Sony's Reader team to present something August 25

Alexander Turcic · 08-10-2009, 04:07 PM

Edit: Just received word from Sony that there was a mix up with the dates. The event is now scheduled for Tuesday, August 25 - so one day later than originally announced.

Whoa! It's only been a few days since Sony announced the PRS-300 and the PRS-600, but today they have sent us an invitation to a press conference scheduled the morning of Monday, August 24 Tuesday, August 25 in New York. Sony's Reader team is going to be there and the big question we're all asking ourselves: What is it that the Reader team would normally do at a major press event? What say you, rumormongers?

zelda_pinwheel · 08-10-2009, 04:15 PM

well, as we've been waiting for both wireless and a larger device, i vote for one of those. maybe even both. but my first pick is wireless. what do i win, if i'm right ? do i get a free 600 ?

Abecedary · 08-10-2009, 04:18 PM

Okay, we know that they had originally planned to announce the 300 and 600 at a press event late in the month, but they pushed that up due to the leaked service manuals and rampant speculation. Basically, they said "Alright, you already know about these, so here they are." I think they'll use the press event to officially launch the 300 and 600, and also to unveil the other reader that they have managed to keep under wraps. Keep in mind that we do know they are working on a larger WiFi enabled device that can be used for newspapers (they've said as much). I think this event is where they'll officially unveil that device, along with any newspaper/content partnerships they've lined up. Just my guess...

porkupan · 08-10-2009, 04:21 PM

I am afraid their surprise has already been spoiled. They will announce the immediate availability of the PRS-300, PRS-600 and the covers (regular and w/light), as well as eBookLib 3.0 with Mac support, and (possibly) FW upgrades for PRS-505 and/or PRS-700. But we already knew that, didn't we?

I doubt there will be anything else. I can hope they will also pre-announce the large-screen reader, and some connected (Wi-Fi or GSM SIM-card) readers. On the other hand, those are clearly not ready for release, so what's the point in announcing something before its time, and killing the sales of what's available.

columbus · 08-10-2009, 04:26 PM

To me this just confirms the market penetration and power of Mobilread (and or similar forums).

It is well past time that players like Sony took account and heed of "The Customer".

Listen to our views on the hated DRM.

Sweetpea · 08-10-2009, 04:27 PM

I think, like Abecedary, that they'll officially announce the 300 and 600 and also another (probably) larger screen: the 900.

ahi · 08-10-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porkupan

I doubt there will be anything else. I can hope they will also pre-announce the large-screen reader, and some connected (Wi-Fi or GSM SIM-card) readers. On the other hand, those are clearly not ready for release, so what's the point in announcing something before its time, and killing the sales of what's available.

How likely are firmware updates for the 505 and the 700?

How much ought we expect from them, based on past updates?

- Ahi

JSWolf · 08-10-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahi

How likely are firmware updates for the 505 and the 700?

How much ought we expect from them, based on past updates?

- Ahi

The last firmware update for the 505 was a HUGE deal. So based on past firmware updates, we should expect HUGE things from Sony. The last firmware update for the 505 gave us mobile ADE.

But in this case, I'm not expecting something that big from a firmware update.

Sonist · 08-10-2009, 04:45 PM

They'll announce immediate availability for a 12", 16bit color e-ink device, with full PDF, as well as 30fps video and Flash support....

ahi · 08-10-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The last firmware update for the 505 was a HUGE deal. So based on past firmware updates, we should expect HUGE things from Sony. The last firmware update for the 505 gave us mobile ADE.

But in this case, I'm not expecting something that big from a firmware update.

Thanks, John! That's good to know.

Are they likely to "backport" features in their newer devices' firmware into the 505 and the 700?

- Ahi

TadW · 08-10-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonist

They'll announce immediate availability for a 12", 16bit color e-ink device, with full PDF, as well as 30fps video and Flash support....

Great!!!!!!! I take your word for it.

porkupan · 08-10-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahi

How likely are firmware updates for the 505 and the 700?

How much ought we expect from them, based on past updates?

I think it depends on what's Sony after this time. I cannot see what would they put into the PRS-505 firmware update. Unless they added some new functionality and some fixes to EPUB reader, what? I don't believe they need a FW update to make it compatible with Mac. So, my vote goes against a PRS-505 FW update.

PRS-700 update is absolutely feasible, as it could make it a clone of PRS-600, only with a light. It seems that the two are compatible in all aspects of hardware (other than the light, which in PRS-700 has no connection to firmware anyway). So, they could make a parting present to the poor PRS-700 owners - give them the scribble notes and dictionary lookup capability, and perhaps a free dictionary to download via Sony eBook Store as well...

Just my 2 cents.

zelda_pinwheel · 08-10-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porkupan

I think it depends on what's Sony after this time. I cannot see what would they put into the PRS-505 firmware update. Unless they added some new functionality and some fixes to EPUB reader, what? I don't believe they need a FW update to make it compatible with Mac. So, my vote goes against a PRS-505 FW update.

they could update ADE, so that people could have justified epubs. that would make a lot of people happy...

Quote:

PRS-700 update is absolutely feasible, as it could make it a clone of PRS-600, only with a light. It seems that the two are compatible in all aspects of hardware (other than the light, which in PRS-700 has no connection to firmware anyway). So, they could make a parting present to the poor PRS-700 owners - give them the scribble notes and dictionary lookup capability, and perhaps a free dictionary to download via Sony eBook Store as well...

Just my 2 cents.

i REALLY hope you're right about that. that would be brilliant. of course, i wouldn't have so much an excuse to get a 600 then.

hm... not sure whether to hope for that or not.

junkyardwillie · 08-10-2009, 04:54 PM

They are going to announce that they'd like to know what Apple is going to come out with in September as well and will conduct a group discussion on the various possibilities.

junkyardwillie · 08-10-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

i REALLY hope you're right about that. that would be brilliant. of course, i wouldn't have so much an excuse to get a 600 then.

hm... not sure whether to hope for that or not.

Don't count on it, plan on getting a new 600. Free firmware upgrade = no new revenue. Sony = grasping at straws.

08-10-2009, 04:07 PM	#1
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 12,730 Karma: 71589 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Sony Portable Reader	Sony's Reader team to present something August 25 Edit: Just received word from Sony that there was a mix up with the dates. The event is now scheduled for Tuesday, August 25 - so one day later than originally announced. Whoa! It's only been a few days since Sony announced the PRS-300 and the PRS-600, but today they have sent us an invitation to a press conference scheduled the morning of Monday, August 24 Tuesday, August 25 in New York. Sony's Reader team is going to be there and the big question we're all asking ourselves: What is it that the Reader team would normally do at a major press event? What say you, rumormongers? Last edited by Alexander Turcic; 08-11-2009 at 06:56 PM. Reason: adjust date

08-10-2009, 04:15 PM	#2
zelda_pinwheel WWHALD Posts: 24,577 Karma: 102009 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Paris, France Device: ebookwise 1150	well, as we've been waiting for both wireless and a larger device, i vote for one of those. maybe even both. but my first pick is wireless. what do i win, if i'm right ? do i get a free 600 ? __________________ blog.ex-elibris.fr : les liseuses, les ebooks, nos lectures, la technologie… I don't want none of that mischief on my eels! - pdurrant by popular demand (well, vr is sure demanding, at least), we bring you the next exciting avatar in zelda's wardrobe, by the inimitable Madam Broshkina.

08-10-2009, 04:26 PM	#5
columbus Couch Potato Posts: 791 Karma: 5016 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Spain - UK expat Device: Sony 505	To me this just confirms the market penetration and power of Mobilread (and or similar forums). It is well past time that players like Sony took account and heed of "The Customer". Listen to our views on the hated DRM. __________________ Chris As I get older I find myself wondering more about the hereafter - I walk into a room and wonder - what I am here after? __________________

08-10-2009, 04:27 PM	#6
Sweetpea Wizard Posts: 4,096 Karma: 9260 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Krewerd Device: Pocket Loox 720; JoinTech JE100; Mini	I think, like Abecedary, that they'll officially announce the 300 and 600 and also another (probably) larger screen: the 900. __________________ War of the Worlds Tour 2010 coming up!

08-10-2009, 04:54 PM	#14
junkyardwillie Addict Posts: 247 Karma: 462 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Irex DR1000S, Irex Iliad and Sony PRS-500	They are going to announce that they'd like to know what Apple is going to come out with in September as well and will conduct a group discussion on the various possibilities. __________________ Boosh!

08-10-2009, 04:18 PM	#3
Abecedary Exwyzeeologist Posts: 534 Karma: 3261 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: :PRS-505::iPod touch:	Okay, we know that they had originally planned to announce the 300 and 600 at a press event late in the month, but they pushed that up due to the leaked service manuals and rampant speculation. Basically, they said "Alright, you already know about these, so here they are." I think they'll use the press event to officially launch the 300 and 600, and also to unveil the other reader that they have managed to keep under wraps. Keep in mind that we do know they are working on a larger WiFi enabled device that can be used for newspapers (they've said as much). I think this event is where they'll officially unveil that device, along with any newspaper/content partnerships they've lined up. Just my guess...

08-10-2009, 04:21 PM	#4
porkupan Addict Posts: 251 Karma: 1226 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Jersey, US Device: REB1100, Sony Reader, nook	I am afraid their surprise has already been spoiled. They will announce the immediate availability of the PRS-300, PRS-600 and the covers (regular and w/light), as well as eBookLib 3.0 with Mac support, and (possibly) FW upgrades for PRS-505 and/or PRS-700. But we already knew that, didn't we? I doubt there will be anything else. I can hope they will also pre-announce the large-screen reader, and some connected (Wi-Fi or GSM SIM-card) readers. On the other hand, those are clearly not ready for release, so what's the point in announcing something before its time, and killing the sales of what's available.

08-10-2009, 04:45 PM	#9
Sonist Apeist Posts: 1,032 Karma: 2814 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The sunny part of California Device: Kindle DX/Kindle v.2/iPhone 3G S/2xHTCs/5+PDAs/Newton!	They'll announce immediate availability for a 12", 16bit color e-ink device, with full PDF, as well as 30fps video and Flash support....

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