Sony PRS-T1 Reader Software for PC Receives Important Update to Version 1.1.04.11230
Note: In 2014, Sony fully withdrew from the international eBook business and remains active only in Japan. Customers outside of Japan were transferred to the Japanese-Canadian company Kobo, with the purchased eBooks also transferred over, provided they were available on Kobo.
Existing Sony customers can continue to use their eReaders thanks to ePub support and can purchase eBooks from other stores, not just from Kobo. The management of the reading device can either continue with the PC software, or alternatively with Calibre or Adobe Digital Editions.
Original announcement: Sony was never known for a customer-oriented update policy with their eReaders. However, it became apparent with the PRS-T1 that the Japanese company is seemingly willing to revise its update policy, slowly improving the situation. The first update for the Sony PRS-T1 was intended to fix DRM issues with eBooks that have advanced rights management. These issues were only partially corrected, leaving us eagerly awaiting the next firmware update for the PRS-T1.
The upcoming update, with the known version number 1.0.03.11140, is supposed to primarily fix touchscreen issues. After being postponed twice, the release date for the update is set for mid-December.
Meanwhile, Sony is also working on the PC software. This software is suitable for managing eBook libraries and allows for linking with the Adobe ID for the use of the widely spread hard copy protection from the American company.
Upon launching the Sony Reader Software, users are currently informed about the latest update with the number 1.1.04.11230. According to Sony, this update brings improvements in stability and performance, two areas where there was an urgent need for action, as existing users can certainly confirm.
Unfortunately, the update does not resolve the known DRM issues with Ciando, which means waiting for the next update is necessary.
Calibre as a DRM-free Alternative
If you can forgo the Adobe DRM integration, it’s definitely worth considering the free eBook management software Calibre. It’s a comprehensive program for managing digital libraries of any size.
Both average consumers with a few eBooks and collectors with thousands of titles will find it worthwhile, as they can easily manage their book collections.
This is primarily enabled by the straightforward database system via a directory setup, as well as the metadata tags (keywords) that allow you to organize, filter, and sort eBooks into a wide range of categories. Originally, Calibre was developed with a Sony eBook Reader in mind, so device support was essentially built-in from the start. Naturally, the program now works with virtually every available eReader.
