Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers.
Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices.
“Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future.
“We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.”
Sony has detailed an incoming update to its existing Reader Library software, which will soon be known as Reader Desktop Edition (for OS X and Windows). There is also word that a Reader Mobile Edition app is coming soon for Apple iPhone and Google Android-based smartphones, enabling users to synchronize their reading among multiple devices. This is most certainly a response to Apple’s iBook and Amazon’s Kindle app which has proven to be a popular strategy for those companies. These free Sony applications, available later this year, will offer an intuitive digital reading experience with an elegant interface and access to Sony’s Reader Store for browsing and purchasing content. Reader Desktop Edition also includes the ability to easily manage content for the non-wireless Reader models.
Aside from the recent introduction of three new Sony Reader devices, the Japanese company has strengthened its digital reading strategy with several changes and improvements to Reader Store. Aside from some upcoming changes, Sony is now stating they offer a vast catalog of over 1.2 million titles available for download in the USA.
Sony remains committed to providing an extensive offering of newspaper and magazine content for single issue purchase or subscription within the newsstand area of the store.Soon to be available titles include The Guardian, The Harvard Business Review, Newsday, Publishers Weekly, San Diego Union-Tribune and more. The store’s Library Finder application continues to provide easy access to local public libraries to borrow eBooks for free. To make choosing a book easier, the New York Times Bestsellers list will be featured alongside the Reader Store’s bestsellers. By next month, integration with Goodreads will permit the inclusion of reader reviews from that site and a new web-based architecture for the store will allow standard browser access to accounts.”
Sony Europe’s press conference at IFA 2010 has revealed a real stunning update to the Bloggie camera and video recorder with the introduction of a stylish touchscreen based model. If you compare the bloggie released more than half a year ago, this new version is just simply a giant leap forward in aesthetics and features.
The Bloggie Touch (incredible Bloggie Touch site at SonyStyle USA), available this November, boasts a new sexy slim design thanks to the aluminum finish. while shedding many of the buttons you’ve seen in the past. Storage capacity is pretty generous, allowing the user to hours of HD video on the $199 8GB (MHS-TS20), or the $179 4GB (MHS-TS10) versions of the Bloggie Touch, but we were a little disappointed that there was no storage card slots. The device is quite powerful, with full 1920x1080p (30p), 1280x720p (60p, 30p) HD MP4 video recording and also a 12.8-megapixel camera. The camera system has a Exmor CMOS image sensor inside for excellent low light performance, which was an issue with previous models. You can a clearer shot of the intended subject with the 4x digital zoom, Face Detection, and a handy Auto Macro function which is an incredible feature that takes the hassle out of switching camera modes.
The big upgrade in this device is the nice three inch capacitive touchscreen and a new interface for easier usability. SonyStyle USA says that there is a “touch & slide method for searching through your videos and pictures.” As we stated before, there are few buttons except for one on the front for recording, and a dedicated camera button and on/off switch. Sony has brought back the hidden USB port that flips out and is capable of charging the battery.
According to Sony Europe, “Bloggie Touch also records amazing 360-degree panoramic videos and photos to capture everything that’s happening around you – just clip on the supplied lens adaptor. 360 Videos are now twice the resolution of previous-generation Bloggie. In addition to fun 360 Video, Bloggie Touch features “free-style shooting” which allows you to capture movie both in landscape and portrait.”
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Here is a hands-on video with the Bloggie Touch courtesy of Techlicious:
A new season brings new gadgets and one of them is a refreshed line up of Sony Readers (the ones we have uncovered earlier this summer). If you tend to go through your electronic toys like you exchange your cars or gloves (old saying I know), Sony wants you to pick up a lighter, E-Ink Pearl improved Reader that will have a very nice refresh rate and you won’t need to wait a whole second to turn your page. Oh yea, touch functionality is now adopted on all three models from Pocket Reader to the Daily version (PRS-350, 650 and 950). According to Rachel Meltz of the AP, “The new e-reader uses an infrared sensor to read finger swipes or taps from an included stylus. Before, the device’s screen needed a special overlay, which reduces clarity.”
Please make sure you check out those links or at least read the press release below as there has been many improvements to this latest generation of Readers.
Another item of interest in this launch is where Forbes notes that Steve Haber, “who spearheaded digital reading at Sony, proudly referring to Amazon chief exec Jeff Bezos’ comments to USA Today that the Kindle doesn’t use a touchscreen because capacitive technology increases glare on the device’s display–a problem that Sony has apparently solved. “Amazon said it was impossible. Clearly that’s not the case,” says Haber. “It can be done.”
The only 3G model is your Daily Reader which now has a WiFi connectivity and even a browser for light internet inquiries of yours. A basic web browser is finally a response Each Reader features new E Ink Pearl with 2 Gigs of on board memory. Pricing is still not too competitively logical (starting from $179 to $299), however remember you are paying a premium for a piece of nice hardware. Anyways, check out the press release below and Sony we expect you to wow us maybe later for CES with a new Reader that has amazing OLED display (black n white E Ink is so 90s don’t you think?) with super awesome and dynamic touch GUI (nothing boring, remember we like flashy stuff). We will love you forever more after we have one like that in our hands…we will keep dreaming for now.
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The new Reader Pocket Edition and the new Reader Touch Edition are available immediately, and the new Reader Daily Edition will be available this November in time for the holidays. The Reader Pocket and Touch Editions, as well as available accessories such as AC adapters, cases and covers with reading lights, are available now at SonyStyle.com and SonyStyle stores. Check out this gallery of new Sony Reader photos courtesy of Sony Electronics.
We found excellent hands-on perspectives, galleries, and musings about the latest Sony Reader strategy at engadget, PC Magazine, Forbes, Financial Times, TWICE, and the NY Times. Please leave comments with any other reviews of interest.
Edit: Further additions by Christopher MacManus.
Press Release
SONY BRINGS DIGITAL READING EXPERIENCE TO LIFE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW LINE OF READERS
New Readers Feature Sony’s Unique Touch Screens with Anti-Glare Technology for the Optimal Digital Book Reading Experience
SAN DIEGO, September 1, 2010 ⎯ Continuing to provide book lovers with the most natural, immersive digital reading experience, Sony today announced the launch of its beautifully-designed new line of Reader digital books, including the new Reader Pocket Edition™, Reader Touch Edition™ and, in the US, the wireless Reader Daily Edition. The new line of Readers features a host of new design and technology enhancements that make them the perfect device for any reader’s lifestyle.
“Today, we’re excited to announce not just the availability of the Reader Touch and Pocket Editions in the countries we already serve but also expansion of the Reader line to previously untapped markets,” said Steve Haber, president of Sony’s Digital Reading Business Division. “We take a thoughtful approach to country expansion, including Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan and China, working with local bookstores to ensure content is compatible, relevant and in the appropriate language for each market.”
The new Reader models bring a fresh level of flare to e-reading with colorful, elegant aluminum designs and all new, highly responsive touch screens. In addition to the new devices in the US, Sony announced an improved web-enabled Reader™ Store and a set of applications for iPhone and the Android Marketplace to extend the Reader experience across multiple portable devices.
“The success of our previous line of Readers illustrates book lovers’ demand for feature choices and full touch screens on their digital reading devices,” said Phil Lubell, vice president of Digital reading at Sony Electronics. “Today, we’re answering their call by providing an entire line of stylish, full touch screen devices with a variety of features and price points.”
What’s New
The new generation of Readers builds on the popularity of last year’s line. For 2010 Sony has restyled all three of the devices, reduced their size and weight, and made new, innovative touch screens available across the entire line.
Touch Screen for Everyone
Based on the popularity of the full touch screen on its previous Reader Touch and Daily Edition models, Sony equipped the entire line of new Readers with improved, optical touch screen technology designed specifically for digital reading*. The new, first-to-market technology enhances ease of use and increases reading clarity, creating an immersive reading experience for consumers. Book lovers can now escape into their favorite books with the lightest swipe of a finger or stylus pen.
Better E Ink Displays
All three devices utilize E Ink Pearl electronic paper displays, which delivers a paper-like display that is readable in direct sunlight. The screens offer a high contrast ratio with 16 levels of grayscale, ensuring that text and images are crisp and easy to read.
A Reader Pocket Edition that Will Wow You
The new Reader Pocket Edition sports a five-inch, full touch screen and a smart, lightweight design that’s easy to slip into a purse or jacket pocket for convenient, on-the-go reading. It is available in chic colors, including silver and pink. It has 2 GB of onboard memory, which lets you carry up to 1,200 of your favorite books, and retails for about $179.
A New Reader Touch Edition: More of Everything Readers Love
The new Reader Touch Edition features a six-inch full touch screen and an intuitive design with 2 GB of onboard memory. In addition, it offers dual expansion slots for up to 32GB of additional memory and the ability to play MP3 and AAC audio files. It’s available in black or red for about $229.
A Reader Daily Edition that Adds WiFi and New Web Features
The Reader Daily Edition provides a wireless connection to Sony’s Reader Store from most of the U.S. via AT&T’s 3G network, the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network. Now, it also provides Wi-Fi and basic Web browsing capability on its large, seven-inch full touch screen. A host of pre-loaded practical and reading-based URLs will provide direct access to optimized, text-based sites designed to add a new dimension to the reading experience. The Daily Edition also includes 2 GB of memory and expansion slots for additional memory (up to 32 GB). It comes in silver and will sell for about $299.
Additional New Features Across the Entire Line
New features allow for easier reading of PDF or personal documents. Intuitive content zoom, adjustable contrast and brightness control, as well as automatic multiple page creation will make documents designed for a standard sheet of paper easier to read on a smaller screen. Also, personalized standby screen options will allow users to use their favorite photos as a screen saver and the collections functionality will allow them to group their favorite reads.
In addition, the new Reader line is more global than ever, offering users the ability to look up words and phrases with the built in New Oxford American Dictionary, Second Edition and Oxford Dictionary of English eDictionaries, as well as 10 translation dictionaries in languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. Wordsmiths across the globe can now create “word logs” to track the words they’ve looked up per dictionary book or periodical in chronological order, while quickly switching between dictionaries.
More Content on More Devices
In addition to announcing a new generation of Readers, Sony has also made several changes and improvements to Reader Store. More than 1.2 million titles are available in the U.S. Sony remains committed to providing an extensive offering of newspaper and magazine content for single issue purchase or subscription within the newsstand area of the store. Soon to be available titles include The Guardian, The Harvard Business Review, Newsday, Publishers Weekly, San Diego Union-Tribune and more. The store’s Library Finder application continues to provide easy access to local public libraries to borrow eBooks for free. To make choosing a book easier, the New York Times Bestsellers list will be featured alongside the Reader Store’s bestsellers. By next month, integration with Goodreads will permit the inclusion of reader reviews from that site and a new web-based architecture for the store will allow standard browser access to accounts.
With Reader™ Desktop Edition (formerly Reader Library) for Apple’s Mac OS X and Microsoft® Windows® and Reader™ Mobile Edition for Apple iPhone and Google Android-based smartphones, users can now synchronize their reading among multiple devices. These free applications, available later this year, will offer an intuitive digital reading experience with an elegant interface and access to Sony’s Reader Store for browsing and purchasing content. Reader Desktop Edition also includes the ability to easily manage content for the non-wireless Reader models.
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