Ad support on the new Kindles?

Originally Posted by sirmaru

There is a place on the "Your Account" page to opt out of ads. See where I posted the details here:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...=190225&page=2

You opt out at a price though. It isn't free by a long shot.

[Skydog]

Originally Posted by sirmaru

There is a place on the "Your Account" page to opt out of ads. See where I posted the details here:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...=190225&page=2

Not for a pre-order. The question remains for the new Fires.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by Skydog

Not for a pre-order. The question remains for the new Fires.

The Verge is reporting that there is no way to opt out of the ads on the new Fire tablets.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/7/330...ire-ad-opt-out

[sirmaru]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

The Verge is reporting that there is no way to opt out of the ads on the new Fire tablets.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/7/330...ire-ad-opt-out

The Verge is getting conflicting information if you read between their lines. In fact, if you go to the link I posted earlier the MECHANISM does exist for an optout and an optin option.

The preorders don't show much information other than the model purchased.

Its my OPINION, that the new Fire HD's will have the option enabled without cost but the default will be an optin. In that way 95% of purchasers will get the special offers but the very few, who are really upset, will be able to opt out very easily.

Some folks may optout after a few weeks and then optin again. That is why the mechanism set up will be invaluable and probably not charge for switches. Many of the special offers are related to one's GPS location. The new Kindle HD's will have GPS capability. Thus, the special offers may actually benefit us by showing special deals near our locations. They really are no different than coupon clipping to save in the supermarket. In fact some of the special offers may be related to super market purchases.

Frankly, if the optin/optout feature is available and the default is optin, I'm going to leave it that way for at least a couple of months to see if I benefit from it.

The Paperwhites have a fixed optin or optout and a price to optout. They do not have GPS capablitiy and their special offers will not be as valuable as the GPS oriented special offers on the Fire HD's.

Unlike the eInk Kindles, the new Fire models don't have a price option with and without SO. They come with SO whether you want it or not. So I guess that is why there is no opt out option. That is sad. The SO option when Amazon actually has decent SOs to offer is a good thing for a lot a people. But to force SOs on owners is a bit much IMO.

[sirmaru]

Go to this link to see how the optin/optout mechanism worked in the past:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200671290

In the past there WAS a charge to opt out per this quote from that page:

"By unsubscribing, you will be charged for the price difference between your Kindle model and the corresponding Kindle with Special Offers model if your device was originally purchased at a subsidized price."

Thus, we still must await an official announcement from Amazon telling us if that option will be avaiable and what the charge, if any, will be to exercise it.

Originally Posted by sirmaru

Go to this link to see how the optin/optout mechanism worked in the past:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200671290

In the past there WAS a charge to opt out per this quote from that page:

"By unsubscribing, you will be charged for the price difference between your Kindle model and the corresponding Kindle with Special Offers model if your device was originally purchased at a subsidized price."

We understand that opt out option was available for eInk Kindles. However the Fire models appear to be a different situation altogether.

Okay here is the answer about the new Fires and SOs straight from the horse's mouth. I found this on the Amazon Support site in a FAQ: The page is here.

Q: Will it be possible to buy a version of the new devices without Special Offers? Can I remove Special Offers at a later date?
A: We are only offering these devices with Special Offers enabled. By delivering these offers to your Kindle Fire, Amazon is able to sell it for a lower price. Special Offers cannot be removed from the Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HD 8.9", and Kindle Paperwhite.

[Skydog]

Well, that changes things for me at least. Also surprising is the fact that SO Kindle Paperwhites are permanently SO.

[JoHunt]

Originally Posted by Skydog

Well, that changes things for me at least. Also surprising is the fact that SO Kindle Paperwhites are permanently SO.

Since non-SO Paperwhites are also available for a $20 premium, perhaps an option will be added in future to pay to remove the ads.

I hope Amazon is ready for the "firestorm" of protest it will face once purchasers of the Fire realize that ads cannot be removed. Can you imagine paying $600 for a tablet which has is ad supported? Apple must really be laughing about this.