Sony has introduced a wireless ebook reader that allows users to download and read books. This device poses a direct challenge to Amazon’s Kindle device. The ebook reader will cost $399 and will feature a touch-screen interface. It can store up to 1,000 novels and can download books over mobile networks. It also enables users to “borrow” books from local libraries for 21 days.
Currently, Amazon’s Kindle is the main market leader. Recently in May, Amazon announced a new version of the Kindle which could be used to read newspapers, magazines and other documents. This device, named as Kindle DX boasted a much larger screen than the previous version.
Though the Kindle DX had many new features and plus points, it was criticized for its high price tag. At $489, the Kindle DX is very costly for the functionality it offers.
Unlike the Kindle, Sony’s ebook reader is much smaller and has a 7-inch touch screen interface. It can be used to read books in both portrait and landscape modes.
Sony has entered into collaboration with AT & T, which will allow its network to be used to download books wirelessly using the device.
Sony also introduced an application which will allow users to download books from local libraries. After 21 days, the books will expire automatically. So, the users won’t have to pay any late fees.
Earlier, Sony also announced that it would stop using its proprietary ebook format and instead would use the open ePub format.
This move will greatly expand the value of Sony’s ebook reader as users will be able to access books via the public library network, Google’s public domain collection–which has over 1 million volumes and also other sites which offer downloadable books in ePub format.
Sony mentioned that more information about the device will be published shortly. The device will be available in the US from December.
SOURCE: BBC