Amazon's Kindle app for iPad includes color e-books

updated 07:55 am EDT, Mon March 22, 2010

Kindle iPad app gets edge over Amazon's device

Amazon today gave an early look at its Kindle App for Tablet Computers as an indicator of what to expect on the iPad. The new version is optimized for the larger screens and includes a more visual book browser as well as a more natural page view that, like on the iPad, curls the page in reaction to a reader's finger. Amazon's tablet edition actually provides more features than on the Kindle itself as it supports color photos that the Kindle hardware's e-reader can't display.

The app still supports the full Kindle Whispersync feature and will download all purchased content. Annotations, highlights and notes can be created and synced over, and bookmarks will remember the exact place even as the page count changes going from smaller devices like the iPhone or 6-inch Kindle. On at least the iPad, however, Apple's royalty rules for in-app purchases have led Amazon to use a web browser for purchasing rather than a customized app.

When the app will be available isn't known, but it's not expected to ship side-by-side with the iPad.

Creating the app is consistent with Amazon's approach of making the Kindle store available on as many devices as possible, including Macs, Windows PCs and the BlackBerry, but nonetheless represents an unusual step to cater to a device that most expect will be the Kindle's most direct competition. Amazon is currently believed to be waging a book rights war with Apple in a bid to prevent Apple from having a comparable library, but deals with at least five major publishers are poised to give the iPad and the iBookstore a largely similar catalog.

By Electronista Staff

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Amazon, digital imaging, Kindle, tablet, Apple, iPad, iBookstore

lamewing

Dedicated MacNNer

Joined: Aug 2004

03/22, 08:54am | report spam | close reply

Of course

Amazon might make short-term profits (maybe) on the Kindle hardware, but they are going to make long term profits on selling their ebooks. Of course they want to also provide support for the iPad. This move is just common sense.

Peter Bonte

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

03/22, 09:01am | report spam | close reply

iPod and iPhone

Seems weird but they already sell much more e-books for the iPhone platform, the Kindle was only a means to dominate the market before Apple. Now its all about the books.

Foe Hammer

Joined: Feb 2005

03/22, 09:38am | report spam | close reply

My Kindle - A One-Trick Pony

I bought a Kindle eons ago and found myself using it a lot - until the iPhone Kindle app came out. Suddenly I was reading all of my Kindle books through the iPhone. The Kindle has since been collecting dust.

But with Kindle for iPad, I'll not only preserve my (admittedly meager) investment in a dozen or so ebooks I purchased from Amazon, I'll undoubtedly buy more from them.

My Kindle is a device that essentially only runs one app that I want; if a vastly-improved version of that one app is available on the iPad (a device that runs multiple apps I that I want), then I'm going to go that route for sure. Future Kindles may offer more, but by then I'll be so far into the iPad that switching back to (after actually purchasing) a new Kindle device is going to be an incredibly tough sell at the bare minimum.

chas_m

Moderator

03/22, 09:48am | report spam | close reply

Ironic, innit?

If you want to see the future of the Kindle (or of e-books generally), buy an iPad.

testudo

Forum Regular

-8

03/22, 09:58am | report spam | (1 reply) close | reply

Re: Ironic, innit

And I wonder how many platforms Apple will be porting their book reader. Probably none.

-2

03/22, 10:00am | report spam | close reply

Re:My Kindle

But with Kindle for iPad, I'll not only preserve my (admittedly meager) investment in a dozen or so ebooks I purchased from Amazon, I'll undoubtedly buy more from them.

Except, due to Apple's pressure, those Kindle books will start going up in price, and you'll be irritated by that like so many Kindle owners are, and just stop buying books from them.

James Katt

Joined: Mar 2008

03/22, 10:19am | report spam | close reply

Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

03/22, 10:54am | report spam | close reply

Re: Apple's Pressure

Good morning, Testy! (And I was worried my week wouldn't start off right.)

Well, if Amazon raises their prices due to Apple's pressure or, per James Katt's point keeps losing money on them at whatever price point, or otherwise adopts a business model/pricing scheme that negatively impacts them, that's up to them. Of course, one would think that Amazon could get a decent contract from every major publisher seeing as how the cornerstone of their business (at least used to be) books.

As far as Apple releasing its e-book reader app for other platforms, why would it? The whole point is to experience the Apple reader on an iPad. Don't get it, do you?

JeffHarris

Joined: Oct 1999

03/22, 11:03am | report spam | close reply

Kindle: Short Shelf Life

I've always seen the Kindle as an extremely limited, transitional device.

With the iPad announcement, Amazon must be aware that Kindle's moment in the sun is nearly over and realize that selling content will bring them more profit than hardware.

Amazon simply cannot hope to match Apple's hardware and software prowess coupled with economies of scale in manufacturing as well as the huge amount of content Apple offers through the iTunes and App Stores and the ease that it's all served.

03/22, 12:43pm | report spam | close reply

Re: Show Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

What is so ironic is that, while Apple makes money on every iBook book, Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books - particularly the best sellers - until it can get a contract similar to what Apple got from every major publisher.

Oh, how is this wrong? And in so many ways, too.

First, Apple doesn't even sell books at the moment, so where you get that they make money on every one sold? Or is it that we all make money on every book we sell (which, since we don't sell any, is a meaningless statement too).

Second, Apple supposedly will garner 30% of the price of a book sale. But that does not mean they will make money. There are costs involved in selling books, just like Apps and music. Thus, any profit they do make (after costs such as bandwidth, hosting, contracts, overhead, etc, etc, etc) will be minimal, at best.

Finally, Apple's goal isn't to make money from the books. They're hoping selling books will drive interest in the book-reading public to purchase an iPad (this is the group that would otherwise not buy the device, BTW, not for those who placed their order the second they heard Steve Jobs say 'iPad').

So, the question is "Is Amazon selling books to sell books or selling books to sell Kindles?" If the latter, than the price is immaterial to them, since, like Apple, the goal is to sell the hardware. If the former, then it might be troublesome, but they need to create a market before they can sell them at 'regular' price.

Of course, this is all assuming your 'inside information' on them losing money is correct at all.

-5

03/22, 12:47pm | report spam | close reply

Oh

What is so ironic is that, while Apple makes money on every iBook book, Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books - particularly the best sellers - until it can get a contract similar to what Apple got from every major publisher.

One other thing you completely missed. The publishers WANT Amazon to agree to the same contract that Apple got. Amazon's contract is much better for Amazon. The reason the prices at Amazon are going up is because the publishers want Amazon to give them more money, and want prices comparable to hard cover.

You might recall the big to-do over Apple's contract and Amazon's from last month where Amazon was getting wholesale prices for the books and selling at retail values. Thus they actually make a lot of money per $10 book.

But that's OK, because we all think eBooks should cost about the same as hardcover ones, anyway. So we'll be getting that soon.

03/22, 12:54pm | report spam | close reply

Re: Apple's pressure

Well, if Amazon raises their prices due to Apple's pressure or, per James Katt's point keeps losing money on them at whatever price point, or otherwise adopts a business model/pricing scheme that negatively impacts them, that's up to them. Of course, one would think that Amazon could get a decent contract from every major publisher seeing as how the cornerstone of their business (at least used to be) books.

Again, Amazon's contract with the publishers is far better than Apple's. That's why Amazon is so pushing them now, because the publishers are demanding a more apple-like contract. The difference is Apple's saying "Charge what you like, we just want our cut." where Amazon was saying "We want $10 books, as that price will sell a lot more books and you'll make your money on volume!".

Of course, the Amazon argument is the same one Apple used with the music companies. You know, the one you all religiously supported as the true way. "One price songs! It's how it was meant to be!"

And the Apple agreement is more of what you so opposed with the labels, varying prices, letting publishers determine how much to charge. But, somehow, with books, it is different than music. All of a sudden, pricing should be variable.

As far as Apple releasing its e-book reader app for other platforms, why would it? The whole point is to experience the Apple reader on an iPad. Don't get it, do you?

I don't know. Maybe because they're always espousing 'open standards' and c*** like that. Or perhaps to not tie people into one specific device for reading their ebooks.

Oh, right, it isn't about giving the consumer choice. It's all about the consumer to 'experience the Apple reader on an iPad". It's a freakin' book reader, people, not the greatest gift to man since Moses came down the mountains or anything. What, exactly, is so special about the book reading experience on the iPad?

facebook_Jade

Via Facebook

Joined: Mar 2010

03/22, 02:32pm | report spam | close reply

Outside the US

The big advantage Amazon will have (if they don't drag their feet) is for users outside the US. Unless things change before launch, the iBookStore will be US only due to licensing restrictions (which I think is part of the reason it's not being included on the machine itself). The Kindle app is already available in other countries (Canada that I know of) and an iPad version could be the only way to buy mainstream books until issues get resolved. Could be a good opportunity for them.

I'm really hoping Apple won't be too far behind though...

Boy, Some Folks Really DON'T Get It

Song: Something that generally lasts for a few minutes that people want to (typically and passively) experience over and over and over again, often within a very short of period of time from their previous experience.

Book: Something that generally lasts hours upon upon hours that people want to (typically and actively) experience once, but sometimes multiple times but often with significantly long periods of time from their previous experience.

Books are therefore different than songs. QED.

If Apple doesn't want its e-reader to be on other platforms, why does it need to be?

Finally, Apple's goal isn't to make money from the books. They're hoping selling books will drive interest in the book-reading public to purchase an iPad (this is the group that would otherwise not buy the device, BTW, not for those who placed their order the second they heard Steve Jobs say 'iPad').

So having Apple's e-book reader on other platforms will accomplish this exactly how? Apple is under no obligation to provide "choice" on other platforms, but can do as it sees fit - just like everyone else. So if Amazon feels it wants its e-book reader on the iPad, it is up to Amazon to release it for the iPad (and they are.) So I end up with several choices for reading e-books on the iPad. Sounds like choice to me, regardless of what's so special about e-books on an iPad. But just to jog your memory: Moses was reading from a tablet too.

03/22, 03:34pm | report spam | close reply

Re: Don't get it

Books are therefore different than songs. QED.

What???? Books and music are different???? OMG! I'm sorry, how did I miss that! I thought they were exactly the same! No wonder that Dan Brown novel wouldn't fit into my CD drive.

But what does that have to do with variable vs. fixed pricing? In fact, wouldn't you think that a book should cost less, and music more, since you're going to listen to the music more than you'll read that book?

And it is amazing how it doesn't matter the medium, it just magically turns out that whatever pricing scheme apple chooses, it's the 'correct' one and the others are all wrong.

So having Apple's e-book reader on other platforms will accomplish this exactly how? Apple is under no obligation to provide "choice" on other platforms, but can do as it sees fit - just like everyone else.

Um, no one said they should or would. I was just pointing out that you can read kindle books on various platforms, where, as far as anyone knows (and as history serves us with all other iTMS content), the only platform to read apple books on is Mac equipment.

So, as opposed to music (which, according to you, has a short life span that people listen to it), why would anyone buy a book from Apple, when they know they'll be locked into iPads for the rest of their life or have to rebuy the book?

And then, if you're just getting an ipad for books, why bother with an iPad in the first place, when you'll end up just buying your books from Amazon anyway (and, who knows, that Kindle app may get yanked from the Apple store because a book available has the name "johnny appleseed" in it, and you know how Apple is about such things.

But just to jog your memory: Moses was reading from a tablet too.

Yeah, great readability in daytime. But the refresh rate sucked.

03/22, 08:15pm | report spam | close reply

Yep ... Turtles Have Extremely Thick Shells

No wonder that Dan Brown novel wouldn't fit into my CD drive.

Some folks absolutely just have to put their hand on the stove.

... wouldn't you think that a book should cost less, and music more, since you're going to listen to the music more than you'll read that book?

Let's try this again ... song: a few minutes long, passive engagement; book: many hours long, active engagement. Even before iTunes, in general CD Album$ < book$. (To ensure clarity, '$' here denotes approximate cost, not string variables in BASIC, OK?) A 12-track CD @ $15.99 works out to about $1.33 per track. But then again, that's just some math with some prices.

(D)Um, no one said they should or would. I was just pointing out that you can read kindle books on various platforms, where, as far as anyone knows (and as history serves us with all other iTMS content), the only platform to read apple books on is Mac equipment.

To stay close to this case for hopefully even more simplicity, Amazon sells books and a book-reading device. Apple sells a tablet device that can, among other things, also read books - some of which Apple also sells. My IPad can read Apple books and Amazon books. My Kindle can't really do the "among other things." But I'm sure you still don't get it.

So, as opposed to music (which, according to you, has a short life span that people listen to it), why would anyone buy a book from Apple, when they know they'll be locked into iPads for the rest of their life or have to rebuy the book?

See dictionary for definition of "over" then Google "over and over again" to more accurately (as in accurately to begin with) determine "life span of music" I originally proffered. Then see dictionary for definition of "proffered."

And then, if you're just getting an ipad for books, why bother with an iPad in the first place, when you'll end up just buying your books from Amazon anyway (and, who knows, that Kindle app may get yanked from the Apple store because a book available has the name "johnny appleseed" in it, and you know how Apple is about such things.

Is anyone even remotely thinking about buying an iPad solely to read e-books? I can't imagine anyone with any kind of logic, common sense or functioning brain even suggesting such (insert full on-screen cast stare into camera from the movie Top Secret when they mention it would be like being in some bad movie HERE.)

Yeah, great readability in daytime. But the refresh rate sucked.

Guess you forgot the Almighty handled the lighting at all other hours. Guess you also forgot that the images were burned in.

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Amazon's Kindle app for iPad includes color e-books

updated 07:55 am EDT, Mon March 22, 2010

Kindle iPad app gets edge over Amazon's device

Of course

iPod and iPhone

My Kindle - A One-Trick Pony

Ironic, innit?

Re: Ironic, innit

Re:My Kindle

Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

Re: Apple's Pressure

Kindle: Short Shelf Life

Re: Show Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

Oh

Re: Apple's pressure

Outside the US

Boy, Some Folks Really DON'T Get It

Re: Don't get it

Yep ... Turtles Have Extremely Thick Shells

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Amazon's Kindle app for iPad includes color e-books

updated 07:55 am EDT, Mon March 22, 2010

Kindle iPad app gets edge over Amazon's device

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Of course

iPod and iPhone

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Re: Ironic, innit

Re:My Kindle

Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

Re: Apple's Pressure

Kindle: Short Shelf Life

Re: Show Amazon LOSES money on many Kindle Books

Oh

Re: Apple's pressure

Outside the US

Boy, Some Folks Really DON'T Get It

Re: Don't get it

Yep ... Turtles Have Extremely Thick Shells

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