Trick gives Sony Reader PRS-T1 fast refresh
updated 05:15 pm EST, Mon January 16, 2012
Sony PRS-T1 shown to enter partial refresh mode
Sony's Android-powered PRS-T1 e-reader has been found to enable a fast refresh rate, which makes the screen behave more like a touchscreen rather than a slowly refreshing e-paper screen. The eBook Reader's Nathan found a way to enter the device into a semi-permanent partial page refresh state, which makes scrolling through non-Sony apps like the Dropbox app and root explorer much easier. It's said to make Android apps work more fluidly as well.
The user's reader is rooted. While the trick might work for totally standard devices as well, it's less effective, as going into the Sony-issued interfaces such as the browser, home screen, and Reader app will reset it back to the fuller and slower refresh rates. The trick involves scrolling or zooming in the browser, then quickly tapping the top of the screen to open the notifications bar before it sets the screen. Catching it during this two-second delay will leave the screen in a semi-permanent partial refresh rate. Users then need to navigate only using the shortcuts bar, Android launcher, and back button.
An Internet connection is not needed in order to enter this mode. In reading apps such as FBReader and Kindle, the trick is less useful as the text is rougher and has less contrast.
