Hot on the tail of the announcement yesterday by Sony that the Reader will be coming to the UK in September, we have more great news today for Reader owners or for those thinking of purchasing the unit. Sony USA today announced the release of a much anticipated firmware update for the PRS-505 that brings some great new benefits and with the newly introduced support for the EPUB format, in effect opens the Reader up to a lot more free, third party content. The other main feature of this update is new support for Adobe ebooks and improved PDF handling. Sony had this to say:
Starting next month, new Readers model PRS-505, will be able to access and accept secure and non-secure ebooks in the EPUB format. EPUB has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers, many of whom have committed to begin publishing forthcoming ebooks in the format.
Additionally, the device will support Adobe eBooks with digital rights management and have the capability to reflow standard text-based Portable Document Format (PDF) eBooks for improved flexibility and readability. These enhancements are now made possible with the support of Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software, which is available as a free download at http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions
The support for DRM-enabled Adobe PDF/Digital books is also great news and the new version of Adobe Digital Editions should support transferring titles directly on to the Reader for those who don’t wish to use the Sony Connect software (which although a little basic isn’t all that bad).
The update is available now at this page and includes the following benefits:
- Support for EPUB file format
- Support for Adobe® Digital Editions 1.5 or later and Adobe DRM-protected content Note: Requires installation of, and authorization with, Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 or later.
- Enables text within PDF eBooks to be “reflowed”. This will enlarge the text and improve the readability of text-based PDF’s
- Support for SDHC memory cards that have a capacity of more than 4 GB
- Delete eBooks directly on device
- General fixes to improve stability and performance
NB: Make sure to update the Connect software first using the link on the same page as the firmware download.
See below for the full press release.
READER DIGITAL BOOK BY SONY OPENS A NEW CHAPTER ON EBOOK FORMATS
New Format Support Paves the Way for Vast Amounts of New Content
SAN DIEGO, July 24, 2008. Sony today announced that its Reader Digital Book will be the first eBook reading device to support the EPUB format, the International Digital Publishing Forum’s XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books and publications.
Starting next month, new Readers model PRS-505, will be able to access and accept secure and non-secure ebooks in the EPUB format. EPUB has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers, many of whom have committed to begin publishing forthcoming ebooks in the format.
Additionally, the device will support Adobe eBooks with digital rights management and have the capability to reflow standard text-based Portable Document Format (PDF) eBooks for improved flexibility and readability. These enhancements are now made possible with the support of Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software, which is available as a free download at www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions.
“The Reader is an open device and we will continue to explore formats that will provide the widest variety of content for Reader users,” said Steve Haber, senior vice president of consumer product marketing for Sony Electronics. “This upgrade opens the door to a whole host of paid and free content from third-party eBook stores, web sites and even public libraries.”
Reader users can transfer these documents to their devices using Adobe Digital Editions software, or via the updated Sony eBook Library software that comes packaged with new Readers. Current owners of the PRS-505 model can upgrade their units now from the Sony support site:http://esupport.sony.com.
“We are excited about the support of the EPUB format, PDF reflow and Adobe Digital Editions in one of the most popular and advanced eBook reading devices,” said Dan Baum, vice president, New Business Initiatives at Adobe. “Adobe Digital Editions is transforming the digital reading experience through its support of open standards and broad content availability from retailers and libraries.”
PRS-505 model Readers will continue to support BBeB formatted eBooks offered at the Sony eBook Store. Therefore, users can retain and grow their current collections of eBooks without having to reformat or repurchase them. All files are conveniently managed by the eBook Library software.
In celebration, Sony will introduce a limited edition red PRS-505 model. It will ship with EPUB and enhanced PDF support right out of the box. The red Reader will be available next month at SonyStyle stores and online at SonyStyle.com.
