Amazon reveals new Kindle app for iPad and other tablets

[Kali Yuga]

I'm not too worried about Apple blocking the Kindle app. Ultimately Apple is more interested in selling hardware than in selling content or software; e.g. Apple made nearly $8 billion in revenues from the iPhone and iPod, and less than $1 billion from everything in the iTunes store.

Since a Kindle iPad app makes the iPad more useful, they really don't have much reason to block it. Same with Pandora, which indirectly competes against iTunes; but since it sells more iPhones, why block it?

That said, this is one benefit to an open platform like Android, as you do not have a nanny telling you what apps you can and can't officially run on your device.

[drgnbear]

I agree the whole Apple Nanny mentality is challenging to me. However if anything is going to kill Android it's the fractured market. Too many different hardware specs and incomplete implementations. I think the biggest challenge to iPhone is going to come from Windows Phone 7 with a more unified hardware spec and OS and Microsoft's considerable knowledge of SDK building and their user base, it's poised to be a good competitor. They are much more nimble in some ways than Apple, and certainly have a better history with transparency.

That said I love the iPhone and I will love my iPad too, I am really hoping for some competition to really increase functionality the end users.

[fugazied]

It doesn't duplicate existing functionality because it is the ONLY way to legitimately read Kindle books on the iPad. End of story.

Also lets not forget that Apple wants to DEVOUR THE KINDLE with the iPad. They want Kindle users, (who are consumers with money and who buy lots of books) to drop their Kindles and buy iPads.

Apple is providing a walled garden for these devices, but that does have some benefits for users, no viruses, trojans on the devices. No apps which destroy battery life in 10 minutes, no crashy apps (in theory). It's worth it imo, I want an Apple experience (good UI, works as intended), not a Windows experience (crashes, I have to manage tasks, spyware, viruses) when using a phone or tablet.

[TallMomof2]

Wish Amazon would produce an Android version that works on different sized screens.

[RobbieClarken]

I'll bet anyone who claims Apple will reject competing ebook apps US$50 that they wont. My guess is most people who suggest this don't really believe it'll happen and just want to stir up paranoia about a company they dislike.

What Apple will do is prevent you from directly purchasing ebooks through the Amazon app (unless Amazon fork over a cut of in-app purchase revenue). I don't think this will be a big deal as you'll just be directed to the purchase page in Safari like on the iPhone.

[conniewilson11]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

"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

this is awesome, thanks

[markbot]

Apple is my new enemy....this due to the fact that my Kindle books have increased in price.

[georgeogoodman]

Have you folks who are convinced of Apple's evilness (or of their goodness) considered that they might make decisions that benefit themselves, independent of our judgment?

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by georgeogoodman

Have you folks who are convinced of Apple's evilness (or of their goodness) considered that they might make decisions that benefit themselves, independent of our judgment?

yes, I always laugh when people say some company is greedy or evil for wanting to make money considering that is the reason they exist.

I also shake my head when people tell me I am a lemming or daft if I buy or want to buy an Apple product.... once again, when you ask people which device they would choose regardless of price and they will always pick the premium brands like Apple or Mercedes or Lexus. Most of the time you do get what you pay for.

Oh, and Apple isn't the one raising ebook prices... that is the publishers. Granted, they used Apple as a lever... but I'm not sure Apple can take the blame for that.

BOb

[astra]

I read the news yesterday but I am a bit confused.
I thought ebook reader can support one DRM format only.

AFAIK, iPad has its own DRM for epubs? How can it read amazon DRMed awz/tpz ebooks as well?

[ChrisC333]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

yes, I always laugh when people say some company is greedy or evil for wanting to make money considering that is the reason they exist.

I also shake my head when people tell me I am a lemming or daft if I buy or want to buy an Apple product.... once again, when you ask people which device they would choose regardless of price and they will always pick the premium brands like Apple or Mercedes or Lexus. Most of the time you do get what you pay for.

BOb

+1


Odd how some posters seem determined to take a negative line on any new development - particularly where computer technology is concerned.

Apple’s habit of attempting to keep control over their hardware and software seems perfectly understandable to me, and I’m mostly comfortable with the outcome. The ones who scream the loudest about Apple (or Microsoft for that matter) being Control Freaks often seem to be the other Control Freaks amongst us who object to somebody else having their hand on the toys (I’m not excluding myself here....). The IT world is crammed full of control freaks. Probably because if you aren’t pedantic, controlling, nit-picking and so on then there’s a good chance your code won’t run or your hardware won’t work. Characteristics that might seem a little over the top in some fields of work are more or less essential in IT.

I’m a long time user of both Apple products and Microsoft based equipment - and I’ve certainly done my fair share of cursing at them on occasions - but provided I can keep my own inner Control Freak in its box, then I’ll admit that they have a perfect right to build their gear however they see fit. One of the great attractions of running my own businesses for most of my working life was that I got to drive the bus. So I can hardly complain too loudly if Jobs, Gates and co feel the same way....

I’m certainly looking forward to reading all manner of content on an iPad, using a variety of apps. Will I grumble about some of it? Of course! But I fully expect the ride to be an interesting one, and that it will get better and better as it goes on. The next couple of years should be a lot of fun.

[Blue Tyson]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

yes, I always laugh when people say some company is greedy or evil for wanting to make money considering that is the reason they exist.

I also shake my head when people tell me I am a lemming or daft if I buy or want to buy an Apple product.... once again, when you ask people which device they would choose regardless of price and they will always pick the premium brands like Apple or Mercedes or Lexus. Most of the time you do get what you pay for.

Oh, and Apple isn't the one raising ebook prices... that is the publishers. Granted, they used Apple as a lever... but I'm not sure Apple can take the blame for that.

BOb

Lexus?

Where are these really really stupid people that have never heard of Ferrari or Lamborghini?

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by markbot

Apple is my new enemy....this due to the fact that my Kindle books have increased in price.

Welcome to the army.

Please note that MacMillan is allied with the Apple...and let's have a drink before the war.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

...

That said, this is one benefit to an open platform like Android, as you do not have a nanny telling you what apps you can and can't officially run on your device.

OMG!!!! Double Red Letter Day not only did Ben and I agree on something Kali Yuga and I Agree!!!


This must be an alternate universe I woke up in.

[petermillard]

Originally Posted by astra

I read the news yesterday but I am a bit confused.
I thought ebook reader can support one DRM format only.

AFAIK, iPad has its own DRM for epubs? How can it read amazon DRMed awz/tpz ebooks as well?

These are third-party applications, like those available for iPhone. Apple's own reading application (iBooks) has it's own DRM, but Amazon has announced the Kindle application for iPad - like Kindle App for iPhone and iTouch - which allows you to read and buy books from the Kindle store. Barnes & Noble have also announced an iPad application for books in their format and DRM.

Provided Apple approves these Apps, the iPad will be well on the way towards becoming the most flexible reading platform available when it ships in the U.S. in a couple of weeks.

HTH Pete.