Sony seems in the midst of a big-time restructuring. After announcing that it will sell off its VAIO PC division, they are turning their attention to the eBook store, which will get the same (shutdown) treatment. The U.S. eBook store will go offline soon and users are advised to switch to Kobo, with their libraries staying virtually intact.
“Kobo is the ideal solution for our customers and will deliver a robust and comprehensive user experience. Like Sony, they are committed to those most passionate about reading and share our vision to use open formats so people can easily read anytime and anywhere,” said Ken Orii, Vice President of Digital Reading Business Division, Sony Electronics. “Our customers can be assured that they will have a seamless transition to the Kobo ecosystem and will be able to continue to access and read the titles they love from Sony devices.”
Not all of the titles will be accessible through Kobo with a very small number of Reader Store titles not getting that treatment. The majority of books will be readily available through Kobo, though.
Also as part of the deal, Sony will preload Kobo’s Android app on its Xperia phones and tablets…