Before everyone assumes that the Amazon Kindle has a monopoly on digital reading, Sony just leveled the playing field.
Sony, in conjunction with Google books, has announced plans to release over 1 million free book downloads. The books are digitized as part of the Google Books initiative, which raised controversy when it first began, as concerns about copyright infringement mounted. However, the free offerings, which range from classical romances to historical texts, have passed into the public domain, and are no longer held to a copyright.
In order to download the books, readers must first download Sony’s eBook Library Software. The program allows readers to purchase books, and they may read them on their PC, or they may purchase a Sony Digital Reader. The devices cost around $279, and can be found through Sony’s Web site.
In contrast, the Amazon Kindle costs $299, and its owners will be unable to enjoy the free Google downloads. Additionally, Amazon requires its digital readers to purchase a Kindle, and currently has no plans to make books available via PC.
Do the new free downloads give the Sony Digital Reader a new edge in technology? Or will the Kindle triumph as the Blu-Ray of digital literature?
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