November 10th, 2009
Amazon's Kindle for PC app available; It's a handy download
Amazon on Tuesday said that the Kindle for PC app is now available. The app allows you to read your Kindle books on your PC.
The move (statement, download) illustrates the gradual move to put Kindle content on more devices. In 2010, the availability of e-books on multiple devices is likely to be a key battleground. And the Kindle, which is less open than rivals from Sony and Barnes & Noble’s nook, could be vulnerable since much of the industry is gravitating toward open standards such as ePub.
Amazon’s bet: You’re not going to sweat being tethered to its Kindle format if you can read your books on multiple devices. Kindle content is now available on your PC and iPhone. Like the iPhone app, Amazon’s Kindle for PC synchs with your Kindle via its Whispersync technology. Look for Amazon to put Kindle content on more devices as it throws jabs at rivals.
Also see: Retail distribution may tip e-reader race; Barnes & Noble rolls out Nook
As for the app, the downloading was easy and it picked up my Kindle archive with no problem. However, Kindle for PC did choke downloading one of my archived books a simple retry worked out.
Here’s a look at the Kindle archive on the PC:
And a book I’m currently reading.
The app isn’t anything fancy, but gets the job done. Naturally, there’s a handy link to the Kindle store.
What’s next?
Amazon says that it plans to add the ability to create notes and highlights on your PC. The company will also add a search and zoom function.
Bottom line: For someone like more who spends far more time on the laptop than a mobile device the Kindle for PC app is a nice addition.
Also: B&N’s Nook e-reader: Weirdly unrevolutionary
- Google challenges e-readers by taking e-books directly to browser
- Barnes & Noble’s e-reader triplets and the e-commerce distribution game
- E-reader devices: The fun is just starting
- Amazon cuts Kindle price, goes global as competition ramps
- iRex launches e-reader in U.S.; Jabs at Amazon, netbooks
- SONY goes “Open Kimono” with sexy new e-Readers
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Smart Planet as well as Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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