Where are the Kindle apps in UK?

[mike_bike_kite]

Why don't we have Kindle apps (scrabble, sudoku etc) in the UK? I've tried searching the web but all I see are kindle apps that let you view books on other devices or apps for the Fire. I assume it must be a legal thing but can't see how this would apply to all apps.

I know we all just want to read but it seems a shame I can't have a simple time waster or two on my device. I don't expect it to play a great game of chess but it would be nice if it could connect to one of the chess servers to display the state of your current games etc.

Mike

[HarryT]

Amazon in their wisdom only sell "active content" in the US (or possibly Canada too). Nowhere else. It is irksome.

[mike_bike_kite]

Do they offer any reason?

[ixtab]

Originally Posted by mike_bike_kite

Do they offer any reason?

Yes - a very generic reply which doesn't say anything. This is straight from an actual conversation with Amazon support, I've only edited out (XXXX) a few personal details. (Also note the date, this conversation is over 15 months old, and nothing has changed).

Hello,

I understand you've contacted us regarding the availability of Kindle content specifically Kindle Active content in Europe.

Regarding the Kindle content:

Please understand that publishers grant eBook rights on a country by country basis. As a result, availability of titles in the Kindle Store can vary based on your country of residence. We are actively working with publishers to increase our selection.

Regarding the Kindle Active content: I understand that this content is developed directly by Amazon Digital Services and should be available to the International Customers, unfortunately Kindle active content is only available to customers located in the United States.

However, this is something that we need to take serious consideration and I've forwarded your feed back to our Kindle development team, they'll carefully review your comments and take necessary action.

We value the feedback of our customers and make every attempt to integrate their comments or suggestions into our stores and procedures.

We do value our international customers and hope to make Kindle Active content available in more locations in the future.

I can understand that this will be disappointing, however, I hope you will understand our limitations in this situation.

As always, please feel free to contact us should you have future suggestions, questions or comments. We have team of experts who takes into consideration each and every feedback of our customers and brings them into practice.

You can reach us via phone, chat or e-mail through our Help pages here:

http://www.amazon.com/kindlesupport

Appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

We look forward to seeing you again soon and apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Thank you for your inquiry. Did I solve your problem?

If yes, please click here:
XXXX

If no, please click here:
XXXX

XXXX

Amazon.com
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.
To manage your Kindle and content online, visit:
http://www.amazon.com/cs/manageyourkindle

---- Original message: ----
---------------
03/14/12 16:02:04
Your Name: XXXX
Kindle Name: Kindle
Kindle Serial Number: XXXX
Comments:Hello,

I have a very simple question concerning Kindle content (specifically the free games): why are they not available in Europe? I mean they're free after all, and as far as I can see, they are developed by Amazon itself (Amazon Digital Services; meaning that there shouldn't be any artificial distribution rights issues or so), so why are you putting your international customers at a disadvantage?

Thank you for clarifying this,
best regards

XXXX
---------------

[HarryT]

Probably a good idea to keep hassling them from time to time so they know that people care. It's about time I sent them another moan about it myself. I'll do so.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by ixtab

Yes - a very generic reply which doesn't say anything. This is straight from an actual conversation with Amazon support, I've only edited out (XXXX) a few personal details. (Also note the date, this conversation is over 15 months old, and nothing has changed).

LOL - I love corporate speak

[mike_bike_kite]

It's bizarre that they don't have a any real reasons listed in there. It just smells like laziness though you'd think it would take more effort to maintain two versions of the Kindle, one that supports apps and the others that don't. It just seems to make more sense to have a common platform where everything is the same.

Mike

[HarryT]

They don't have "two versions of the Kindle". All Kindles support active content.

[hunnymonster]

Indeed they do... I have Scrabble on mine (UK)

[mike_bike_kite]

Originally Posted by HarryT

They don't have "two versions of the Kindle". All Kindles support active content.

You're correct. I should of said the systems that list the active content available to the user.

Originally Posted by hunnymonster

Indeed they do... I have Scrabble on mine (UK)

How do I get that then?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by mike_bike_kite

How do I get that then?

You'd need to create an account on Amazon US and pretend that you lived there. I'm afraid I don't know how easy or otherwise that is.

Personally, I have various tablets (Android and iOS) and run apps on those instead. Much less hassle.

I would recommend complaining to Amazon UK about the lack of active content here. The more of us who complain, the more likely Amazon are to take notice.

[hunnymonster]

Exactly as Harry says... live (or pretend to live) there.

Obviously if you flit back and forth across the pond too often alarm bells will sound at Amazon HQ and you may find your account summarily terminated.

[barba]

Also you have to use addon anonymoX from Firefox to change your IP to a USA' IP, because they check your IP