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Friday 3rd October 2008

UPDATE 2: Sony intros touchscreen eBooks 6:30PM, Friday 3rd October 2008

Sony has introduced a new eBook reader with a touchscreen interface. The PRS 700 allows users to turn the page by swiping their finger across the screen and highlight text by tapping it with a finger.

Users will also be able to annotate text using a touchscreen keyboard, allowing the company to add typing support without redesigning and compromising the design.

The new reader also features a faster processor, aimed at improving screen-rendering time, which should please anybody who struggles with the two-second transition between page turns on the current model.

Alongside the faster interface and stylus-operated touchscreen, Sony’s also introducing an LED light - not to be confused with a backlight - so people can read in the dark. Memory is also set to receive

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a boost with the company claiming the PRS 700 will now hold up to 350 books, though it hasn’t revealed the exact quantity of memory.

There’s still no Wi-Fi, however, despite the feature popping up on the iRex and US-only Amazon Kindle.

Pricing and release date have yet to be confirmed.

iPhone is “number one” eBook reader

Amazon’s Kindle may have the highest profile amongst eBook readers, something Sony is no doubt seeking to change, but according to Forbes, it is Apple’s mobile devices, the iPhone and iPod touch, that are the most popular devices when it comes to reading eBooks.

iPhone and iPod users have now downloaded the free Stanza eBook application more than 395,000 times, while Citigroup estimates that Amazon will sell around 380,000 Kindles this year.

Stuart Turton / Simon Aughton

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