Discovery Communications, the cable network best known for bringing you fare like “Shark Week”, says that Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader violates one of its patents. How so? Discovery says Amazon ripped off a system it designed to let it sell digital books over the Web.
Remember last month, when Amazon said it planned to make its Kindle e-book titles available on other devices, but wouldn’t say what devices, or when?
Now we know. As of today, you can now read Kindle titles on your Apple iPhone.
Oprah is already on record as a Kindle fan. Jon Stewart–not so much. “The Daily Show” host let Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on his show last night to pitch the Kindle 2.0, which started shipping yesterday. And while Bezos is an enthusiastic salesman, convincing someone to pay $359 for an electronic book reader isn’t a slam dunk.
Pumped up about the potential for e-books? So is Stephen King. Just as he was nine years ago. These digital revolutions always take time–just ask the music business, which sells a product that is already delivered in digital form yet derives just 20 percent of its revenue from digital products. So don’t plan on ripping down your bookshelves just yet.
Can’t wait for the debut of Kindle 2.0, which should arrive around 10 a.m. this morning in New York? Here’s a splash of cold water, courtesy of Jeffrey Lindsay: The Bernstein Research analyst says Amazon’s much hyped e-book reader is merely a “niche product”–and that the e-commerce giant wants to keep it that way.
Also, look for MediaMemo’s liveblog of the Kindle event soon.
When Amazon introduced its Kindle e-book reader in 2007, the gadget was almost universally derided for its looks. But the fugly device appears to have been a big hit for the electronic retailer. So what do you make of these pictures, which are purportedly leaked images of the new device Amazon will unveil on Monday?
Kindle fans like to describe Amazon’s e-book reader as the “iPod of the Book World.” The counter-argument is that such a thing already exists, and that Apple already makes it: the iPhone, which offers plenty of apps that let you download and read books on the go. Now the line between the two devices is about to get blurrier: Amazon, which is set to introduce a new version of the Kindle on Monday, is also preparing to sell books that will work on other, unnamed mobile phones.
When will see a new version of the Kindle, Amazon’s much-talked-about e-book reader? Maybe next month: The company will be holding an “important” press conference in New York on Monday Feb. 9, it tells me–though it won’t say what it plans to talk about.
The Kindle may or may not be a hit–Amazon hasn’t released any kinds of sales numbers about its e-book reader, and everyone else’s guesses are… just guesses. But that won’t stop people from coming out with their own Kindle-killers or Kindle clones. And Verizon Wireless would love to help them
Peter Kafka has been covering media and technology since 1997, when he joined the staff of Forbes magazine. Most recently, he has been the managing editor of the tech and media Web site, Silicon Alley Insider. Read more »
Here is a statement of my ethics and coverage policies. It is more than most of you want to know, but, in the age of suspicion of the media, I am laying it all out.
D is unlike any other executive conference. Since its debut in 2003, D has brought to life the energy and excitement of the digital revolution in an unscripted, upfront and unparalleled way. Read more »
Don't miss a post! Sign up for our Daily Email and get AllThingsD.com delivered each day.
Get columns, blogs and video from D and All Things Digital on your iPhone. Download now »
