Share
With Sony’s recently revealed Pocket Edition Reader undercutting Amazon’s Kindle by a solid $100 USD, news of a mysterious upcoming Sony press conference has led to rumours of improved versatility for the Reader that could pose more problems for the Kindle’s popularity.
Already cheaper than Kindle, is the Reader about to go wireless too? Image: bfishadow/Flickr.
More pointedly, a CNN Money report has suggest a Sony e-reader media conference scheduled for August 25 could see the Japanese consumer electronics giant finally unveiling wireless connectivity for its Reader product line – a network feature long enjoyed by Kindle owners through Whispernet.
“We’ll be releasing further information on a wireless device later this summer,” Sony teased last week to CNN’s Fortune magazine.
“Wireless is a great feature and it’s something that has really appealed to the early adopters of eReaders,” the company continued. “However, while we will soon provide a wireless option, it’s really not something we’re ready to talk about today.”
Should Sony use its press event to confirm wireless functionality for the Reader line, the announcement may help sway prospective eReader consumers in the United States, while also significantly increasing the traction of Sony’s device in major territories such as Europe.
At present, the Kindle’s wireless access and retail availability is strictly limited to the U.S. market due to the regional exclusivity of Whispernet. Conversely, the cheaper Sony Reader is already on sale outside the U.S. and the addition of wireless connectivity will certainly arrive as an annoyance for Amazon as it strives to expand the Kindle’s reach.
The Tech Herald: Sony Pocket Edition Reader turns up the heat on Kindle
The Tech Herald: Kindle hits a German wall as Euro talks stall
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