Why does the Kindle app have so few formatting options?

menevets · 11-15-2012, 09:38 AM

I noticed this in the Android version as well. While the app is fast and has a great search feature, there is no choice of fonts, limited font sizes and spacing options and no screen lock toggle. I realize that Amazon wants you to buy Kindles, but what if you already have a Kindle and want better options on your iOS/Android device?

Are there any indications that more options will be added to the apps in the future?

jswinden · 11-15-2012, 11:01 AM

The latest Kindle app for the iPad has several font choices and is much better than the other Kindle apps. But it certainly is otherwise lackng in formatting options, like all apps by all major bookstores. Look at the pathetic Sony, B&N Nook, and Kobo apps, as well as iBooks. None are very good nor do I expect any ever will be.

menevets · 11-15-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jswinden

The latest Kindle app for the iPad has several font choices and is much better than the other Kindle apps.

Thanks for the heads up, didn't notice the update. 4,5 new fonts. I'm stuck on iPad 1, so can't get the update but able to see the new fonts on my newer iPhone.

jswinden · 11-15-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menevets

Thanks for the heads up, didn't notice the update. 4,5 new fonts. I'm stuck on iPad 1, so can't get the update but able to see the new fonts on my newer iPhone.

I just checked my older iPod touch 2G and it too cannot be updated to the latest Kindle app, and so it only has one font too.

kyteflyer · 11-15-2012, 01:47 PM

Its almost enough for one to de-DRM and convert everything to epub. At least then we could use Stanza or another reader and manage our books a bit better.

jswinden · 11-15-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

Its almost enough for one to de-DRM and convert everything to epub. At least then we could use Stanza or another reader and manage our books a bit better.

Not if you like to sync between devices. There are some 3rd party ways to sync, but they are all clunky compared to using Whispersync. If syncing is not an issue, then there are many alternate eReading apps available for ePub, but none worth a crap for mobi.

Apps like Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc. excel in syncing and dictionary lookup, but are lacking when it comes to format options. 3rd party apps are lacking in syncing, dictionary lookup, etc., but they often have more formatting options. Choose your poison...

menevets · 11-16-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jswinden

Not if you like to sync between devices. There are some 3rd party ways to sync, but they are all clunky compared to using Whispersync. If syncing is not an issue, then there are many alternate eReading apps available for ePub, but none worth a crap for mobi.

Apps like Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc. excel in syncing and dictionary lookup, but are lacking when it comes to format options. 3rd party apps are lacking in syncing, dictionary lookup, etc., but they often have more formatting options. Choose your poison...

I noticed you have a Kindle Fire. Does the Fire reader have more formatting options?

holymadness · 11-16-2012, 04:17 PM

I find I never change the default font on my e-readers. Maybe I'm an outlier on this forum.

Despite its shortcomings, I still find the Kindle app for iPhone to be the best reader available.

jswinden · 11-16-2012, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menevets

I noticed you have a Kindle Fire. Does the Fire reader have more formatting options?

No not really. It is fairly light on formatting options although it does have six font choices.

11-15-2012, 09:38 AM	#1
menevets Connoisseur Posts: 88 Karma: 750010 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: PRS-300/Kindle 4 basic/iPad/iPod Touch/iPhone/Nexus 7	Why does the Kindle app have so few formatting options? I noticed this in the Android version as well. While the app is fast and has a great search feature, there is no choice of fonts, limited font sizes and spacing options and no screen lock toggle. I realize that Amazon wants you to buy Kindles, but what if you already have a Kindle and want better options on your iOS/Android device? Are there any indications that more options will be added to the apps in the future?

11-15-2012, 11:01 AM	#2
jswinden Nameless Being	The latest Kindle app for the iPad has several font choices and is much better than the other Kindle apps. But it certainly is otherwise lackng in formatting options, like all apps by all major bookstores. Look at the pathetic Sony, B&N Nook, and Kobo apps, as well as iBooks. None are very good nor do I expect any ever will be. Last edited by jswinden; 11-15-2012 at 11:07 AM.

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11-15-2012, 01:47 PM	#5
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	Its almost enough for one to de-DRM and convert everything to epub. At least then we could use Stanza or another reader and manage our books a bit better.

11-16-2012, 04:17 PM	#8
holymadness Guru Posts: 722 Karma: 2084955 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: iPhone	I find I never change the default font on my e-readers. Maybe I'm an outlier on this forum. Despite its shortcomings, I still find the Kindle app for iPhone to be the best reader available.

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