Amazon starts Kindle TV ads to upstage iPad
updated 05:25 pm EDT, Fri March 26, 2010
Amazon takes to commercials to stave off Apple
Amazon has begun running TV ads (viewable below) for the Kindle in a bid to draw attention away from the iPad, recent viewers have noticed. The two promos so far are partly Apple-influenced and dominated by indie rock or pop, followed by a shot of the product and a simple "books in 60 seconds" slogan. Amazon's ads try to be more colorful and show readers 'living' the events of the books they read in stop-motion.
The spots were unusual not just for being Amazon's first real TV advertising for its e-reader but also their timing. Both have been slotted into prime time on major channels, hinting that Amazon is eager to get maximum exposure at high expense.
Kindle sales have only in the past few months seen a balance between supply and demand, giving Amazon little reason to advertise in normal conditions. The impending launch of Apple's book-friendly tablet has very likely changed these dynamics as the well-known iPad TV ad has put Apple's device in a much higher public profile, at least in the short term. [via CNET]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2009
Exactly what I would expect...
from an ad for a product with a b/w screen. The stop motion concept was borrowed from several music videos are doing now, but even the music videos are smart enough to include some amount of real-life motion and depth. Cute idea, but not authentic at all - which is what the whole idea of the Kindle is - a more authentic reading experience with e-ink.