Kindle Ereader vs Sony Reader

2023. Sony to discontinue Sony Reader for desktop



Sony has announced that they will no longer provide downloads for their Reader Software for PC or Mac. If you use a Sony e-Reader, such as the PRS-T3, their latest model from eight years ago, you will no longer be able to utilize it. Sony has a rich history in the e-reader and e-note industry. They launched e-readers before Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo entered the market. They were also the pioneers behind the first front-lit display on e-readers. Additionally, they introduced the concept of e-notes, digital note-taking devices that allow you to freehand draw, take notes, or edit PDF documents. The e-reader industry would be entirely different if it weren’t for Sony. Good e-Reader is excited to present our first documentary, where we explore the complete history of Sony in the e-reader and e-note sector and their current status.


2014. Sony gives its e-reader business to Kobo



Sony is getting rid of its unprofitable businesses. The Japanese company is selling its VIAO notebook business, TV business and also quits the e-book platform market. The move isn’t entirely unexpected: Sony has always occupied a relatively small portion of the market compared to Amazon, Google, Apple, B&N and Kobo. Sony Reader store will be shut down next month. Owners of Sony Readers shouldn’t be worried about what happens to all their purchases, since Sony is generously migrating accounts and existing libraries intact to Kobo, which works on iOS and Android devices as well as Android hardware. The Kobo Android now will also ship pre-installed on Xperia devices as part of the arrangement. As for Reader hardware, it appears to have been doomed as far back as October last year, at least for the U.S. market, when the company removed the Reader section from its website entirely and listed existing models as discontinued.


2010. Sony launching its e-reader around the world



Sony has announced that it will introduce its Reader digital book device into several new global markets this year - Japan, China and Australia and expand throughout Europe by reaching countries such as Italy and Spain. The company said it will use existing relationships with retailers, publishers and distributors to help push the Reader and make sure local e-book content is available for consumers in each region. Since launching its Reader in the United States in 2006, Sony has expanded further into North America and into Europe. The device is currently available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland. Thus Sony is trying to play catch-up with its rival, the Amazon Kindle, which is already available in more than 100 countries around the world. Together, the Sony Reader and Kindle have carved out the biggest chunk of the e-book industry.