I don't see a downside for Amazon with the iPhone app - like you mentioned, they'll get incremental book sales.
Also, I think people will enjoy it on the iPhone and want to upgrade to the real thing.
When I got my Kindle 2, my first inclination was to flick my finger like I do on my Touch. But otherwise, it's a very easy to use device.
Now... how to get affiliate links onto people's iPhones when they're buying book downloads?
I was giving Missy and Sam a hard time on Twitter about this, but I think this makes an incredible companion to the Kindle. I agree with Sam that nobody would want to do any long reading stints on the iphone, but to have the book that I'm reading in my pocket at all times for when I'm waiting in line somewhere, at a skating practice, etc. is incredible. Plus, it syncs up with the page you're on on the kindle!
For those reasons, I actually see this potentially increasing Kindle device sales, certainly not hurting them.
But I think we agree that the major push is incremental book sales, which a free iphone app will do in spades.
Great move on Amazon's part, book sales will pay off big time. Of course, it also makes the iPhone more attractive too. Consumer seems well served as well. Nice synergies.
I do hope to see something done next to make the apparent size issue disappear, like some VR glasses you can hook to your iPhone or whatever. Bringing brain food right up to your face is being conquered. And I think that progress will subsequently incent and focus people to work on that last mile... errr.... last few inches. That'll be fun to see unfolding!
I don't know for sure, Pat, but I think we're just about there...
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Pat start your own blog already! I do think what Scott said is true it could increase Kindle sales I didn't know that it syncs up with the page you're on in the Kindle, genius.
I just tried out the sync on my Touch - that is really cool. And I think the text is plenty big, so I'll definitely switch back and forth on books between the two devices.
But I think the iPhone or Touch could stand on their own - type can be adjusted to five different sizes. Only annoyance is having to turn "pages" frequently. But not such a big deal.
I dont understand the fasincation with all these Apple apps. Sure theyre kinda cool ...for the first 2 minutes....but when the novelty has worn off, what are you gonna do with them??http://www.bluephone.co.uk" target="blank">:) http://www.hoodyblog.co.uk" target="blank">:)
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I just installed the Kindle iPhone app and all I can say is, wow.
I've owned an Amazon Kindle for over a year now. I back-ordered it last Christmas and got it in January 2008, and it has been a great gadget to have and it's been good for a lot of reading that I probably wouldn't have otherwise done.
I did agree with Robert Scoble's strong criticisms of the design -- In a word, crap. Amazon has recently started shipping their second generation Kindle which looks like they've addressed a lot of the design flaws, like the next/prev page buttons covering the entire sides of the device.
I've been toying with the idea of getting the new one, but Amazon just launched their iPhone app, and at first glance, I think I might actually enjoy reading on the iPhone better. Is it possible? Maybe so.
Here's what it has going for it
Potential Downfalls
I'm traveling in the next few weeks and I'll really be able to give it a workout.
One might ask why Amazon would undercut Kindle sales with a free iPhone app. I think I read somewhere that they really don't make much money on the device. Add in the wireless fees and that becomes plausible. Their big money comes with the book sales and the virtually zero cost to deliver, especially now that it's delivered on AT&T's dime.
Game changer!
Here are a few screenshots: