Sony has announced a digital comics reader for its PSP handheld. The app will become available in December; Image, Archie, IDW and industry superhero Marvel have signed up to distribute content in the format.
The development was announced yesterday at gamescom in Cologne, Germany. The digital reader is based on technology developed by iVerse Media, which already offers digital comic readers for the iPhone and iPod touch, and Google Android mobile devices.
The news will boost interest in Sony's struggling portable, but come as a blow to LongBox, a rival digital comic platform which has been developing a steady industry buzz prior to a roll-out later this year.
Desperate need
The comics industry is in desperate need of a viable digital platform, but as yet there is no standard which has cross publisher support. It appears that Marvel, which currently allows a selection of its back-catalogue to be read online (but not downloaded) in digital format, will continue to be highly selective as to what titles it releases in the new PSP format.
Marvel itself says 'This new Digital Comics service will let you download classic and select, digital-first comics from Marvel at PlayStation Store to your PSP - to read page by page or frame by frame wherever you are.'
The PSP reader features Autoflow, which allows users to zoom in and move from frame to frame on each digital page, mimicking the way eyes move across a print page from left to right. Rival comics giant DC continues to keep its digital identity secret, declining to offer any of its comics catalogue in a digital format.
Isabelle Tomatis, the European Marketing Manager for Hardware and Platforms, at SCEE, says: 'This is a great new service that offers PSP owners even more options for entertainment on the go and makes PSP a must for comics fans.
Digital comics will sit alongside the new PlayStation Network video download service as yet another way that PSP offers a whole world of entertainment in your hands.'
Sony says Digital Comics will be launching on the UK, US, Irish, Australian, New Zealand and South African PlayStation Stores this December, with other territories to follow.
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
marinfor777
August 23rd
2. I think is nice to go step further !
As the technologies move forward and Sony is always on the lead so it make sense!
How can I buy it !?
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leonardt
August 19th
1. WOW Its amazing !
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