March 3rd, 2009
Amazon releases Kindle iPhone application and ebook readers rejoice!
I was reading my Twitter feed and stumbled upon a post by Rene announcing the new Kindle for iPhone application that you can now download for free (iTunes link) from the Apple App Store. Folks, this is BIG news for the ebook industry and came MUCH faster than I ever anticipated given that the Amazon Kindle 2 (check out my review) just started shipping last week. My Kindle 1 is now up for sale on ebay and it looks like my iPhone will now be a regular part of my gear. With the Kindle 2 and Whispersync technology the iPhone and Kindle 2 will make a perfect pair.
I can read with the Kindle 2, but for those times when I am out and about the iPhone will fill the void and keep my place in every book I buy from my Kindle 2 or the Amazon store. You can buy Kindle books from your Mac, PC, iPhone via web browser, or your Kindle 1/2 and then have them wirelessly transferred to your iPhone/iPod Touch.
I think the Amazon Kindle and ebook store just far surpassed the Sony Reader for true mobile reading on the go and is now the one to beat. I do still think that there is a place and market for the Kindle 2 device since the reading experience is better and the battery lasts a LONG time on the device, but the convenience of always having your books with you on the iPhone is a MAJOR bonus.
Stay tuned for an image gallery and video of the iPhone application and Kindle 2 side-by-side with a video showing how Whispersync works and how you can purchase books.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
Subscribe to Smartphones and Cell Phones via Email alerts or RSS.
| 03/04/09
