Amazon reveals new Kindle app for iPad and other tablets

pilotbob · 03-22-2010, 10:38 AM

"In particular, the Kindle application from Amazon was demonstrated to a Times reporter. It features the ability to slowly turn pages with fingers, much like Apple's own iBooks software."

We all knew this was coming but here is a bit more information on reading software for the iPad. It appears they are building it to rival the iBooks app that Apple will include on every iPad.

Is this good news... certainly for Kindle owners that also want to tote an iPad from the sofa to the pool side lounge chair (assuming you can use the iPad in the sun).

via: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...pple_ipad.html

You can also learn more about it here straight from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000490441

BOb

HarryT · 03-22-2010, 10:41 AM

It's certainly good news for people outside the US, given that the "iBooks" application will (initially, at least) be US only.

jbjb · 03-22-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

It's certainly good news for people outside the US, given that the "iBooks" application will (initially, at least) be US only.

Is it the iBooks app or just the bookstore that will be US only? I've heard that the iBooks app will work with DRM-free epubs - will non-US iPads not be able to do that?

/JB

CCDMan · 03-22-2010, 11:27 AM

I noted that the article did not say Apple APPROVED the app. or even that they had submitted it to Apple. Here's betting that Apple will say it has "duplicate functionality" and ban it. I would REALLY like to be wrong!

HarryT · 03-22-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbjb

Is it the iBooks app or just the bookstore that will be US only? I've heard that the iBooks app will work with DRM-free epubs - will non-US iPads not be able to do that?

/JB

I think that's one of those things we're just going to have to wait to find out.

Ben Thornton · 03-22-2010, 11:38 AM

The ability to turn pages slowly is a funny feature to brag about - the sort of thing that you might use in a demo but would never want when actually reading. It's like having mp3 albums that make you get up and turn the record over.

I bet Apple don't ban it - why would they? Lots of people have bought Kindles, and it allows Apple to say that a Kindle is like a black and white ipad that runs only one application with a crippled interface.

pilotbob · 03-22-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCDMan

I noted that the article did not say Apple APPROVED the app. or even that they had submitted it to Apple. Here's betting that Apple will say it has "duplicate functionality" and ban it. I would REALLY like to be wrong!

There already is a Kindle app in the app store that Apple approved. But, you never knew what maniacal Steve Jobs will do.

BOb

kacir · 03-22-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Thornton

The ability to turn pages slowly is a funny feature to brag about - the sort of thing that you might use in a demo but would never want when actually reading. It's like having mp3 albums that make you get up and turn the record over.

well ...
It's more like having ridiculously wide margins displayed on page the user you can not change to squeeze more text on page^H^H^H^Hscreen, (you can not change the margin size on a paper book, so why should you have an opportunity to do so on an e-book reader?)
it's like having a picture of physical book displayed on the right side of screen that you can not switch off,
it's like preventing the user from installing and changing the font, or changing the justification.

The ultimate feature would be the ability to add lead weights to the back of the device depending on number of pages the original paper book had. When you are reading Atlas shrugged, you should add at least a kilogram of lead shot to give you the most authentic book feeling. Seriously. And the book should close automatically when you do not hold it in both hands.

banjomike · 03-22-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Thornton

I bet Apple don't ban it - why would they?

Er, because that is what Apple do.

BooksForABuck · 03-22-2010, 01:30 PM

I think Amazon is doing a great job expanding the eco-system for the Kindle. Rather than think of it as a device (the Sony approach), they think of their hardware as simply one (so far the largest) path to market. If you can get Kindle for everything, Amazon realizes, then the DRM arguments don't hold as much water. I REALLY want to see competition prevail in this market (who thinks Amazon would have offered to drop to 30% without competition?) but Amazon is going to be hard to beat.

What I also want to know is how to get some of my books on that Kindle tree.

Rob Preece
Publisher, www.BooksForABuck.com

drgnbear · 03-22-2010, 01:45 PM

Apple does ban apps that duplicate CORE functionality such as Phone dialing. Basically any Built in App. The iBook app will be a free download. Not exactly core. I am pretty sure Apple won't ban other ebook apps, but... don't quote me on that.

voodooblues · 03-22-2010, 01:47 PM

With the release of Kindle on the Mac and Kindle on the iPhone, I would think that Apple will allow the app. There has also been the news that B&N will be creating an app for the Ipad. From the standpoint of Apple they are becoming the device that you can now buy and read ebooks from their device.

I see this as a step in the right direction.

petermillard · 03-22-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCDMan

Here's betting that Apple will say it has "duplicate functionality" and ban it...

Woah dude, is your cup ever half empty or what?? Here's betting that they won't - why would they? - and no, 'because that's what Apple do' doesn't count as an answer

Seriously, books aren't music; I don't think Apple really wants to be in the eBook business at all (probably nowhere big enough, financially) hence iBooks is an App you have to download (if you want it) and not part of the iPad's core functionality.

And as HarryT said, Kindle for iPad is great news for those of us outside of the US...

Cheers, Pete.

Tamara · 03-22-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgnbear

Apple does ban apps that duplicate CORE functionality such as Phone dialing. Basically any Built in App. The iBook app will be a free download. Not exactly core. I am pretty sure Apple won't ban other ebook apps, but... don't quote me on that.

I agree.

tomsem · 03-22-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Thornton

The ability to turn pages slowly is a funny feature to brag about - the sort of thing that you might use in a demo but would never want when actually reading. It's like having mp3 albums that make you get up and turn the record over.

.

I don't think there's anything wrong with extending the physical book metaphor to digital, even to the point of having animated page turning and subtle sound effects (smells? now that would be wrong...). A more sensually engaging, immersive experience should be conducive to better retention and just be more enjoyable in general. Our sensory apparatus is still analog and that's not likely to change any time soon.

OTOH, I'd like to see an RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) e-reader the size of my iPod nano...

03-22-2010, 10:38 AM	#1
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	Amazon reveals new Kindle app for iPad and other tablets "In particular, the Kindle application from Amazon was demonstrated to a Times reporter. It features the ability to slowly turn pages with fingers, much like Apple's own iBooks software." We all knew this was coming but here is a bit more information on reading software for the iPad. It appears they are building it to rival the iBooks app that Apple will include on every iPad. Is this good news... certainly for Kindle owners that also want to tote an iPad from the sofa to the pool side lounge chair (assuming you can use the iPad in the sun). via: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...pple_ipad.html You can also learn more about it here straight from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000490441 BOb Last edited by pilotbob; 03-22-2010 at 10:41 AM.

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03-22-2010, 10:41 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,560 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It's certainly good news for people outside the US, given that the "iBooks" application will (initially, at least) be US only.

03-22-2010, 11:27 AM	#4
CCDMan *** Posts: 335 Karma: 5759 Join Date: Mar 2006 Device: ***	I noted that the article did not say Apple APPROVED the app. or even that they had submitted it to Apple. Here's betting that Apple will say it has "duplicate functionality" and ban it. I would REALLY like to be wrong!

03-22-2010, 11:38 AM	#6
Ben Thornton Guru Posts: 900 Karma: 779635 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: UK Device: Kindle 3, iPad 2 (but not for e-books)	The ability to turn pages slowly is a funny feature to brag about - the sort of thing that you might use in a demo but would never want when actually reading. It's like having mp3 albums that make you get up and turn the record over. I bet Apple don't ban it - why would they? Lots of people have bought Kindles, and it allows Apple to say that a Kindle is like a black and white ipad that runs only one application with a crippled interface.

03-22-2010, 01:30 PM	#10
BooksForABuck Zealot Posts: 123 Karma: 150001 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Long Beach, CA Device: Color Nook, Kindle 2, Palm III, eBookWise, HP Jornada	I think Amazon is doing a great job expanding the eco-system for the Kindle. Rather than think of it as a device (the Sony approach), they think of their hardware as simply one (so far the largest) path to market. If you can get Kindle for everything, Amazon realizes, then the DRM arguments don't hold as much water. I REALLY want to see competition prevail in this market (who thinks Amazon would have offered to drop to 30% without competition?) but Amazon is going to be hard to beat. What I also want to know is how to get some of my books on that Kindle tree. Rob Preece Publisher, www.BooksForABuck.com

03-22-2010, 01:45 PM	#11
drgnbear Evil alien overlord. Posts: 57 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2007 Device: Kindle	Apple does ban apps that duplicate CORE functionality such as Phone dialing. Basically any Built in App. The iBook app will be a free download. Not exactly core. I am pretty sure Apple won't ban other ebook apps, but... don't quote me on that.

03-22-2010, 01:47 PM	#12
voodooblues Connoisseur Posts: 58 Karma: 6106 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somewhere out there Device: iPad(3 or HD or whatever), iPad Mini, Kindle 7" hdx, Samsung 7 tab 3	With the release of Kindle on the Mac and Kindle on the iPhone, I would think that Apple will allow the app. There has also been the news that B&N will be creating an app for the Ipad. From the standpoint of Apple they are becoming the device that you can now buy and read ebooks from their device. I see this as a step in the right direction.