Amazon Kindle Too Expensive With Apple’s iPad Arrival
The question is why do you now need a Kindle when the Apple’s iPad is a better choice for reading eBooks. Kindle is now selling at $259 and also gave way to publisher setting e-book pricing higher than the default $9.99.
Apple’s iBookstore is launching tomorrow with titles from major publishers such as Penguin, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group and Macmillan.
Apple Mac Is Getting Kindle
Amazon has released its Kindle application for Mac OS X, and users can get e-books in Kindle format onto their machine. IT is a no frills e-book reader. The release of the application came in 2 weeks before Apple releases iPad tablet.
If you want a good e-book reader, check out Stanza. The app is available on the PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod touch and more.
Amazon Rolling Out Kindle Development Kit
Amazon has release its limited beta for the Kindle Development Kit. Accepted beta developers will be able to download the Kindle Development Kit, access developer support, test content on Kindle, and submit finished content.
Source: Kindle Development Kit
Amazon Kindle Feeling The Heat From Apple’s Tablet
Amazon is feeling the need to improve the Kindle before Apple releases iSlate tablet. Amazon opens Kindle SDK to developers to create and sell apps through the Kindle Store. The company also offer developers a 70-30 split, similar to what iPhone developers get.
Can Amazon out smart Apple with these changes to Kindle? We say no. Why would developers create apps on a device that is only for reading text. And you cannot play games on the Kindle and games are the number one seller on the iPhone. In addition to that, the device can only render in shades of grey! The Nook at least has some colour on their device.
Our prediction is Apple is going to trump Amazon with their new iSlate tablet.
Justice Department Settles Kindle Inaccessibility Controversy
Four universities (Arizona State University, Case Western Reserve University, Pace University and Reed College) have agreed they will not purchase, recommend or promote use of the Kindle DX, unless the e-book reader is fully accessible to blind students, according to the US Department of Justice.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez said, Advancing technology is systematically changing the way universities approach education, but we must be sure that emerging technologies offer individuals with disabilities the same opportunities as other students.
Amazon Kindle App For PC
Amazon has announced during the Windows 7 launch that the company will release a Kindle app for the PC. The app will be free, multitouch capable on Windows 7 and it will be available in November. You can find out more features on their website.
Amazon Reveals Large Kindle For Textbooks
Amazon is going to launch a new, larger version of its e-book reader Kindle to be used for textbooks, newspapers and magazines. Amazon has been working with textbook publishers to make their textbooks available for the device. This will allow Amazon to gain into the $9 billion textbooks market.
But Amazon’s effort will go to waste when Apple releases the a tablet-style computer later this year.
Source: Large-Screen Kindle Won’t Mean Squat if Apple Tablet Arrives
Amazon’s $359 Kindle 2 Cost $185 To Make
Market research firm iSuppli found that Amazon’s Kindle 2 retails for $359 but only costs $185.49 to build. That analysis did not include intellectual property costs, royalties, shipping costs, licensing fees, software development costs and marketing fees.
You will save some money if you already got the iPhone, is to get the free Stanza app.
Hearst eBook Will Be More Useless Than Kindle
Hearst, the media conglomerate that gave you Cosmo, Popular Mechanics, Esquire and the failing San Francisco Chronicle and Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper will go forward to save the print media by introducing a larger screen e-reader similar to Amazon’s Kindle.
Why will the Hearst eBook reader more useless than a Kindle? Because they intend to charge the user to read news online. Now if you think about it, online news is free from other reputable sources. So why buy a Hearst eBook reader? Just face it, print media is dying.
Amazon Rekindle Kindle On February 9
Amazon is rumoured to release ebook reader, Kindle 2, on February 9th. Amazon will host a media event in the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City on that day.
The first generation of Kindle is a silent hit for Amazon where the device was sold out after Oprah has given it a seal of approval with a $50 rebate coupon. Amazon did say that Kindle 2.0 hardware will be made by Samsung and LG. Those with iPhones or iPod Touch, we would highly recommend the Stanza app which is great ebook reader. No need to have a Kindle.
