Next month, new Sony Reader Digital Books, model PRS-505, will be able to support the EPUB format. The International Digital Publishing Forum’s XML-based standard format has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers. Current owners can download the software upgrade now. The Readers will continue to support Sony’s proprietary BBeB format. Adobe eBooks with digital rights management will also be supported.
Steve Haber, senior vice president of consumer product marketing for Sony Electronics commented about the move,
The Reader is an open device and we will continue to explore formats that will provide the widest variety of content for Reader users.
Look for more publishers to create ebooks as the format takes hold. Good news for all.