Sony Announces Open Standard EBook Format

In an effort to tap into Amazon's Kindle eBook market, Sony is working on an open e-book standard with book publishers which will allow other ebook readers to read the same format. In today's world, Sony's e-Book reader device only reads its own books, the Kindle books only works on its device and the iPhone software, and so fourth. New digital books that utilize the new 'open standard' called ePub format, will not be restricted to a single device or company's ebook store.

By giving users the ability to open the ebooks purchased as the ePub format, they will have much more control over what they have purchased. They can choose to load it on other devices and even copy and share it.

"There is going to be a proliferation of different reading devices, with different features and capabilities and prices for a different set of consumer requirements," said Steve Haber, president of Sony's digital reading unit. "If people are going to this e-book shopping mall, they are going to want to shop at all the stores, and not just be required to shop at one store."

Sony's move to bring an open standard for ebooks could be just what the industry needs to overtake Amazon's substantial lead in the ebooks market. It can also make it much easier for small mom and pop companies to bring competitive devices to teh market that read the ePub format, where they may not have the means or desire to create their own ebook format or ebook store.

Of all companies to standardize and open a media format, I never would have thought that it would be Sony. This move will be great for the industry and very welcomed I think by consumers. Great work Sony!