Contrast improvement can be done in software too! The nook gained such an update. It's a matter of how well the eInk display is driven by the driver. Badly driven means pigments are left over which darkens white areas.
BTW: there is already a T2 firmware update, if someone want's to mess with it:
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/pro...2_FW_PC_v08090