Today Amazon announced their long awaited (and worst kept secret) digital book reader, called Kindle. It's a different approach than other digital book readers offerings from Sony and other manufacturers because it represents a different approach to content delivery and management
Taking a page from Apple's playbook, Amazon concentrated on an experience of seamless content organization, purchasing and delivery. With a built in high-speed data modem, Kindle owners can have their content choice delivered over the air within minutes of purchasing. There is no computer to device sync required which eliminates compatibility and user frustration issues.
The content offering may be more limited than physical offerings, but it's a start. You can also subscribe to daily newspapers and blogs. While everything has a purchase or monthly subscription fee, there are no monthly service or wiress usage fees.
The $399 price tag may be a bit high, but its a fresh approach to an industry that has seen more failures than successes.
Chad Stoller
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emerging platforms
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Comments (5)
One thing I can say is that it would be awesome if Amazon let me have digital versions of the books I have already bought through my Amazon account.
Rishi
Posted by BetterRetail | November 19, 2007 7:36 PM
Posted on November 19, 2007 19:36
What's even cooler about this, is that authors who embrace this format can include hyper links in their stories. Users can utilize the built in web browser to get an even more in-depth experience showing how important the web could be to this tool.
Posted by John | November 20, 2007 7:19 AM
Posted on November 20, 2007 07:19
Chad -
That looks really cool. It looks easier to use than Sony's eBook reader, at least.
Posted by Daniel | November 20, 2007 7:46 AM
Posted on November 20, 2007 07:46
/agree with above...
I want one now...
Cheers,
Tony
Posted by Tony Fortner | November 20, 2007 8:44 AM
Posted on November 20, 2007 08:44
I applaud Amazon's attempts at innovation. I'm a book freak, a 10 year Amazon.com customer and am currently reading 6 books concurrently. I'm also an (extremely) early adopter of technology.
However, I will not be buying a Kindle. Here's why - I already schlepp around my laptop, my Blackberry Curve for email and my new iPod Touch (iPhone sans la phone) for digital movies, music,photos and WiFi web. Why would I add an additional device that doesn't really offer anything new or different? I understand that Amazon is trying to copy the Apple iPod/iTunes business model of charging for content beyond the website but I'm not buying.
Bezos, stick to Amazon.com!
Posted by David Feldt
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November 20, 2007 8:53 AM
Posted on November 20, 2007 08:53