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News & Reviews
WORD:
ABA Indie Bookstores to Sell eContent, Sony Reader
Press Release
At a press conference in New York City this week, Sony announced that
it is cooperating with the American Booksellers Association, other
retailers, and a variety of traditional and digital publishers to make
available a universe of reading material in EPUB format compatible with
Sony Readers. Among the sites offering EPUB content for sale to
consumers will be more than 200 independent bookstores participating in
the American Booksellers Association's IndieCommerce
program.
Beginning this
Labor Day, ABA member stores on IndieCommerce's new Drupal platform
will have the ability to sell e-content in several formats, including
the EPUB format protected by Adobe's Content Server 4 (ACS4) digital
rights management. In addition, Sony said that plans are underway to
make its Reader devices available for purchase from all independent
bookstores in time for this holiday season.
"We're delighted Sony recognizes the value of the open EPUB format,"
said Len Vlahos, ABA's chief
operating officer, "and are pleased that independent bookstores will be
able to serve customers with Sony Readers."
Sony noted that EPUB format, the International Digital Publishing
Forum's (IDPF) XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books
and publications, has already gained acceptance among major trade book
publishers, with dozens already producing a majority of their eBooks
using the standard. Earlier this month, Sony announced that it was
converting its entire content library to the EPUB format to make its
eBook store compatible with multiple devices and its Reader devices
open to multiple sources for content.
"From the beginning, we have said that an open format means more choice
for consumers," said Steve Haber,
president of Sony's Digital Reading Business Division. "Now, working
with other industry leaders, we can provide a device that is compatible
with the widest selection of content available. Readers can shop around
for what interests them rather than be locked into one store."
Sony also announced the Reader Daily Edition, its first eBook reader
with built-in wireless capability, set to launch this December. The
unit, which is priced at $399, will allow users to connect to the Sony
eBook store, using AT&T's 3G network, where they'll be able to
browse, purchase, and download books and newspapers.
Earlier this month, Sony announced the less expensive Touch Edition and
Pocket Edition Readers. Both units were unveiled at today's press
conference and are available from existing Sony retail partners
immediately.
About American Booksellers
Association
Founded in 1900, the American
Booksellers Association is a not-for-profit trade
organization devoted to meeting the needs of its core members --
independently owned bookstores with storefront locations -- through
education, information dissemination, business products and services,
and advocacy. ABA exists to protect and promote the interests of
independent retail book businesses, as well as to protect the First
Amendment rights of every American. The association actively supports
free speech, literacy, and programs that support local and independent
retail shops. A board of nine booksellers, representing thousands of
members, governs the Association. ABA is headquartered in Tarrytown,
New York.
About Sony Corporation of America
Sony Corporation of America, based in New York, NY, is a U.S.
subsidiary of Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo. Sony is a
leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information
technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its
motion picture, television, computer entertainment, music and online
businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment
companies in the world.
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