Archive for the ‘sony ereader’ tag
Sony opens Reader Store in UK no comments
Sony has finally opened a UK branch of its Reader Store. Previously the Sony website directed its ereader users in the UK to Waterstones, WHSmith and Mills & Boon to purchase contemporary ebooks or Feedbooks, Gutenberg and ManyBooks for public domain and other free titles.
The ebooks at the Sony Reader Store UK are, of course, in ePub format with Adobe DRM. The free Reader desktop app will need to be downloaded and installed before downloading ebooks purchased at the Reader Store, unless one is using the Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) or the Reader for Tablet app on one of the Sony tablets. The desktop app will enable sideloading of purchased ebooks onto your Sony ereader or other brands of ereader that are compatible with ePub and Adobe DRM.
(via International Business Times)
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Sony PRS-T1 Reader – Review no comments
This time around Sony has refreshed its ereader lineup with a single ereader, the PRS-T1, rather than offering a selection of different devices at different price points and screen sizes as it did with the last generation. This would seem to make more sense in today’s ereader market and retailing environment. The PRS-T1 does introduce a couple of interesting and innovative features, although nothing that I would call really revolutionary. 
Sony has jettisoned the aluminum casing of its previous ereaders. The PRS-T1 is all plastic except for a metal strip below the screen where the hard buttons are mounted. This makes sense as plastic is both lighter and cheaper. The aluminum case of the older Sony ereaders was something I liked as it seemed to lend a feeling of durability. That was deception of course, as the screen is the most fragile part of an ereader and the aluminum case did not add much protection to that. So plastic it is.
The new Sony ereader is available in several colors; I got mine in black. On the black model Sony has used a shiny black plastic for the front bezel while the back of the case is covered in a matte black nonslip coating. The shiny black bezel is quite the little dust magnet.
Sony does not include a charger for the PRS-T1, although one is available as an optional accessory. The included USB cable provides for charging at your desktop. Mine came with a partial charge out of the box. Sony claims a battery life of 3-4 weeks with the Wi-Fi on and that feels about right based on my usage so far. In the settings there is the option to enable Network Standby Mode which turns the Wi-Fi off when idle for a period of time and reconnects the PRS-T1 as needed. If enabled, this feature should give better battery life than leaving the Wi-Fi on all of the time, although it will result in a delay while reconnecting.
Besides the USB cable the PRS-T1 also comes with a rather cheap-looking plastic stylus that will clip to a cover if you have one, but you cannot store it in the housing of the ereader as you could with past generations of Sony ereaders. The PRS-T1 has a handwriting and drawing app for which the stylus might be useful if it doesn’t get lost or eaten by the family pets.
The home screen of the Sony features two pages. The first page shows your most recently read book at the top, below which are shown the covers of the three ebooks most recently added to the library. Below that are four buttons: Books lets you see the ebooks in your library; Periodicals; Collections and a button to connect to the Reader Store.
Sony has used the touchscreen of the PRS-T1 to provide a more graphical interface by providing virtual buttons for apps and menus. This is much more appealing than just having a line of text to tap on and it works well.
The second page is all about these buttons — there are buttons here that will connect you to the Public Library, Google Books (don’t get all exited — this is just the free public domain book collection from Google at the Sony Reader Store), the web browser and your online library of purchased titles at the Reader Store.
Additionally there are buttons here to access the dictionary, your annotations (all of your annotations from across all books and periodicals in one place), pictures, audio, and settings. Sony has provided a lot of settings for you to play with — everything from choosing which direction you swipe the screen to turn the page forward to what picture will be displayed on the screensaver. You can also choose to set the internal memory of the ereader or the SD card as the destination for downloads. There are even tools here to let you format either the SD card or the PRS-T1’s internal memory. The web browser has 19 different settings.
The Library button works quite well but you will need to first connect the PRS-T1 to an account at the Sony Reader Store before you can search for and then connect to your local public library. Once this is done you can just download a library ebook directly to your ereader or, more likely, join the waiting list to do so.
Initially connecting my PRS-T1 to my account at the Sony Reader Store was not exactly glitch-free. Several times, after processing my account information, the PRS-T1 came back with a network error which seemed to indicate that I was not connected to the Internet. When I checked the Wi-Fi status however, the ereader was still connected. Once the Reader Store app force closed and before I could get it to open and try again I had to reboot the ereader.
Finally, after a number of tries and some deep breathing exercises I did get connected to my account. But then when I tried to download a couple of previously purchased ebooks from my Reader Store library to the PRS-T1, Sony seemed to think that I should have to pay for them again. After logging off and waiting awhile before connecting to my account again I was able to download titles from my library to the new ereader without repurchasing them.
Connecting to Sony’s ebookstore has gone smoothly enough after getting over these initial hurdles. It is possible that the Reader Store just happened to be out to lunch when I tried to connect, but I doubt it as I remember having similar problems when first trying to connect to my account with the Reader for Android app on my Android phone and Xoom.
Library management tools on the PRS-T1 include being able to create and delete Collections to organize your ebooks into; being able to delete ebooks from the device itself; and the ability to sort through your ebook collection by Title, Author, Date, File Name and Recently Added.
When reading an ebook you tap the hard Menu button to access the reading tools. There are a number of features available here, including:
- Navigation: Go to the Table of Contents, back to the previous view; enter a page number to go to; a slider to rapidly move back or forward through the ebook.
- Notes: View your bookmarks, highlights, and notes — either handwritten or typed via the virtual keyboard.
- Font: There are eight font sizes and seven font styles, although
handwritten notes won’t be displayed unless the Original font is selected. The largest font size is a little smaller than that of the Kindle. - Customize View: Lets the reader select full page or 2- or 3- column split view. There is a fit-to-width landscape mode as well. Other settings here let you crop pages that have large margins and adjust the contrast, which might make scanned documents more readable. These features will probably be most useful when viewing PDFs.
- Handwriting: Create or erase handwritten notes.
- Additional tools available here include screen orientation and a search tool.
Hyperlinks are supported, and when you are done reading at the linked to material you can return to your previous page by tapping on the icons Sony has thoughtfully provided at the bottom of the page. If these return-to icons are lost you can also go back by tapping the Previous View button in the Navigation menu.
Tapping and holding a word in an ebook brings up a definition and also results in five buttons arranged near the word: Highlight, Add Note, Search, Wikipedia and Google. The PRS-T1 comes with the New Oxford English and American dictionaries as well as a number of translation dictionaries. You can change the default dictionary without closing the ebook, but you cannot install new dictionaries.
The zForce touchscreen works very smoothly and Sony has done an excellent job of implementing it. There is a pinch-to-zoom feature that comes in very handy for expanding graphics found in an ebook. Once zoomed in, you can drag the view around with your finger. If you have ever tried in vain to make a chart or graph larger and more readable on another ereader you will appreciate this feature. 
Pinch-to-zoom does not seem to be implemented in the public library app or in the Sony Reader Store, but when browsing the web with the PRS-T1’s browser it does work. You can also view webpages in landscape mode. There is nothing experimental about the web browser on the PRS-T1, and it is one of the better ones I’ve seen on an e-ink ereader. There are three pages of browser settings that can be accessed from the hard Menu button while the browser is open or from the virtual Settings button on the second Home page.
Pinch-to-zoom and panning around the pages of a PDF document also is quite smooth and speedy for an e-ink device. Notes and highlights can be made on PDFs, but sometimes not while zoomed in. Sony adds some options to adjust the brightness and contrast that might help to make some poorly scanned documents more readable. There is also a cropping tool that can help with documents that have excessive margins. Zoom levels are maintained as you page through a document.
The current trend in e-ink based ereaders is to completely refresh the display every sixth page turn or so. Sony has elected not to do this and you get e-ink’s traditional flash to black with every page turn. I would like to see Sony release an update that offers users the option for intermittent full refreshes.
The e-ink display of the PRS-T1 seems slightly more contrasty than that of the new Kindle 4. The screen of the new Sony ereader seems to have slightly less gray in it and under some lighting conditions looks like fine porcelain. The PRS-T1 is very nice to read on.
Below is my rather long video review of the PRS-T1.
Sony PRS-T1 vs Kindle 4 & Nook ereaders
The PRS-T1 is an excellent example of ereader hardware and is a pleasure to read with. It is light and very comfortable to hold and use. In appearance it is rather plain (I guess I’ve been spoiled by the good looks of the Nook Touch) but okay. If I could change something about the styling I would prefer a matte bezel (ala the Kindle Keyboard graphite) to the shiny plastic Sony used for my black model. This would have helped to reduce the dust magnet effect.
When it comes to features, Sony has included all of the bells and whistles we have come to expect in our ereaders. Navigation is very good and well thought out. There is a lot of depth to the feature set when it is needed, yet the PRS-T1 manages to still be intuitive to use and has an easy learning curve. I like the buttons that Sony uses to open apps and settings menus and I expect we will be seeing this more graphical type of interface in other touchscreen ereaders in the future.
While Sony’s new ereader is very nice it does have two major drawbacks, at least for North American users. The first is the price tag. While Sony has made the PRS-T1 much more competitively priced, at $150 it is still pricier than most of the competition.
Then there is the fact that the PRS-T1 will not give you access to the Kindle Store or the Nook store, which are the biggest ebook stores in the US. You can shop for ebooks at the Sony Reader Store, Kobo and other ePub shops supporting Adobe DRM. For users in other countries this will perhaps be less of an issue, as Barnes & Noble will be taken out of the equation.
If you are happy with the available content and are willing to pay the somewhat higher price of entry, the PRS-T1 is an excellent ereader. Some of Sony’s retailing partners seem to have dropped the company’s ereaders, but at present the stores where you can find it include Sony Style, Best Buy and Target.
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Sony unveils new ereader no comments
Sony officially released the details of its newest ereader today. The Sony Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) will feature a 6-inch Pearl display and will weigh in at under 6 ounces. The new Sony ereader will feature a touchscreen — one on which pinch to zoom has been enabled. A stylus is supplied, but is not necessary to use the touchscreen.
The PRS-T1 will allow users to use the Wi-Fi connection to connect directly to public libraries in the US and Canada via a dedicated icon. eBooks can be checked out from the device itself rather than having to be sideloaded.
Sony also confirms earlier rumors that it would be bundling the Harry Potter ebooks with its new ereader, although the release does not specifically say whether the Potter books will come to the new Sony Reader before going on sale to the general public. The PRS-T1 will come with a voucher for the first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, to be downloaded from Pottermore “when it becomes available.”
The PRS-T1 will come with two English (British and American) and 10 translation dictionaries on board. Other features include 2GB memory, headphone jack (the PRS-T1 can play back music), six font styles with eight font sizes and user changeable screensavers. Sony claims a battery life of over a month or 3 weeks with the Wi-Fi turned on.
The PRS-T1 is expected to be available in October (this is according to the release from Sony — at the Sony Style site it says mid-September) and will be priced at $149. Three colors will be available — Red, White or Black.
It is good to see that Sony got the Wi-Fi in there this time around. The pricing is much more competitive as well. Looks like the lower pricing and the very light weight come at the cost of the metal case that previous generations of Sony ereaders have had. This is necessary in order for Sony to be at all competitive, but one thing I like about my PRS-650 is the metal case, which makes it feel more durable and solid than the plastic cases of other ereaders.
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New Sony ereaders on the way? no comments
Bloomberg is reporting that Sony plans to refresh its line of ereaders, with new models possibly arriving on store shelves in August. Sony also has a couple of tablets on the way.
I have to say that I’ve had the feeling of late that Sony is abandoning the ereader market in the US. The company’s ereaders have fallen behind the Nook and Kindle ereaders in terms of marketshare.
My take — To get back in the race Sony will need to achieve more competitive pricing and include expected features like Wi-Fi. To do this it will need to put more emphasis on selling content than it currently does. The competition makes relatively little on the ereader devices themselves, which are subsidized by the sale of ebooks. This seems to be a concept that Sony has so far been unwilling to grasp.
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Sony expands its Reader Library Program no comments
It has really started to feel to me as though Sony is not assigning much importance to its ereaders any more, at least not in this country. Today is the first ereader-related news from Sony in a while:
Sony originally announced its Reader Library Program to promote digital reading about eight months ago. In September, 2010 the first 30 libraries to participate in the program were announced. Today Sony says it is expanding the program to include a second group of 30 public libraries from 20 states across the US.
"The first phase of our Reader Library Program was a tremendous success with participating libraries across the country reporting significant interest from patrons corresponding with strong growth in digital lending," said Phil Lubell, Sony Electronics’ vice president of digital reading. "Today, we’re excited to announce the next 30 participants in the program and look forward to opening up digital reading opportunities to more consumers."
"The Sony Reader Library Program has enabled our Library to successfully spread the word about digital books, and we have seen an unprecedented increase in use since the inception of this timely partnership," said Kara Kohn of the Plainfield Public Library. "Our patrons are enjoying the opportunity to test out devices the library would not otherwise be able to provide in the current economic climate. The training and knowledge we received from Sony goes a long way in communicating to the public that the library is on the cutting edge. We can’t thank Sony enough for this effective initiative and hope it motivates other libraries to be active promoters of eBooks in the public library."
Here is what Sony provides the libraries:
- An in-house training session for participating library staff developed by Sony. This in-person session will cover digital reading formats, an overview of sources for digital materials, and training on Sony’s Reader digital reading devices.
- Sony’s Reader digital reading devices for use by library staff.
- Educational materials and informational bookmarks to provide patrons background on digital reading devices and eBook borrowing programs.
The 30 libraries newly participating in the program:
- Rancho Bernardo Branch Library (San Diego, CA)
- Laguna Hills Technology Library (Laguna Hills, CA)
- Denton Public Library – South (Denton, TX)
- Utica Public Library (Utica, NY)
- Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs, CO)
- Mill Valley Public Library (Mill Valley, CA)
- Mesa County Libraries (Grand Junction, CO)
- Park Ridge Public Library (Park Ridge, NJ)
- Mansfield Public Library (Mansfield, MA)
- Kalamazoo Public Library (Kalamazoo, MI)
- Moline Public Library (Moline, IL)
- Carnegie-Stout Public Library (Dubuque, IA)
- Roxbury Public Library (Succasunna, NJ)
- McHenry Public Library (McHenry, IL)
- Orono Public Library (Orono, ME)
- Mr. Vernon Public Library (Mt. Vernon, NY)
- Westborough Public Library (Westborough, MA)
- Town Hall Library (North Lake, WI)
- Rockville Centre Public Library (Rockville, NY)
- Springville Public Library (Springville, UT)
- Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (Evansville, IN)
- Howard City Library (Howard, KS)
- Buncombe County Public Library (Asheville, NC)
- Pioneer Library (Norman, OK)
- Fairfield County District Library (Lancaster, OH)
- Ohoopee Regional Library (Vidalia, GA)
- Grant County Public Library (Williamstown, KY)
- Parkland Community Library (Allentown, PA)
- Hooksett Public Library (Hooksett, NH)
- West Milford Township Library (West Milford, NJ)
Sony is also providing digital reading assistance to libraries beyond the next 30 participants in the Reader Library Program. Libraries not currently participating will have access to further program information, details on applying for it, free eBook training videos and printable collateral for them to use in educating their patrons at www.sony.com/libraryprogram.
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New Sony eReaders Incoming no comments
SonyInsider reports that they have been tipped to new Sony ereaders that are imminent. This is not unexpected news – Sony has been fading in the ereader space, at least in the US, and needs to do something if it wants to stay and play.
The two new ereaders – the PRS-350 and PRS-650 – are said to be more compact and lighter, and possibly as thin as 10mm. Improved contrast and faster page turns are rumored as well. Most likely Sony would use the Pearl e-ink display which has 50 percent more contrast than the previous generation. More internal storage is said to be likely, as is a Wi-Fi connection (and maybe 3G as well) for the PRS-650.
The PRS-350 will sport a 5-inch screen, while the PRS-650 will come with a 6-inch screen. Pricing will no doubt be competitive with the Kindle and Nook ereaders. The big question is whether Sony will improve the touchscreen to get rid of the glare, which really killed the PRS-600 for many people, including myself.
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Sony Daily Edition Promo Video no comments
Sony Electronics has made a new promo video of the Sony Daily Edition ereader for use in retail kiosks and online campaigns. With very little fanfare the prices of the Sony ereaders have also been officially lowered – the new MSRP for the Pocket Edition is $149.99, the Touch Edition is $169.99 and the Daily Edition is now $299.99.
In fact, you could usually buy the Sony ereaders for these lower prices (and sometimes even lower) from discounter electronics sellers before the official price cut. Sony also has an Outlet Store with refurbished ereaders – currently there are Pocket Editions for $139.99 and Touch Editions for $159.99.
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Sony to Promote Digital Reading at Public Libraries no comments
Today is Library Advocacy Day, and to celebrate that Sony has announced its Reader Library program to support public libraries as they grow their ebook collections. Through the program Sony will provide public libraries with training on digital reading devices and will contribute ereaders for use by library staff. Instructional materials for library patrons on the access and use of the digital holdings at their library will also be provided.
From the press release:
The Reader Library program is open to public libraries with robust eBook lending programs. Program components include:
-- A training program for library staff developed by Sony. This one-time web-based session covers digital reading formats, an overview of sources for digital materials, and training on Sony's Reader digital reading devices. -- Sony's Reader digital reading devices for use by library staff and educational materials to provide readers background materials on digital reading devices. Sony will begin the program with a handful of libraries nationwide to tailor educational materials that reflect the content and features of each library's digital collection. -- Bi-annual update sessions designed to keep libraries and their staff current with the latest developments in digital reading content, format and devices.
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Sony Expanding Global eReader Business no comments
Sony announced today that it will be bringing its line of ereaders to more countries. From the press release:
Sony today announced it is preparing to make its Reader digital book available in several new markets. Plans include availability in new Asia/Pacific markets this year, including Japan, China and Australia, as well as further European expansion to encompass countries such as Italy and Spain. In each country Sony intends to leverage its relationships with local retailers, publishers and distributors to introduce the Reader along with a host of local content to help ensure the best possible reading experience.
Sony anticipates strong global demand for eReaders and eBooks in 2010, specifically within Asian markets. According to analyst firm Nomura Holdings Inc., Asia represents one of the fastest growing eBook and eReader markets, with Japanese eBook sales topping $500 million in 2009. Additionally, analyst firm DisplaySearch is predicting that China will become the world’s largest eReader market by 2015.
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Sony Reader Store Gets Shmoop Educational eBooks 1 comment
From the press release:
Shmoop (www.shmoop.com), a publisher of digital resources that make learning fun and relevant for students, today announced that it has made hundreds of its digital Learning Guides available as eBooks to Sony’s Reader™ Store, for downloading to Sony’s popular Reader and other compatible digital reading devices. More than 400 Shmoop eBooks for popular topics in Literature, Poetry, US History, Civics, Music, and Biography are now available.
“Sony’s Reader helped revolutionize the way people read and learn,” said Ellen Siminoff, CEO at Shmoop. “Sony’s Reader is a terrific reading experience that will help Shmoop bring smiles to millions of learners of all ages.”
Shmoop eBooks on the Reader Store
• Shmoop eBook Titles include witty and conversational Learning Guides for The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, World War II, the US Constitution, and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
• Shmoop eBooks are now available in Sony’s Reader Store. A shortcut to the full list of Shmoop eBooks is available on Shmoop’s website at http://www.shmoop.com/sony-reader-ebooks/
