Sony PRS-T3: No Built-In Lighting but Possibly New Display Technology?
At the moment, there is no concrete information about the next Sony eBook Reader, but it can be assumed that the Japanese electronics company is already preparing the next model (let’s call it PRS-T3 for simplicity) for market launch.
If you were hoping the PRS-T3 would come with built-in lighting like its competitors, you might be disappointed. In an interview, Stephanie Lang, Head of the IT Division at Sony France (responsible for PCs, all-in-one devices, eBook readers, and tablets), expressed a negative view of front-lighting technology.
“Integrated lighting can worsen the reading experience”
Lang: “We believe that integrating the lighting from the sides is not necessarily helpful and can even worsen the reading experience. The technology is moving away from the traditional reading experience on paper. Due to these drawbacks, we think it’s more sensible to offer a cover with integrated lighting that the reader can use as they wish. However, we will not attempt to integrate lighting directly into the hardware of the eBook reader.”
According to her statement, the negative stance results from an already attempted use of the technology. The Sony PRS-700 (see article image), the first eBook reader with integrated front lighting, was not particularly successful. At that time, the matter was examined thoroughly, and the decision was made to focus on things other than integrated lighting. Even after repeated inquiries, the Sony representative consistently speaks out against integrated lighting.
Sony PRS-T3 with new display technology?
If the answers in the interview are to be believed, it seems that Sony might go against the tide with the PRS-T3 by opting out of built-in lighting. Even though the Sony PRS-700 was not very successful, it’s questionable whether the decision against integrated lighting is the right one. After all, eBook readers like the Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Glo are very popular.
Moreover, the Sony PRS-700 was only equipped with eInk Vizplex technology and, in addition, used a much thicker touchscreen or light guide, so the contrast was anything but good. As you can see in the article image, the illumination was also not very even. But with today’s technology, things look quite different—as the competition demonstrates.
If Sony indeed decides against built-in lighting, one can only hope that the PRS-T3 will bring other technical innovations that set it apart from the competition, such as new display technology. A slightly modified re-release of the Sony PRS-T1 or PRS-T2 likely won’t have much of a chance—especially if the premium price is maintained. Currently, the Sony PRS-T2 is available at a reduced price of 99 Euros (instead of the 139 Euros RRP) at eBook.de, which can certainly be taken as a reaction to the changing market situation with the illuminated eBook readers of competitors.
You can expect the market launch of the Sony PRS-T3 at the end of August or beginning of September. Around this time in the past, Sony has introduced their new models. When it happens, you’ll hear about it here, of course.
