Amazon plans Kindle for PC |
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.
Amazon.com is putting out a free application that lets people read Kindle electronic books on their Windows personal computers. Microsoft demonstrated the new Kindle for PC app at the Windows 7 launch in New York City. It's the latest move by Amazon to extend its vast store of electronic books, magazines and newspapers to other devices beyond its Kindle readers.
Amazon's move with PCs could potentially open up a large new customer base for its e-books: people who own desktops and laptops but don't own or intend to buy a Kindle. The Kindle for PC app gives access to Amazon's collection of 350,000 e-books and 850 English and international newspapers. Amazon charges $9.99 for most new release books and New York Times bestsellers.
Update: Amazon plans similar Kindle apps for Macs and BlackBerry devices in the next few months, company spokesman Drew Herdener confirmed.
"Kindle for PC is also a great way for people around the world to read the most popular books of today even if they don’t yet have a Kindle," said Ian Freed, vice president of Amazon Kindle, in a statement.
Amazon earlier released a free Kindle app for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.
Kindle for PC contains an interesting new feature: touch screen. Amazon says the app will take advantage of Window 7's Windows Touch technology. People on a touch screen-enabled computer will be able to "zoom in and out of text with a pinch of the fingers" and "turn pages with a finger swipe." That would be the first time Amazon has offered touch-screen with a Kindle or Kindle app.
Amazon may be feeling some pressure from Barnes & Noble's new Nook reader. The Nook, which launched earlier this week, allows for reading on PCs, Macs, and BlackBerrys, and sports a touch-screen navigation bar.
Amazon's Kindle for PC app lets users synchronize their reading between PCs, Kindles and iPhones — finding bookmarks or the last page they read across the multiple devices.
The app also will be compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP and Windows Vista, according to Amazon. The free app will be available for download next month.
Follow my updates on Twitter.
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.
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.