Amazon changes tune on Kindle's text-to-speech feature |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
- Mobile payments: Tech titans move in, but consumers still trust banks
- Seattle ranks No. 1 in tech sector job growth
- Comcast follows Google and Intel, takes a hit on Clearwire deal
- Clearwire's stock tanks as Nokia exec calls WiMax a 'niche play'
- Handbag rental service Avelle cuts staff
- ITC sides with Microsoft in Motorola patent infringement case
Mass High Tech
Kindle News
- Seattle is nation's 13th most 'well-read' city, says Amazon
- Target confirms it will stop selling Kindle, other Amazon products
- U.S. sues Apple, book publishers for fixing e-book prices
- Publishing on the iPad: Displays, processors and licensing, oh my!
- Amazon's Kindle Fire eats into Apple's iPad tablet lead
Amazon changes tune on Kindle's text-to-speech feature
The Kindle 2 is only a few days old. But Amazon.com is already making changes to the device. In response to criticism from the Authors Guild and others, Amazon.com issued a statement this afternoon saying it would now allow authors and publishers to decide whether to utilize the text-to-speech function on select book titles.
"We have already begun to work on the technical changes required to give authors and publishers that choice," the company said. "With this new level of control, publishers and authors will be able to decide for themselves whether it is in their commercial interests to leave text-to-speech enabled. We believe many will decide that it is."
Amazon.com also said the technology -- which utilizes a computerized voice to read books aloud -- is legal.
"Kindle 2's experimental text-to-speech feature is legal: no copy is made, no derivative work is created, and no performance is being given," the company wrote.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Follow, like, and connect to a broader audience for your company!
The Puget Sound Business Journal announces Social Madness: A Corporate Social Media Challenge, presented by Capital One Spark Business. This a local and national challenge that will spotlight the best social media programs of companies in 43 cities. The local challenge begins (following the nomination period) on June 1, 2012. The promotion will culminate in a national bracket challenge that will crown Social Madness champions in 3 categories based on company size. To see the official rules, visit http://www.socialmadness.com/rules.
For more information on how your company can participate, visit the nomination page here. Nominations are due May 15th.
BizDev Seminar Series - Leadership: Rallying People to a Brighter Future
Join us for this one-of-a-kind seminar series where you hear directly from the experts about hot topics to grow your business.
The skills to be effective as a leader can be learned. What are the skills and attributes needed to be effective top leaders? How do you tell what level your people are at, and what development skills each person needs? Workshop attendees will learn the answers to these questions and more.
Tuesday, May 17, 2012
8:30am - 10:30am
The Harbor Club, Seattle
Register here.
