, but will it be enough to make a dent in Kindle's stronghold? Things are certainly getting more interesting.

Gallery: Sony Reader Pocket and Touch editions lower cost of entry, online e-book store follows suit

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Sony Reader Pocket and Touch editions lower cost of entry, online e-book store follows suit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderprs 300prs 600prs-300prs-600Prs300Prs600readerreader pocketreader touchReaderPocketReaderTouchsonysony readerSonyReaderTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Full specs leak on Sony Reader PRS-300 and PRS-600 ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/full-specs-leak-on-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/full-specs-leak-on-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/full-specs-leak-on-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600/#comments
Still doubting that Sony has a new duo of e-book readers on the horizon? Have a look at this. Sony Insider is reporting that retailer J&R posted up product listings for both the PRS-300 and PRS-600, but both were quickly pulled in order to avoid a stern wrist slap from the suits at Sony. 'Course, neither were pulled quickly enough, and what we're left with is a list of full specifications and MSRPs for the both of 'em. If said sheets are to be believed, the 5-inch (800 x 600 resolution) Sony PRS300-RC Reader Pocket Edition will ship with 512MB of onboard memory, PC and Mac support, a battery good for 7,500 page turns and USB 2.0 connectivity. The 6-inch (800 x 600 resolution) PRS600-SC Reader Touch Edition checks in at 0.4-inches thin and boasts a virtual keyboard, doodle capability, 512MB of storage, a built-in English e-dictionary, PC and Mac support and the same battery as on the smaller sibling. We're looking at price tags of $199 and $299, respectively, but with no apparent WiFi or WWAN built in, it'll still be a hard sell over Amazon's connected Kindle here in America.

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Full specs leak on Sony Reader PRS-300 and PRS-600 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEReaderprs 300prs 600prs-300prs-600Prs300PRS300-RCPrs600PRS600-SCreadersonysony readerSonyReaderMon, 03 Aug 2009 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sony Reader PRS-300 and PRS-600 details leaked]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/new-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600-details-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/new-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600-details-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/new-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600-details-leaked/#comments
You know the drill -- service manuals get posted for new / unannounced products, the kids in the forums pounce, and then Sony makes 'em disappear (the documents, that is -- Sony doesn't rub people out, at least not yet). In this case, user 'berboris' over at The Electronic Book found details for two Sony Readers as yet unheard of: The PRS-300 features a 5-inch display, roughly 440MB storage after system files are accounted for, and that's about it -- no touchscreen, no audio output, no card slots. The PRS-600, however, sports a 6-inch touchscreen, audio output (presumably for MP3 audiobooks and the like), SD/MS slots, and 380MB storage when all's said and done. The manuals don't mention any sort of lighting for the units or any kind of wireless connection, although both models will apparently be available in silver, red, and black -- which you can peep, conveniently enough, after the break.

[Via Mobile Read]

Read - Forum post
Read - More info and PDFs at Sony Insider

Continue reading New Sony Reader PRS-300 and PRS-600 details leaked

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New Sony Reader PRS-300 and PRS-600 details leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>handheldsleakleakedprs-300prs-600readerservice manualServiceManualsonysony readerSonyReaderThu, 30 Jul 2009 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony brings over a million Google Books to the Reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/sony-brings-over-a-million-google-books-to-the-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/sony-brings-over-a-million-google-books-to-the-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/sony-brings-over-a-million-google-books-to-the-reader/#commentsCool move by Sony to bolster the number of titles in its Reader ebook store -- it's linked up with Google to provide over a million free public domain works from Google Books, just like those fun folks at Barnes and Noble. The books are in the EPUB format and will work with the PRS-505 or the PRS-700 in the US only for now -- different countries have different copyright terms, so we'd imagine the lawyers are busy sorting it all out. Sure, none of this will do much to shake the Kindle's market- and mindshare, but at least Sony won't be deleting this stuff off your device without your permission, right?

[Thanks, Tom]

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Sony brings over a million Google Books to the Reader originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readerE-readersebookebooksfree ebooksFreeEbooksgooglegoogle booksGoogleBooksprs-505prs-700public domainPublicDomainreadersonyWed, 29 Jul 2009 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[PVI's color e-ink delayed until 2010, big-screen Sony Reader coming?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/pvis-color-e-ink-delayed-until-2010-big-screen-sony-reader-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/pvis-color-e-ink-delayed-until-2010-big-screen-sony-reader-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/pvis-color-e-ink-delayed-until-2010-big-screen-sony-reader-com/#commentsPVI's color e-ink delayed until 2010, big-screen Sony Reader coming?Color e-ink displays are starting to become less of a curiosity and more of a reality, but if the rumor from DigiTimes proves true it's going to be another year or so before we start seeing them en masse. PVI, makers of displays for the Kindle and Sony Reader, has apparently indicated that its attempts at creating a color display have been more or less unsatisfactory and it's going to take until 2010 at least to get its hues sorted out. That's the bad news. There is some good news, though, indicating that Sony's working on its own 8.5 x 11-inch reader utilizing the same screen as the Kindle DX. Since the last rumors about that display was pretty-much on the mark, we wouldn't be surprised if this one proved true as well -- and we can't wait to see what Sony charges for it.

[Via SlashGear]

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PVI's color e-ink delayed until 2010, big-screen Sony Reader coming? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleamazon kindle dxAmazonKindleAmazonKindleDxcolorcolor e-inkColorE-inke-inkkindlekindle dxKindleDxpvipvi e-inkPviE-inkreadersonysony readerSonyReaderFri, 08 May 2009 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Reader: Danielle Steel edition available now for suburban escapists]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/sony-reader-danielle-steel-edition-available-now-for-suburban-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/sony-reader-danielle-steel-edition-available-now-for-suburban-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/sony-reader-danielle-steel-edition-available-now-for-suburban-e/#comments
It's been a wild day so far for all you Kindle fans, but Sony doesn't want you to forget that it has a little e-reader of its own. And since the company knows how you can't resist a good romance, it's now bundling the Reader with (count 'em!) three books by Danielle Steel. That's right, Danielle Steel: the one woman single-handedly responsible for bringing the glamor, the fame, the triumphs, and the heartbreaks of the imaginary jet-set to your seat on the bus as it takes you to your lousy retail gig every morning at 6:30 AM. Not only is her name embossed on the e-reader's elegant red cover, but the whole shebang comes with a personalized form letter from the bestselling author herself. This bad boy is available to the Lifetime Network-set as we speak for a cool $279.99, so grab your plastic and hit that read link.

[Via Electronista]

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Sony Reader: Danielle Steel edition available now for suburban escapists originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's plan to launch an updated Reader today wasn't exactly a secret, but there are still some surprises to the new PRS-700 -- particularly the new six-inch touchscreen E-Ink display. Page turning is now accomplished by a swipe motion with faster refreshes, and there's a stylus and on-screen keyboard for searching and note-taking -- plus an LED reading light (not a backlight) for reading in the dark. Apart from that, it's basically the same deal as the PRS-505 -- internal storage for about 350 ebooks with SD and MS-Duo expansion and a 7500 page-turn battery life round out the package, as well as an updated online store. Of course, there's no Kindle-killing integrated wireless for the $400 price tag, but it'll be interesting to see how they stack up when the PRS-700 hits shelves next month.

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Sony announces PRS-700 Reader with touchscreen originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony isn't exactly going for subtle in the invitation to its upcoming event on October 2nd. In addition to that picture up above -- which is decidedly bookish, if you ask us -- the press event is being held in "Bookmarks Lounge" at the "Library Hotel" in NY. If that's still too obscure for you, perhaps the "join Sony Electronics as we open a new chapter on digital reading" will tip you off. Yes, Sony did recently improve the Reader's software to work with more booksellers, but the hardware of the PRS-505 itself is nearly a year old, and Sony has found itself decidedly out-Kindled. Our money's on a new Reader, or barring that, some subtle, Sony-esque potshots at Amazon for having the nerve to show up late to the e-book party and swipe all the glory. Those jerks.

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Sony launching Reader refresh next month? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Sony's Reader has never received the enormous press or enjoyed the supposed whirlwind sales of Amazon's Kindle e-book, and is certainly lacking in, erm, EV-DOness, the Reader is about to get one trick the Kindle doesn't have yet: openness. Sony will be shooting out an update on Thursday to allow the Reader to use purchased books in the protected EPUB format from whoever is peddling them, instead of being tied to the Sony's e-book store, or just DRM-free text and PDF documents. That openness should help Sony beef up its selection -- which is lagging behind Amazon's -- and will hopefully mark a bit of a turning point in the e-book market to more standards and, more importantly, more books.

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Sony Reader goes open, will be able to work with other booksellers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Americans have had the opportunity to pick up Sony's Reader for what seems like eons, but you poor bookworms holed up in the UK have been neglected unjustly. No more, as Sony has just opened up the phone lines for folks eager to claim their spot in line the queue. No need in rehashing the specifications you already know -- it's still the same ole PRS-505, just way more expensive in US dollars.

[Via MobileRead, thanks Alex]

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Sony Reader pre-order now live in the UK, shipping in September originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony just went live with their latest eBook reader, the PRS-505. Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen it but it's always good to get an official release. Available "this month" for $300 in silver and dark blue, Sony's 500-followup features a new electronic paper display that is more responsive with a better contrast than its predecessor while offering expansion for both Memory Stick Duo or SD memory cards. A new USB Mass Storage mode allows for a lickity-quick transfer of files when connected to your PC. Better yet perhaps, is to see a late 90's indie band coming out in support of Sony, eh Joey?

Gallery: Sony's PRS-505 eBook reader ships this month


[Via MobileRead, thanks Alex]

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Sony's PRS-505 eBook reader ships this month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Given the many opportunities Sony's had to demo new gear in the past month, you'd think we'd have seen this earlier, but it looks like the company's latest ebook reader, the PRS-505, will be making its grand debut on the website of Chicago's own Abt Electronics. The update to the original Sony Reader will come in either silver or blue, feature a slightly redesigned layout, twice the internal memory, and may potentially rock what seems like an updated display. No word on any other changes, but it looks like the price is the same at $299.

[Thanks, hamster]

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Sony's PRS-505 ebook reader leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First off, contrary to the beliefs of certain commenters, we absolutely do not hate Sony -- we just think that after the infamous PS3 and BDP-S1 Blu-ray delays, the company would want to do everything possible to make sure that another highly-anticipated product doesn't fall into the same cycle. Yet that's exactly what we're seeing with the upcoming PRS-500 eBook reader first announced at CES -- originally scheduled for a spring release before slipping to a summer time frame -- whose launch has now been pushed back once again to sometime this fall. According to an email Sony sent out to potential customers -- wisely thanking them for their patience -- the e-ink-based Reader will now be shipping "in time for the holidays," which hopefully doesn't refer to December 24th. Sample launch titles include Freakanomics and The Da Vinci Code, although by the time you can actually get your hands on the hardware, you'll probably have already read those books along with many of the other initial offerings. As much as we'd like to own one of these handy ~$350 devices -- and despite having no need whatsoever for a bunch of aviation documents -- we're pretty close to just biting the bullet and shelling out $900 for the eFlyBook version of iRex's iLiad that went on sale yesterday.

[Thanks, Curt C. and Riley P.]

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Sony's PRS-500 eBook reader subject to another delay originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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