Sony Releases Reader Pocket Edition & Reader Touch Edition
wang fangqing/ Frances Wang — August 8, 2009 — Tech
Sony announced they will introduce two new e-readers—the Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition—later this month, to replace the previous 505 and 700 versions.
Priced at $199 and $299 respectively, the two Sony e-book readers are more affordable than the old versions, which cost up to $399—one of the reasons that Sony e-book readers lag behind their rival, the Kindle.
Steve Haber, president of Sony’s Digital Reading Business Division, says the focus now is on “affordability,” as the e-book industry hasn’t hit the mainstream market just yet.
With the same tags as Kindle, will the new devices become more competitive? Probably not. The biggest flaw of the new devices is, unlike Kindle, they don’t have wireless access to the e-book store, which means users have to connect their Sony Reader Pocket Edition or Touch Edition with their computers to buy the books. Also, Sony’s devices are not open to magazines and papers, and is not compatible with iPhone—yet.
Priced at $199 and $299 respectively, the two Sony e-book readers are more affordable than the old versions, which cost up to $399—one of the reasons that Sony e-book readers lag behind their rival, the Kindle.
Steve Haber, president of Sony’s Digital Reading Business Division, says the focus now is on “affordability,” as the e-book industry hasn’t hit the mainstream market just yet.
With the same tags as Kindle, will the new devices become more competitive? Probably not. The biggest flaw of the new devices is, unlike Kindle, they don’t have wireless access to the e-book store, which means users have to connect their Sony Reader Pocket Edition or Touch Edition with their computers to buy the books. Also, Sony’s devices are not open to magazines and papers, and is not compatible with iPhone—yet.
Trend Themes
1. Affordable E-readers - Sony's introduction of the Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition offers more affordable choices for e-readers compared to previous versions and Kindle, providing an opportunity for disruptive innovation to target cost-conscious readers.
2. Wireless Connectivity - The lack of wireless access to the e-book store on Sony's new e-readers creates a gap that could be filled by innovative companies offering seamless wireless connectivity and purchase options.
3. Expansion to Magazines and Papers - Sony's e-readers not being open to magazines and papers presents an opening for companies that want to disrupt the e-reader market by providing a more complete reading experience, including access to a wider range of publications.
Industry Implications
1. E-reader Manufacturing - Innovative e-reader manufacturers have the opportunity to disrupt the market by offering more affordable and feature-rich devices than competitors like Kindle and Sony's current offerings.
2. Wireless Connectivity Solutions - The lack of wireless access to Sony's e-book store on their new e-readers presents an opportunity for companies that focus on wireless connectivity solutions to create disruptive innovation in the e-reader market.
3. Digital Publishing - There are opportunities for digital publishing companies to disrupt the e-reader market by offering a comprehensive reading experience with access to a wide range of publications, including magazines and papers, that are not currently available on Sony's e-readers.
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