New Sony Reader

Sony has announced a new version of their stand-alone eBook reader, called "Reader."  The new version (the PRS-505) will be released in the upcoming days and will feature faster-responding, higher-contrast epaper, 8 levels of greyscale rather than 4, a thinner profile than the old Reader, a better button layout (it couldn't have been worse) and new color schemes.  Amazon is also releasing the "Kindle" soon, which will compete head-to-head with the Sony Reader.  Rumor has it that Apple will also be releasing an iPhone clone that will serve as an eBook reader (CNet).