How to run Kindle Android app and more on Sony PRS-T1 eReader

Many of us are unaware of the fact that Sony is the first manufacturer to introduce e-book reader in 2006. Since then it is gaining popularity and challenging Amazon Kindle. One of the e-book readers is Sony PRS T1 that comes with 6-inch infrared touch screen, which makes user interaction more natural. It is designed to run Sony’s Reader Software but the firmware of the device is based on Google’s Android, which shows that it can run Android apps too. However, for that, you have to hack the reader and then it will run a bunch of different apps.

Sony PRS-T1 eReader

The hack is not perfect as it will not allow you to use Angry Birds but it makes Kindle app compatible with the reader. It will take some more time to reach the perfection but this is a good start. Process is straightforward and completes in few steps. It does not sacrifice the Reader’s stock functionality because it works same as before after the hack. Finally, there is a reason to buy the Sony PRS T1-reader.

Difficulty level: Easy

Time required: 30 minutes

Resources required:

Windows PC with active internet connection and WinZip extractor installed

USB Cable

Sony PRS T1 reader

Estimate cost: N/A

Instructions:

1. Download file: Download and extract the file in your PC using WinZip. You will see a file called “Package installer.”

2. Connect PC and Reader: Charge the reader, connect it with PC, and put it in USB/Data Transfer mode. Wait until the PC recognizes all the external drives properly.

3. Look for the batch file: From the downloaded file, find a file called flash_reader.bat and double click on it. It will ask you to agree, press Y.

4. Moment of truth: Wait for some time and leave the connection established between PC and the reader. After 15-20 minutes, reader will reboot. The hacking/rooting process is completed and you can use Kindle app on reader.

Once you will finish the process, the reader will turn into an Android powered tablet and provide you the full power of the Google OS. Root package will automatically install some apps in the reader such as AWD Launcher, Drop box, Cool Reader, Terminal, Gallery3D, Package Installer, Super User, Any Soft Keyboard, ColorDict3, Root Explorer, Colour Picker and Calculator.

If you will install the Kindle app, it will work perfectly. Apart from the page buttons, every other feature will work fine. Aldiko will not work and it is painful to use exPDF reader as the screen of the reader flashes excessively. This is the main problem with this reader, the screen flashes more than required and causes black flashing.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I play angry birds after hacking my reader?

A. Yes, you can but you will face problems because it will crash repeatedly. Honestly speaking, nobody will like playing angry birds on an E Ink display with a slow refresh rate.

2. Can I install browsers after hacking the reader?

A. Yes, you can use the browsers as well as many other news apps, e-book apps and other applications.

3. Is the hacking file and process full proof?

A. We tested on PRS T1 reader and it worked. Therefore, it is full proof and relatively easy

4. Does this hacking package work on other mobile or readers?

A. No, this is only for Sony PRS T1 reader.

Quick tips:

1. If the reader stops working after the process, please download the flash it using the recovery package.

2. Do not try this hacking package on other readers, it can harm the firmware or damage the device completely.

Things to watch out for:

1. The hacking process will not allow you to play movies or games on the reader. So, if you are rooting your reader for this purpose, so not waste your time.

2. There are many Android apps, we have not tried on all of them and cannot guarantee that all of that will work, whether it is a reading app or something else.

This is not the first time that any Android powered e-book reader is hacked to run Android apps, Barnes & Nobe NOOK Touch and Amazon kindle can be rooted to run apps. However, Sony PRS T1 reader has few things that make it worth for the hacking.

Even without running the rooting package it is completely open and supports all the available e-book file formats but once hacked it opens door for all sort of new uses. It also has a series of button below the screen so that the users can use it with more comfort and ease.

Sony PRS T1 is available on Amazon with a price tag of $149.