Press release -
Sony Introduces World’s Lightest 6” eReader with Enhanced Touchscreen
Treat yourself to the most natural and immersive reading experience with the new Reader™ Wi-Fi® (model PRS-T1) from Sony – the world’s lightest1 6” eReader that also features an enhanced touchscreen.
Now with Wi-Fi, Reader gives you the additional freedom to buy, borrow or get eBooks for free wherever there’s a wireless connection available.
From the latest releases to popular titles and classics, it’s easy to browse and download titles in seconds from a huge range of compatible bookstores and other web sites. You will also be able to purchase and download eBooks and periodicals via Wi-Fi from the rapidly-expanding catalogue available at the Reader™ Store2. What’s more, Reader Wi-Fi is the worlds’ first3 eReader that will allow you to borrow eBooks wirelessly from public libraries thanks to simple, seamless access on the device4 via an on-screen ‘Public Library’ icon.
Slipping effortlessly into a bag or pocket, Reader Wi-Fi is no bigger than a paperback book. 8.9mm thin and weighing just 168 grams, it’s supremely comfortable to hold, with a gently curving profile that fits naturally in your hand.
Enjoying your favourite book is even more of a pleasure with the advanced Dual Touch screen. E Ink® Pearl electronic paper displays a clear, glare-free, high contrast image that’s easy to read for hours, even in direct sunlight.
Touch the screen to choose a book. Swipe a finger to turn the page, or zoom in and out by pinching your fingers together or apart. Tap on a word and hold to find its meaning from two built-in English language dictionaries. Words can also be translated to and from English using ten built-in translation dictionaries. You can even write notes on the page or highlight text with a finger or the supplied stylus – just like a real book.
Finding your way around the longest title is refreshingly quick and intuitive. Bookmark pages and return to them instantly, or search for particular passages and jump straight to the text you’re looking for.
While you’re reading, get extra information easily on a word or phrase with in-text access to Google™ and Wikipedia® look-ups. A simple browser also lets you download other compatible5 documents from the web via Wi-Fi for easy reading while you’re on the move.
Reader Wi-Fi handles a wide range of digital formats, including the popular EPUB eBook standard, plus PDF and TXT documents. View your collection of digital photos on screen, or plug in a pair of headphones and listen to stored music tracks while you’re reading. The front cover image of your current title or a favourite photo can be displayed as a screensaver when Reader is in standby.
Fine-tune your reading experience with eight adjustable font sizes, plus a choice of six font styles. Screen contrast and brightness are easily adjusted for comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions.
Its long battery life lets you read for over one month without needing a recharge (3 weeks with wireless on). Reader Wi-Fi can be used while the battery charges via USB on a connected PC, so there’s no need to interrupt your favourite book.
With a capacity of 2GB – enough to hold around 1,200 eBooks – internal memory space is easily expanded with an optional microSD card to hold tens of thousands more. Style-matched optional accessories for your Reader include a form-fitting cover with built-in lighting arm that angles for reading at night or in dimly lit places.
Reader Wi-Fi with Pottermore download offer
Sony’s first offer in its collaboration with J.K. Rowling’s eagerly anticipated Pottermore website (www.pottermore.com) is a specially-created limited edition of Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) which includes a voucher that enables Harry Potter fans to download the first Harry Potter eBook title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, from Pottermore, when it becomes available. Pottermore, a unique website which builds an exciting and immersive online experience around the Harry Potter books and is the exclusive retailer of the Harry Potter digital eBooks, is partnered by Sony.
Reader Wi-Fi (model: PRS-T1) by Sony is available in the UK from October 2011.
1 The world’s lightest eBook Reader with diagonal screen size of 6”) as of 31st August 2011.
2 Reader Store will soon be available in Europe, coming first to the UK, Germany and Austria in 2011.
3 World’s first according to Sony research as of 31st August 2011.
4 Requires valid library card. Device feature available only in UK, US, and Canada.
5 Unencrypted ePub and PDF files.
6 Availability of Reader Wi-Fi Pottermore special edition varies by country.
-ends-
Technical specifications
| Model name | PRS-T1 |
| Display: | E-Ink Pearl™ v220 |
| Touch-screen | Clear Touch Infrared technology |
| Battery life (continuous playback) | -A single charge lasts over one month with wireless off based on a half-hour of daily reading time. *1 -Up to 14,000 continuous page turns when reading only *2 * 1 Measured by reading 30 minutes each day. In low coverage areas, wireless usage will consume battery power more quickly. Actual battery life may vary upon wireless usage, product settings, battery and environmental conditions. *2 Measured using text-based content in EPUB format and fully charged battery, consecutive page-turns at approximately one second per page under recommended operating temperature. Actual battery life may vary based on usage and individual device. |
| Charging Time | Approx. 2 hours using power adapter (sold separately). Approx. 2.5 hours via USB from connected computer. |
| Built-in memory size | Approx. 1.3 GB after initial setting* Available memory capacity may vary, depending on size of pre-loaded excerpts and 2 English/10 translation dictionaries. Stores up to 1,200 books* in internal memory. *Based on average un-illustrated eBook file size of 1.0 MB. |
| Memory Expansion | Micro SD card up to 32GB* * Based on use with compatible external memory cards (sold separately). Actual file size may vary by digital book title. Some memory cards may not work with Reader. |
| Wi-Fi Network | Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n Security: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) |
| Operating/charging temperature | 5°C to 35°C |
| Dimensions (Approx.) | 173.0 x 110.0 x 8.9 mm (H/W/D) |
| Weight (Approx.) | 168g |
| Bundled Accessories: | USB cable and Stylus Pen |
Product images are available on http://presscentre.sony.co.uk
For more information, please contact:
Beige London on +44 (0)207 404 3000 or email networking@beigelondon.com
or
Jessica Simpson, Sony PR Manager
jessica.simpson@eu.sony.com / +44 (0)1932 816000
About Sony:
Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA™ LCD high-definition (HD) television, Cyber-shot™ digital camera, Handycam® camcorder, “α” (pronounced Alpha) digital SLR camera, and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO™ personal computers and 3D HD professional broadcast equipment. Offering a complete end-to-end 3D value chain and with its electronics, music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is one of the world’s leading digital entertainment brands, employing approximately 170,000 people worldwide.
Through its long-term football partnerships as an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Official FIFA Partner and global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Sony is inspiring a sense of excitement for the millions of football fans around the world.
“Sony”, “WALKMAN”, “VAIO”, “Cyber-shot”, “Handycam”, “α”, “BRAVIA” and “XDCAM” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.