The ongoing battle for eReader supremacy is set to take a potentially pivotal turn after Sony Corp. this week announced not one but two new devices that might force Amazon to more actively pursue wider global availability and slap a more competitive price on its trendy but expensive Kindle.
Soon to be a snake in the grass for Amazon? Image: cloudsoup/Flickr.
More pointedly, Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony has confirmed the upcoming arrival of its Reader Pocket Edition (PRS-300) and Reader Touch Edition (PRS-600) platforms, the former of which will retail for a tempting $199 USD, while the latter will cost $299 USD and come with an intuitive touch-screen user interface.
Expected to launch on August 25, the two new variants of Sony’s Reader are likely to pose a sizable threat to the momentum of Amazon’s Kindle, which retails for a full $100 USD more than the new Pocket Edition and, unlike the Reader, is yet to expand its reach into major global territories due to its reliance on Sprint’s US-exclusive Whispernet wireless technology.
And, not just looking to undercut the Kindle’s purchase price, Sony is also pushing the Reader where choice of content is concerned. Specifically, Reader users will have access to Google’s extensive catalogue of public domain books – which presently boasts more than a million free titles – and Sony will also match Amazon’s $9.99 USD price for new releases and best sellers.
In order to make clear its intentions, Sony has said it is working hard to increase consumer awareness regarding its Reader line and will begin selling the devices and related accessories through leading retail outlets such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco and many others. A major advertising and marketing campaign is also expected following the August 25 launch.
While not matching the wireless convenience of Amazon’s Kindle, Sony’s new arrivals do combine to address existing consumer concerns surrounding the high hardware and content prices associated with electronic book readers while also providing users with a more intuitive and interactive experience.
The $199 USD Pocket Edition Reader will come complete with a 5.0-inch E Ink display (600 x 800), enough internal memory for around 350 books, support for card-based memory expansion, and colour choices of blue, red or silver.
The $299 USD Touch Edition Reader will offer the same colour range and internal memory alongside card-based expansion and a 6.0-inch touch-sensitive E Ink display (600 x 800) that will enable users to scribble notes onscreen and tap individual words in texts for instant dictionary explanations.
The Tech Herald: Kindle hits a German wall as Euro talks stall
The Tech Herald: Amazon facing Kindle lawsuit after mass 1984 deletion
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter
Advertising
Comment on this Story