Sony launches challenge to the Kindle

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I do like the concept of e-Books and have a Sony e-Book Reader. I also would really like to have an Amazon Kindle, but alas they’re only available in the US.

The BBC News reports on the launch of a new Sony e-Book Reader.

Sony has launched a wireless e-reader which allows users to download electronic books on the go.

Analysts said Sony’s Reader Daily Edition is a direct challenge to Amazon’s best-selling Kindle device.

The $399 (£250) touch-screen device is able to store up to 1,000 novels and can download books over a high-speed mobile network.

It also has an application that can be used to “borrow” books from local libraries for 21 days.

In a recent presentation I gave, I talked about e-Books and how I felt that the Sony e-Book Reader was a first generation device, from which new and better devices would emerge.

By adding connectivity (like the Kindle) Sony has made the e-Book more useful and allows immediate satisfaction, it’s similar to the way that Apple’s iPhone allows you to download music immediately.

Think of the impact of this on the learner, they can be in college, at home, in a coffee shop and they can immediately download to their e-Book reader their assignments, readings, handouts as and when they want or need them.

Regardless of new media, interactivity, in education we still do rely on the printed word, books, journals, handouts. By making them available on an electronic device with a long battery life, it makes it much easier for learners to access information as and when they need it.

I am however slightly disappointed and concerned when I read:

The device will be available in the US from December.

Will we ever get a connected e-Book device in the UK?

2 thoughts on “Sony launches challenge to the Kindle”

  1. This summer, Sharon has been doing her holiday reading entirely via iPhone. She has downloaded a reader and a variety of ‘free’ books (she was born in Yorkshire too) and could be seen sat in waiting areas, on planes, in the lounge, in the bedroom – everywhere in fact: staring at her iPhone. She thinks that it is better and more convenient than paperbacks (I disagree) and will continue to take her reading in this manner.

    I paid for (!!!) and downloaded an audio book for the iTouch to listen to in the car! I read six paperback.

    David

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