Amazon Are Rumoured To Be Developing New Personal Tech Gadgets
Amazon is enjoying great success with its latest third generation Kindle reader right now. An upgrade – which includes a higher contrast screen, smaller and lighter casing, faster page turns and twice as much memory – accompanied by a price drop and the introduction of a new Wi-Fi only entry level model, has seen demand for the Kindle reader rocket.
Currently, the new upgraded Kindles are out of stock and prospective customers face a three to four week wait before any new ones begin shipping. Kindle books are also outselling traditional hardback editions on a regular basis. It seems to be just a matter of time before e-book sales will higher than even paperback sales.
Amazon has also launched a dedicated UK Kindle store so that UK customers don’t require to have their readers shipped across the Atlantic and can pay for their Kindle purchases in sterling rather than dollars. It seems probable that further “local” Kindle stores will be opened for other Amazon international websites such as Germany, France etc. in the near future.
Currently, everything in the garden is rosy for Amazon. Suggestions that the launch of the Apple iPad would spell the death of the Kindle seem to be, for the moment at least, unfounded. Amazon’s policy of releasing free “apps” to allow Kindle books to be read on a variety of different devices looks to be paying dividends. So, considering what a massive success they have enjoyed with their first manufactured product, it’s hardly surprising that Amazon is rumored to be considering developing prototypes for personal tech gadgets other than the Kindle in their Lab 126 research facility.
Although Amazon has been tight-lipped on the subject, it’s thought that they may be thinking about music/movie players and possibly some kind of mobile phone. However, industry watchers suggest that, if Amazon wanted to enter the market with another gadget, then they would need to ensure that they add value rather than simply releasing another piece of personal electronic tech onto the market.
A great deal of the success of the Kindle reader must be attributed to Amazon’s strong link with books and reading in general. The massive choice of Kindle books available – over 630,000 and growing every day – and the fact that these can be read on so many other devices has been a real feather in Amazon’s cap. Any new gadget that Amazon decided to release would certainly need some similar type of support in order to achieve anything approaching the level of the Kindle’s success.
Kindle Vs iPad: Will the iPad’s Novelty Put the Lights Out of the Kindle?
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? Without a doubt, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store just like what transpired with the sale of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget need may swing to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let’s take a look at the significant factors.
Let’s start with the cons of the Apple device. The iPad will only be associated with Apple’s own ebook store. While this makes sense for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won’t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook costs are still to be confirmed, but there’s word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly steep if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of advantages, as it’s a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the web, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the resolution and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capability, the Library will hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your storage and connectivity preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created specially for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is still best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at 259 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other fancy features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.
Kindle Vs iPad: Will the iPad’s Novelty Put the Lights Out of the Kindle?
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? Without a doubt, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store just like what transpired with the sale of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget need may swing to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let’s take a look at the significant factors.
Let’s start with the cons of the Apple device. The iPad will only be associated with Apple’s own ebook store. While this makes sense for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won’t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook costs are still to be confirmed, but there’s word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly steep if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of advantages, as it’s a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the web, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the resolution and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capability, the Library will hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your storage and connectivity preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created specially for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is still best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at 259 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other fancy features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.
On-the-Go Ebook Reader: The Plastic Logic Que
The Plastic Logic Que, one of the latest entries in the ebook reader market, impressed many at the Consumer Electronics Show last January. Partnered with AT & T 3G network serving as broadband provider, the Que has WiFi capabilities. With manufacturers claiming that it is a really exceptional device, the Que is the first of its kind that is is said to be the perfect partner for the active professional. And because it is lightweight and specifically intended to be easy to bring around, having it with you anytime, anywhere is no trouble.
Some may shy away from the Que because of its hefty price tag. The WiFi 4GB model will set you back by 650 bucks, while the WiFi 3G 8GB model will have you shelling out 150 bucks more. Many are questioning — why the steep cost? Following suit with other digital ereaders, the Que allows the users to read their favorite books, magazines, and newspapers, but on top of these conventional features, Que owners can also use Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
The 4GB version can hold up to 35,000 documents and the 8GB model holds as many as 75,000. Organizing reports, files and presentations is easy, and only requires a few taps. With this technology, it’s possible say goodbye to a briefcase bursting with documents. This function is truly the reason why it’s best suited for the traveling professional or businessman. It may even be appealing to students as well.
The Que is a sleek and fine gadget, with a 10.7 monochrome screen built into a thin body. It measures 8.5 x 11 inches, similar in size as a standard piece of paper, and is light in weight. It is simple to bring anywhere, tucked in your briefcase or purse.
Stress-free on the eyes, the plastic display is very inviting and the e-ink offers enjoyable reading. The Plastic Logic Que doesn’t work with a stylus, but a sensitive virtual keyboard. The user can take notes and highlight important content in any document for future reference. The Que has a built-in a USB port, SD card slot and speaker, and isn’t cluttered with excessive hardware. The only button to be found on the front is the power button located at the bottom of the reader. In short, it looks good!
The consumer will have access to their favorite books, magazines and newspapers with the diverse selection in the QUE Store. Users can enjoy as well their daily newspaper over breakfast, take a quick glance at their presentation even in the midst of a meeting, and enjoy accessible information all the time. Consumers will get their hands on the Plastic Logic Que from local stores in mid-March, or pre-order it at the Que website.
The Fascination With E-Readers and Electronic Publishing
E-Readers and Ebook readers have been gaining a great amount of popularity in recent years. Publishing and the way that we obtain and absorb media is changing all the time. One of the most notable regions this is starting to become evident is the rise of e- readers and electronic books. With many newspapers and magazines covering the planet shutting down and a lot of others moving to additional internet based contents there was a big demand for electronic books and magazines that may simply be read on a hand-held product such as an iPod touch, a Sony E-reader, the famous Amazon Kindle, the innovative Apple iPad or any of the supplementary devices that’ve been emerging onto the marketplace recently.
Electronic books are not a new concept though. E-books have been around a good long period now, and while standard publishing remains the major driving force in the industry, there is an important and consistent increase in awareness in reading on hand-held devices. A lot of globally famous paperspapers, magazines and internet sites are syndicated to hand-held devices every day, offering the same contents as in their print versions lacking the damage to the ecosystem that printing physical copies can have.
In addition, e-book readers are capable of storing a big deal more content than you would generally be able to carry in its tangible form. Purchasing ebook readers has never been faster as you can get them from all the major outlets like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones and of course the Apple iTunes app store.
Some colleges and universities are also looking to E-books to resolve the problem of continuously updating textbooks for scholars. This is something that’s proving to be very advantageous to teaching, as it compacts the enormous amounts of content a learner wants to take in, onto one single helpful device instead of huge reams of papers.
Ebook readers are also superb for travelling, as you may have a variety of novels, books, magazines, papers, blog entries and more in the middle of your hand. Additionally, devices like the iPod touch and the Amazon Kindle present wireless connectivity all around the planet, meaning you are able to update your publications and download more to enjoy.
The digital publishing industry is something which will grow in significance over the approaching years, as paper stocks diminsh and production costs rise, many publishers and readers are looking towards digital handheld devices over the normal paper publications in order to maintain distinguished output without needing to scrimp on quality. No matter what you want to read, there are ebook readers for you, and there is also a range of wonderful contraptions available to help you just do that. Check out the finest ebook readers that are available on the net and check out which one will best fit your needs.
Can the Ebook Reader Compete with Apple iPad's Bite?
Are ebook readers about to be traded for the iPad? After the big introduction of the Apple iPad, gadget geeks are restlessly pacing the floor, anxiously looking to the day when they could finally get their hands on this device. The iPad models equipped with WiFi are expected to be sent out by late March and the 3G models will be shipped starting April. It's no shocker actually; a person who uses Apple products are a different kind, loyal and have stayed true to Apple.
It looks like Steve Jobs still got his touch, creating a product that will be flying off the shelves, no doubt. Perhaps scores of Apple followers will meander in long lines at the nearby Apple Store, standing by for when the iPad will finally go on sale, harking back to the iPhone release. But with all of the buildup surrounding the iPad, will it destroy the popularity of other ebook reading devices such as the Kindle and Sony Readers? So we can come to a verdict, let's check out the iPad in detail.
The device doesn't come cheap with prices starting at 499 dollars and topping out at 829 dollars, and why shouldn't it be more than a bit pricey? Bear in mind that the iPad isn't just an ebook reader. It looks like an over-sized iPhone, minus the phone functions. You'll be able to watch high-def movies, stream TV shows, browse the internet, and play games on it. The humongous 9.7-inch IPS touch screen is up to Apple's high resolution standards. It comes with a storage capacity of 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB flash drive.
With such storage capacity, this gadget will obviously hold a library much larger than your average ereader. Books are cleverly arranged on a “book shelf”. You'll simply tap the book you would like, and enjoy reading it on a high-resolution, LED backlit display. It also runs special apps developed for the iPad, and also many of the 140,000 applications from the App store.
Here's a problem, though. The iPad will only be associated to Apple's own ebook store, and these books are usually not compatible with the Kindle and other ereader market dominators. If you have an ample collection of ebooks already on another ereader, you'll have trouble reading them on the iPad. While it is still not confirmed as yet, rumor has it that iBooks will sell for 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars.
The Apple iPad is easily transportable, lightweight, and most likely really fun to tinker around with. But if you don't need all of the “other stuff”, the ereaders on the market now will suit you just as well. But if you are a hardcore Apple fanatic, then Jobs and his team have produced yet another exciting product for consumers. With amazing clarity and capabilities, you will “iLove” this multi-tasking gadget. The Apple iPad will match flawlessly with your MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and iPhone.
The iPad Renders Kindle Obsolete Overnight
We all know about the Kindle and that it’s an excellent bookreader. The Kindle is, if you believe the front page of Amazon their #1 selling item which would mean that pretty much every other person you know should have one.
The Kindle’s a cool gadget… for reading books, but that’s where it ends. You can read books, newspapers, etc. with wireless internet world-wide, but for the large pricetag it comes with what else do you get?
Well it has text-to-speech. Sure it does, but do you want to use it or read for yourself? You want the e-book reader so that you can read the book yourself, not so that you can listen to text-to-speech.
Kindle comes with many book samples at no charge so that you may get a taste before you buy. Why in the world would you want to do that? If you know of a book that you want to read you would buy it, you aren’t going to want to read the first chapter of a book to see if you like it or not first.
The book prices are only about $10, and there’s 400,000 to choose from! Yup, that is terrific… but few realized before buying that Amazon can and will delete anything they choose from every Kindle without the owners knowledge or consent? Point in case, they gave for free to Kindle buyers George Orwell’s 1949 masterpiece “1984″ at no charge, and then found out they had to pay royalties for each instance of the book and instead deleted it from ever Kindle device in one fell swoop. The thousands of unsuspecting Kindle owners affected had no choice.
It’s got a big 9.7″ LCD with a whopping 16 shades… of gray. Wow, gray. That’s great. I believe it was 1953 when the first color television was released to consumers by RCA and now, 57 years later, we have the amazing B&W screen Kindle.
But the Kindle must do something right or nobody would buy it, right? The Kindle is the best book reader available at this time. One of my friends bought a Sony e-book reader not too long ago, and it was blown out of the water by the Kindle so he ended up selling his Sony partly out of disgust with the unit. If you desire a great e-book reader then the Kindle is perfect for you.
If Kindle is basically an overpriced bookreader what should I look at instead?
I’m not buying an iPad but is it something you could use and is it worth buying? My wife has a shop on Zazzle.com where she creates custom birthday invitations and she could make good use of an iPad but not a Kindle.
The iPad is the same size as the Kindle DX, and starts at only $10 more than the Kindle. For your $10 you get a full color screen, internet access, and basically what is a redesigned netbook computer. So for only $10 more you get a device that can pretty much do all that your laptop does as well as everything a Kindle does as well. The thing about the iPad is that it does everything the Kindle does better than the Kindle does it.
Sure the iPad is great but I won’t be buying one. In my digital camera repair business, we do Sony camera repair and like to keep up on new technology, but we really couldn’t use an iPad to do everything we would want it to do. The other reason why is because Google is soon to release their own tablet which will blow the Apple iPad out of the water and render it obsolete as the iPad is soon to do to the Kindle.
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Specialise And Succeed – The Amazon Kindle Reader
Currently there’s a lot of interest in electronic devices which fulfil various different functions. Phones which have cameras, can browse the internet, play mp3 music files and even act as satellite navigation systems are splendid examples of these “fusion” devices.
The iPod may well be the best example of all. It’s a music player, phone, web browser and has a huge variety of “Apps” which can range from games to hotel recommendations. It even has a Kindle app which allows users to read Kindle books on their iPod.
The Kindle reader itself could be considered to be a multi-functional device. Over and above its primary function as an e-book reader, it can be used as a web browser. Admittedly, the functionality is somewhat limited, primarily due to its display which is monochrome and not suited to displaying video due to a relatively slow refresh rate.
On the other hand, it is the Kindle’s e-ink technology display which makes it so much more pleasant to read on than either the iPod or a computer screen. As a result of the fact that the display is not back-lit, it generates considerably less eye strain in use when compared to a standard LCD type of monitor.
A further advantage of e-ink technology displays is the fact that they only require power when the screen is being rewritten. The significance of this is that e-book readers can go for lengthy periods on a single battery charge. It’s the perfect scenario for a battery operated portable item. Roughly speaking, e-book readers can perform several thousand “page turns” inbetween charges. For an average reader, that will represent something between four and six weeks of use.
So, the very thing that makes e-book readers such ideal devices to reading books on – the e-Ink display – is placing a limitation on their ability to perform other tasks, such as video display or surfing the web. It can only be a matter of time until color e-Ink technology displays begin to appear, and with a much faster refresh rate. Devices such as the Kindle reader will then become better internet browsers and media players.
In the meantime, based upon the fact that e-book readers are very much the hot gadget of the moment, it does look as if there is still a place for devices which do one job only. Just so long as, like the Amazon Kindle, they do that one job very well.
Kindle Book Sales Outstrip Traditional Books On Christmas Day
Amazon must be absolutely delighted with the performance of its Kindle reader family in 2009. The Kindle 2.0 was released in February with the DX following hard on its heels in June. The Kindle quickly became Amazon’s best selling product – even prior to the global launch of the Kindle 2.0 in October.
By the end of 2009′s festive season, the Kindle had become Amazon’s “most gifted” product ever and, on Christmas day, Amazon sold more Kindle books than they did traditional printed volumes. That may very well have been due to all those lucky people who had found a Kindle under their tree on Christmas morning. In all probability, having opened their gift and got the Kindle out of the box, new owners would want to try out their new reader. That would most likely have been done by connecting to the Amazon website and downloading a few Kindle books.
Nevertheless, selling more Kindle books than paperbacks and hardbacks is still a significant milestone. Whilst some may think that the way this was achieved was slightly artificial then perhaps that simply confirms the Kindle’s suitability for the Amazon way of doing business.
It goes without saying that Amazon’s competitors have been enviously eyeing their success and taking appropriate action to ensure that they grab a share of the new e-book reader market. The list of companies who have their own new e-book readers currently under development reads like a who’s who of consumer electronics manufacturers. Sony, Apple, Samsung and Microsoft are just a few of the competitors who will be slugging it out with Amazon in 2010. Barnes and Noble, the bookseller giant, have also entered the market with the release of their Nook e-book reader.
Many of the next generation readers will incorporate features which will make the Kindle, in its current format at least, look out of date. Color displays, touch screen controls and an industry standard e-book format which will let users lend e-books to family and friends or even to borrow books from digital libraries are just some of the features which users can anticipate.
Amazon will certainly not stand and watch whilst their competitors take over the market which Amazon has done so much to foster and encourage. The current Kindles, as innovative as they were just a few short months ago, probably bear little resemblance to what e-book readers will be like in the (very) near future. Amazon probably already has their next generation Kindle under development (the Kindle 4?) and, considering the level of drive and innovation that they have displayed thus far, Amazon will be probably be looking forward to even greater success during 2010. Kindle users can look forward to an updated, enhanced Kindle packed with new features – probably in the first half of 2010.
2010 – Could It Be The Year Of The Ebook Reader?
2009 was, even by their own high standards, a very successful year for Amazon. A good deal of the credit for that must go to the Kindle ebook reader family. The Kindle 2.0 and its larger sibling, the DX, have been a huge success for Amazon. The Kindle has quickly become Amazon’s top selling product.
The Kindle currently has a 60% share of the U.S. e-book reader market. The Kindle 2.0 recently launched internationally. Even if Amazon don’t achieve the same high level of success internationally – although it’s difficult to see why they wouldn’t – the increased size of the market is going to help Amazon to even better results in 2010.
There are some who maintain that a lot of the Kindle’s success up to now has been a result of a lack of genuine competition. Whilst there may be some truth in the assertion that there weren’t many e-book readers around to compete directly with the Kindle, it would probably be nearer the truth say that the Kindle’s success was primarily thanks to the fact that it was an innovative, market changing product.
There are certainly enough alternative readers available today – or due for release in the near future. The long list of competitors which either have their own readers on the market or scheduled for imminent release is a clear indication of the level of growth which can be anticipated in the e-book reader market. Despite the fact that the market is new and is still in development, it has received support from a number of different sources – including the world of academic publishing and various political bodies. Rapid growth looks inevitable.
Another good indicator of the expected level of growth in this sector is the high volume of third party goods available to protect, customise and accessorise ebook readers. At the moment most of these items are aimed at Amazon Kindle users. If you want a Kindle cover, Kindle reading light or a spare charger then there are plenty of independent manufacturers ready and willing to meet your needs. The selection of accessories available for new readers, such as the Sony Daily Edition reader and Barnes and Noble’s Nook will begin to expand as their popularity rises.
Just as 2009 was a good year for Amazon, we can expect 2010 to see ebook readers in general become more and more popular. Amazon’s dominance will be challenged and increased competition will drive prices lower – perhaps to the point where such readers enter the mainstream consumer electronics arena.
Market analysts predict that a price of around $ 150 is what is required for this to happen. With the high level of competition in the market, it’s not outwith the realms of possibility that this price level may be reached in the course of 2010.