Amazon release Kindle application for iPhone

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Seattle-based online retailer Amazon.com has released a new application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will allow users to access the same content as they can with the Kindle, according to the Associated Press.

While the free application will not include the controversial text-to-speech feature of the Kindle 2, it does include features for changing the text size, as well as adding bookmarks, notes and highlights. As the application does not connect to the Kindle store itself, users will need to use the web browser on their iPhone, iPod Touch or computer to purchase new content.

Those lucky enough to have a Kindle or Kindle 2 and an iPhone, will be able to synchronize their bookmark locations across the two devices.

Amazon Kindle vice president Ian Freed said in a press release, "We are excited to bring the new Kindle application to Apple's App Store and think customers are going to love how easy and fun it is to read their Kindle books on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Kindle for iPhone and iPod Touch is a great way for customers to catch up on their current book wherever they are, like in line at the grocery store or between meetings."

Download: Kindle App for iPhone

(2 replies) #1 Xero on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:04

No links to the actual app? Cmon guys?

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore...584613&mt=8

#1.1 CalumJR on 04 Mar 2009 - 17:21

Thank you, Xero

The link has now been added to the bottom of the article.

Last edited by CalumJR on 04 Mar 2009 - 17:35

#1.2 Xero on 04 Mar 2009 - 18:23

Right on, easier than having to find it yourself.

Not a big fan of the app though, Classics is much better, but it doesn't have access to the Kindle Library

(3 replies) #2 xploit1030 on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:07

While this makes sense for the consumer and will allow Amazon to sell more books, I think it will hurt Kindle sales. Granted this won't stop someone that reads lots of ebooks from buying as the screen is much smaller on the iPhone/iPod Touch but, I think some casual readers may opt for the App that would have otherwise tried the Kindle.

#2.1 Rolith on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:34

i wonder if the books are able to go to both the iphone and the kindel at the same time... if so it'd be more like a tiral... if you like what kindel store offers you're going to pay for the ebook. I can't imagine reading THAT much on the iphone's screen

#2.2 yert* on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:35

Why would a casual reader spend $359 for an e-reader? I don't think this will affect much of their sales given how expensive the Kindle is. People who are going to buy a Kindle must not need the money.

#2.3 xploit1030 on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:58

I would have considered a Kindle and I only read while on a plane. Now I don't think that is going to happen. Some people do still have money to spend on convenience. I'll admit the screen will suck on my iPhone but I'm not going to be reading on a daily or even weekly basis.

#3 carmatic on 04 Mar 2009 - 16:40

hmm... going from reading books on a black and white screen to reading books on a colour screen ... maybe they can offset the fact that the screen is smaller by scrolling through different colours instead of showing black and white all the time..... kind of like one of those 'mood light' things

#4 Galley on 04 Mar 2009 - 19:14

There are free samples available for most book titles, and free full titles of public domain books.

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