Sony is adding a touch screen to its cheapest electronic reader, the Reader Pocket Edition, and increasing its price.
The new e-reader uses an infrared sensor to read finger swipes or taps from an included stylus. Before, the device's screen needed a special overlay, which reduces clarity. The new model also has a higher-contrast screen.
Sony Corp. is selling the new device for $179. That's a $29 price increase, though still $20 cheaper than the Pocket's initial price last year.
Sony said Wednesday it is also rolling out new versions of its larger-screen Reader Daily and Touch Edition e-readers, which will include the same touch-screen technology and e-ink screen as the new Pocket.
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