Press Release

TORONTO, July 28, 2009 – The eBook Store from Sony, together with Google, today announced it is boosting the number of eBooks available, providing Canadians with access to more than 500,000 free public domain books – from classics to biographies, historical texts, romance novels and hundreds of other genres.  The announcement reinforces Sony's commitment to providing consumers with the largest, most comprehensive selection of eBooks available.  These titles, which Google has digitized as part of its Google Books project, are available in EPUB format and are optimized for current models of the Sony Reader Digital Book. 

"We are committed to ensuring our customers have the freedom to discover and read content from the widest possible range of sources," said Chris Smythe, director of the eBook Store from Sony.  "We're proud to offer access to the broadest range of eBooks today – from hot new releases, to best sellers, to classics and hard to find manuscripts such as those available for free from Google."

From Sony's eBook Store (www.ebookstore.sony.com), Reader owners with an account can transfer any of these titles to their PRS-505 or PRS-700 Reader.  New eBook Store visitors can access the titles by setting up an account and downloading Sony's free eBook Library software.

"As more and more people discover digital reading, it's important to build an open platform to help them access and read books online," said Adam Smith, product management director at Google.  "We're pleased to continue our collaboration with Sony so that more people around the world can discover and enjoy these books."

About the Reader

The Reader Digital Book's high-resolution electronic paper display delivers a realistic print look that rivals traditional paper and uses minimal power.  A single battery charge provides up to 7,500 pages of continuous reading.  The ease of changing font sizes can make every eBook a large print book and enables libraries to improve accessibility for patrons with poor vision.

In addition to electronic books, the current Reader models support multiple file formats for personal documents and music.  You can easily transfer Adobe PDF documents with reflow capability, Microsoft Word documents, BBeB files and other text file formats to the Reader.  The device can store and display EPUB files and work with Adobe Digital Editions software, opening it up to almost a limitless quantity of content.

There are two Reader models available, including the PRS-505 (starting at approximately $350) and the PRS-700 (starting at approximately $450).  Each comes complete with a USB cable, and a colour-coordinated, protective soft cover.  Both models along with their optional accessories can be purchased directly through www.sonystyle.ca, Sony Style® retail locations and at authorized retailers across the country.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in High Definition.  Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that include the market-leading Blu-ray Disc™ players, BRAVIA® televisions, Cyber-shot® digital cameras, Handycam® Camcorders, VAIO® computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses. 

With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 1,200 employees support a network of more than 500 authorized dealers and 68 Sony Style retail locations across Canada.                                                                    

Sony Canada is proud to support the communities in which it operates through corporate sponsorships of organizations that include the Make-A-Wish® Canada, the United Way of Canada and Earth Day Canada. 

For more information contact:                                                  

Candice Hayman
Sony of Canada Public Relations
Candice_hayman@sony.ca
(416) 718-5048