Sony's Reader Digital Book to Support EPUB Format

Sony has announced that its updated PRS-505 Reader Digital Book will be the first eBook reader to support and read the EPUB format, which is the International Digital Publishing Forum’s XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books and publications.  According to Sony, the new PRS-505 will ship with EPUB and enhanced PDF support right out of the box, and it will support Adobe eBooks with digital rights management using Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software, a free download. The Reader also supports BBeB formatted eBooks which are available at the Sony eBook Store.

The portable ebook reading device will also be available in Red next month at SonyStyle stores and online at SonyStyle.com. It features a high-resolution electronic paper display, and offers 7,500 pages of continuous reading on a single battery charge. The Sony PRS-505 Reader sells for $300 and comes with a USB cable, eBook Library software, and protective soft cover. Current PRS-505 owners can download the upgrade from the Sony support site.