Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[UK bookseller Waterstones to start selling Kindles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/waterstones-to-sell-kindles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/waterstones-to-sell-kindles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/waterstones-to-sell-kindles/#comments UK bookseller Waterstones to start selling Kindles

The UK's biggest bookstore chain has announced that it will start selling Kindles alongside other digital services from Amazon. Waterstones stores will let Kindle owners digitally browse books in-store and link up with special offers, tying into the chain's plans for substantial renovations that would also include dedicated digital book areas and free WiFi. The move follows on flies in the opposite direction of Target, who has started phasing out its Kindle sales in the US. We assume any plans for the bookseller's very own e-reader will remain the back-burner for now.

UK bookseller Waterstones to start selling Kindles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 04:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon KindleAmazonKindlebooksbookstorebookstorese booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskindlekindle servicesKindleServicesUKwaterstonesMon, 21 May 2012 04:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/engadgets-tablet-buyers-guide-spring-2012-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/engadgets-tablet-buyers-guide-spring-2012-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/engadgets-tablet-buyers-guide-spring-2012-edition/#comments Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition

As spring reaches full blossom, it's not just the flowers that are beginning to show -- so are the new slates heavy hitters teased back at CES. So, what does that mean? It means it's high-time that we cast a fresh glance over the tablet landscape, took in a deep breath of slate-infused air and exhaled a hearty Engadget tablet buyer's guide. We've been running the smartphone equivalent for a little while now, so we thought it only fair to give the now-mature tablet category one of its own. We're going to look at the main categories of fondleslabbery and carve out what we think are the finest offerings on the market right now. It doesn't matter if you're looking for something big, small, just good enough or so powerful that it could replace your laptop: we've collected our favorites and shepherded them safely into this one humble guide. Of course, if you want to cast your net a little wider, you can always check out our tablet review hub, but if you struggle with indecision, head on past the break to see what's hot right now in Tablet Land.

Continue reading Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition

Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g tablet3gTablet4g tablet4gTabletacerAcer Iconia A200Acer Iconia TabAcer Iconia Tab A200acer iconia tab a510AcerIconiaA200AcerIconiaTabAcerIconiaTabA200AcerIconiaTabA510amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleappleasusasus transformer primeAsusTransformerPrimebarnes and nobleBarnes and Noble Nookbarnes and noble nook tabletBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookBarnesAndNobleNookTabletengadget tablet buyers guideEngadgetTabletBuyersGuideGalaxy Note 10.1Galaxy Tab 2 7.0Galaxy Tab 7.7GalaxyNote10.1GalaxyTab27.0GalaxyTab7.7guidehuawei mediapadHuaweiMediapadIconia A200Iconia Tab A200Iconia Tab A510IconiaA200IconiaTabA200IconiaTabA510ipadipad 4gIpad4gkindlekindle fireKindleFireltenooksamsungSamsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0SamsungGalaxyTab27.0slatespring tablet buyers guideSpringboardSpringTabletBuyersGuideT-MobileT-Mobile SpringboardT-mobileSpringboardtablettablet buyers guidetablet guideTabletBuyersGuideTabletGuidetabletsthe new ipadTheNewIpadTransformer PrimeTransformerPrimeverizonverizon wirelessVerizon Wireless Galaxy Tab 7.7VerizonWirelessVerizonWirelessGalaxyTab7.7Thu, 17 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon tablet update brings parental controls, lets kids play with Fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/#comments

So you've got yourself Kindle Fire and a house full of young, impressionable children. What to do? Have no fear, update 6.3.1 is on its way, bringing with it parental controls like password protection for purchases, content disabling in the library and the ability to block access to the device's Silk browser. The world will be a safer place once the update starts rolling out over the air in the next few days.

Amazon tablet update brings parental controls, lets kids play with Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFirecontrolsfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireminipostparental controlsParentalControlssoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateupgradeThu, 03 May 2012 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Target pulls Kindle from virtual shelves, physical ones may follow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/target-pulls-kindle-from-virtual-shelves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/target-pulls-kindle-from-virtual-shelves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/target-pulls-kindle-from-virtual-shelves/#comments Target pulls Kindle from virtual shelves, physicals ones may follow

Since 2010, Target has happily hawked Amazon's e-reading wares. The retailer even carved out a branded corner of its online shop just for the Kindle. Now though, that store within a store is empty and conspicuously missing from Target's virtual shelves is Amazon's entire Kindle line. Sure, a few accessories remain, but the readers themselves are gone. What's more, according to an internal memo obtained by The Verge, the products will be cease to be restocked at the company's brick and mortar locations starting May 13th. The communique states that, after evaluation, Target "has made the decision to no longer carry Amazon hardware."

The reasoning behind the banishment isn't clear, but the potential causes are practically endless. Amazon's vast online repository of goods, including some grocery items, makes it a direct competitor of the big box outlet. Target continues to carry the Nook and Kobo e-readers, but those company's don't challenge the retailer. It's also possible that, with mini Apple Stores opening up on its premises, Cupertino put some pressure on Target to clear out its competitors. It could also be as simple as collapsed contract negotiations, with Target failing to get as big a cut of sales as it wanted or, and this is a bit of a stretch, the Minneapolis company could be preparing to launch its own e-reading hardware. Neither Amazon nor Target has responded to our requests for comment at this time.

Update: Target has affirmed the move to Reuters, with the following statement: "Target is phasing out Amazon- and Kindle-branded products in the spring of 2012."

Target pulls Kindle from virtual shelves, physical ones may follow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersleakmemostocktargetWed, 02 May 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sun stops shining on E Ink Holdings: company reports first loss in two years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/e-ink-holdings-reports-q1-2012-loss/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/e-ink-holdings-reports-q1-2012-loss/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/e-ink-holdings-reports-q1-2012-loss/#comments Sun stops shining on E Ink Holdings: company reports first loss in two years

E Ink Holdings made a loss of over $25 million last quarter, despite supplying its backlight-free panels to popular e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook. Why the poor showing after ten quarters of solid money-making? The company's accountants blame "off-season effects" and "inventory adjustments" by customers, which may simply be corporatese for "the screens aren't selling so well." Overall revenue tumbled 63 percent compared to the same period in 2011 and the outlook remains "conservative" -- although it's hard to believe that everyone suddenly wants to stay indoors and stare at pixels.

Sun stops shining on E Ink Holdings: company reports first loss in two years originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFiree booke bookse inke ink holdingse readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-ink holdingsE-inkHoldingse-readere-readersEInkEInkHoldingselectronic inkElectronicInkkindlekindle fireKindleFirenookFri, 27 Apr 2012 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Send to Kindle arrives on Macs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/send-to-kindle-arrives-on-macs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/send-to-kindle-arrives-on-macs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/send-to-kindle-arrives-on-macs/#comments Image

Sure, it may be Barnes & Noble's big day, but Amazon couldn't help but offer up some news of its own. The mega-retailer announced today that its Send to Kindle service is hitting the Mac, letting Apple users send documents and compatible apps from their desktop to their Kindle with a drag and a drop. The app's available now for free. For more info, send your browser to the source link below.

Send to Kindle arrives on Macs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleapplee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskindlemacminipostsend to kindlesend to kindle for macSendToKindleSendToKindleForMacWed, 25 Apr 2012 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/kindle-touch-gets-early-release-in-uk-and-germany/#comments Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany

Amazon is now shipping preorders for its Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G in both the UK and Germany, a week ahead of schedule. While eager e-reader... readers in the likes of France, Italy and Spain have to wait a little longer, Germans and Brits can expect their orders to arrive starting tomorrow, with stock also available in bricks-and-mortar options including John Lewis, Dixons, Argos, Carphone Warehouse, Currys, PC World and Tesco. Alas, there's still no news of a Eurozone arrival date for the Kindle Fire. We assume our European readers are still willing to wait, right?

Update: Amazon has contacted us stating that the devices have actually "started shipping to customers in France, Italy and Spain from the respective sites (Amazon.fr, .it and .es), as well as the UK and DE."

Continue reading Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update)

Kindle Touch gets early release in UK and Germany (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle touchAmazonKindleAmazonKindleTouche booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReaderseuropegermanykindlekindle touchkindle touch 3gKindleTouchKindleTouch3grelease dateReleaseDateukFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also, might not]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/07/illuminated-kindle-e-readers-could-arrive-this-year/#comments Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also might notRumors relating to a new Kindle, or three, land in our inbox with surprising frequency, but when they come from our brethren at TechCrunch, we'll definitely give it a listen. Devin Coldewey reports how he was lucky enough to snatch a glance at an in-development Kindle, which sports an illuminated screen. Amazon's purchase of Finnish firm Oy Modilis, which has a quiver of patents pertaining to lighting technology, adds credence to the idea that an e-reader with some form of lighting could be in the works, and Coldewey thinks he's seen it. He says tapping the screen reveals a slider that, when dragged to the right, "lit up evenly with a rather cool light." Importantly -- for eyes and batteries alike -- the light is said to be softer, and of a gentler blue-white color, compared to the harsh white common in LCDs. The loose-lipped wielder of this device claims that the industrial design isn't finished yet, but did hint at a 2012 release. We're not holding our breath, but the chance to do away with additional light accessories, is definitely enough to have us keep our fingers crossed.

Illuminated Kindle e-readers could arrive this year, also, might not originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebacklite booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReaderseuropeilluminatedkindlekindle touchKindleTouchprototyperumorscreenSat, 07 Apr 2012 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Grace Digital's FireDock is a speaker dock for your Kindle Fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/grace-digitals-firedock-is-a-speaker-dock-for-your-kindle-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/grace-digitals-firedock-is-a-speaker-dock-for-your-kindle-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/grace-digitals-firedock-is-a-speaker-dock-for-your-kindle-fire/#comments ImageOwn a Kindle Fire? Can't find an audio dock made specifically for your gizmo, and not an iThing or Android device? Say hello to Grace Digital's FireDock, the $130 solution to your quandary. While we've seen Kindle-compatible docks before, this stereo system is actually made to seamlessly connect with the Fire's bottom ports and power button, allowing it to charge while docked. What's more, there's a turn-and-tilt feature that'll let you switch between landscape and portrait orientations -- perfect for going from books to movies. If that wasn't enough, an optional rechargeable battery can also be attached to the mini-rig for listening sans cords while you're out and about (though, this route disables the ability to charge the Kindle itself). If you're burning with desire for the FireDock, the bad news is that it won't be available for purchase until July. In the meantime, you'll find more info in the press release after the break to help you cool down.

Continue reading Grace Digital's FireDock is a speaker dock for your Kindle Fire

Grace Digital's FireDock is a speaker dock for your Kindle Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleaudio dockAudioDockdocke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfiredockgrace digitalgrace digital firedockGraceDigitalGraceDigitalFiredockhifi systemHifiSystemkindle firekindle touchKindleFireKindleTouchspeaker dockSpeakerDockstereotabletFri, 30 Mar 2012 00:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire update brings sharing, 'print replica' textbooks, more to tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/#comments Amazon has started pushing out an over-the-air update that'll bring a slew of new features to its budget Kindle Fire tablet. Topping the list of upgrades is new sharing functionality that makes it possible for readers to send passages and notes from within the comfort of a book via social networks like Facebook and Twitter by highlighting and clicking "Share." Also on the slate is supplemental material powered by Shelfari, letting users find character descriptions, glossaries of of common terms, locations and author information from inside a text. Version 6.3 also brings "print replicas" of textbooks, which include linked tables of contents and Whipsersyncing of notes and highlights. For a full rundown of the new features, check out the source link below.

Kindle Fire update brings sharing, 'print replica' textbooks, more to tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleandroidfirekindlekindle fireKindleFiresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatetextbooksupdatewhispersyncWed, 28 Mar 2012 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Touch gets April 27th release date in Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kindle-touch-gets-april-27th-release-date-in-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kindle-touch-gets-april-27th-release-date-in-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kindle-touch-gets-april-27th-release-date-in-europe/#comments
Good news for our friends on the other side of the pond waiting to get their fingers on the Kindle Touch's e-ink display: nearly half a year after hitting the States, the e-reader is getting ready for its official European debut. The reading device will be hitting the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy on April 27th, though you can plunk down your cash for one right now. The UK version of the reader will run you £109 for WiFi-only and £169 when you tack on 3G functionality.

Continue reading Kindle Touch gets April 27th release date in Europe

Kindle Touch gets April 27th release date in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseuropefrancegermanyitalykindlekindle touchKindleTouchspainukTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle app for Android updated with Send-to-Kindle functionality, lets you sling documents to green little robots everywhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/kindle-app-for-android-updated-with-send-to-kindle-functionality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/kindle-app-for-android-updated-with-send-to-kindle-functionality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/kindle-app-for-android-updated-with-send-to-kindle-functionality/#comments Kindle app for Android updated with Send-To-Kindle functionality, lets you sling documents to green little robots everywhereFan of reading, you maverick you? Well if you're rocking an Android device, head on over to the Market Google Play and hit update on that Kindle app, as the online retailer from the Northwest has some fresh bits waiting for you. New today is access to a bevy of illustrated content -- like children and comic books in addition to graphic novels -- coupled with the debut of Send-to-Kindle support on Android. We're most excited about the latter as it enables plebes to send documents to their "Send-to-Kindle" email address, only to find said files magically pushed to their device for later perusal. And as an added bonus, a copy's conveniently safeguarded for additional downloads at a later date within Amazon's cloud. Made it this far? Clearly you love reading, so go do some more by clicking in the source below.

Kindle app for Android updated with Send-to-Kindle functionality, lets you sling documents to green little robots everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle appamazon kindle updateAmazonKindleAmazonKindleAppAmazonKindleUpdateandroidkindleminipostmobilepostcrosssend to kindlesend-to-kindleSendToKindleThu, 22 Mar 2012 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon sells over 2 million Kindle Singles in 14 months]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/amazon-sells-over-2-million-kindle-singles-in-14-months/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/amazon-sells-over-2-million-kindle-singles-in-14-months/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/amazon-sells-over-2-million-kindle-singles-in-14-months/#comments Amazon's individually-wrapped slices of literary goodness have managed to pull in a few fans since launching in January last year. The company has offered a rare glimpse at its retail figures, trumpeting two million individual sales for its Kindle Singles selection. While authors grab 70 percent of revenue from their middleweight literary missives, Amazon helps itself to the remaining 30 percent -- paidContent pegs Amazon's revenue from the Singles catalogue at around $1.12 million. Those wanting a gentle literary hit can now pick from around 165 existing titles, with some penned by big name writers like Stephen King and Dean Koontz. While their accountants probably aren't massively concerned with the royalty checks associated with these one-shots, you can still take a look at some income estimates at the source below.

Amazon sells over 2 million Kindle Singles in 14 months originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleDean KoontzDeanKoontze booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskindlestephen kingStephenKingTue, 13 Mar 2012 06:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon prepares Kindle Touch for April launch in Japan?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/#comments Amazon readies Kindle offensive for Japan, teams up with NTT DoCoMo

According to one of Japan's big dailies, The Nikkei, Amazon will attempt to brave the tricky e-reader waters of Japan, aiming to launch its Kindle Touch as the flagship device in April. The newspaper reports that the device will land for less than 20,000 yen ($260), teaming up with Japanese mobile carrier NTT DoCoMo for 3G access to the Kindle's online store, gratis. Amazon hopes that the device's very competitive pricing, at least in comparison to existing 3G-friendly e-readers, will make in-roads to the notoriously frosty Japanese e-reader market. It will also bring Amazon's e-readers to the home turf of one of its biggest rivals; Rakuten.

Amazon prepares Kindle Touch for April launch in Japan? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon japanAmazon KindleAmazonJapanAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersJapanKindleKindle StoreKindle TouchKindleStoreKindleTouchNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone exec Brandon Watson leaves Microsoft, headed to Amazon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/windows-phone-exec-brandon-watson-leaves-microsoft-headed-to-am/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/windows-phone-exec-brandon-watson-leaves-microsoft-headed-to-am/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/windows-phone-exec-brandon-watson-leaves-microsoft-headed-to-am/#comments
There's some more corporate reshuffling going on in the Windows Phone universe this week, now that Brandon Watson has confirmed his departure from Microsoft. Watson, who served as head of the WP Developer Experience, announced the news on his Twitter page Friday, and later told ZDNet that he's heading to Amazon, where he'll be Director of the Kindle Cross Platform team. In an e-mail to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, Watson acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, but ultimately decided that "the opportunity placed in front of me that was too big to pass up." At Amazon, the exec will be charged with laying out a roadmap for Kindle app development across first- and third-party platforms, including, of course, Windows Phone and Windows 8. Microsoft has yet to announce a replacement, issuing the following statement: "We can confirm February 6th is Brandon Watson's last day at Microsoft. Brandon did a great job helping us build a vibrant developer community and we wish him well with his next adventure."

Windows Phone exec Brandon Watson leaves Microsoft, headed to Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleappapplicationBrandon WatsonBrandonWatsonbusinesscorporatedeparturedevdeveloperexecutiveindustrykindlemicrosoftmobilepostminiMSFTredmondwindows 8windows phoneWindows8WindowsPhoneSun, 05 Feb 2012 00:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Strategy Analytics: Apple still owns tablet market, but Android narrows the gap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/strategy-analytics-apple-still-owns-tablet-market-but-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/strategy-analytics-apple-still-owns-tablet-market-but-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/strategy-analytics-apple-still-owns-tablet-market-but-android/#comments
Strategy Analytics has come out with another report on the state of today's tablet market, which, not surprisingly, remains dominated by Apple. Cupertino's iOS comprised about 58 percent of the global slate market during Q4 2011 -- well ahead of Android's record high 39 percent share, but down from the 68 percent it commanded during the final quarter of 2010. Android, in fact, has seen quite a jump over the past year, with total shipments reaching 10.5 million units during the last quarter, up from just 3.1 million last year (Apple, by comparison, shipped 15.4 million iPads during Q4, versus the 7.3 million it shipped last year). On a global level, the tablet market continues to blossom, with total shipments reaching an all-time high of 26.8 million units last quarter, representing a whopping 150 percent increase over last year. Read the full report at the source link below, or head past the break for a more succinct press release.

Continue reading Strategy Analytics: Apple still owns tablet market, but Android narrows the gap

Strategy Analytics: Apple still owns tablet market, but Android narrows the gap originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleAmazonKindleandroidapplebusinessgoogleindustryiosipadkindlemarketmarket shareMarketSharemoneyoperating systemOperatingSystemreportslatestatisticsstrategy analyticsStrategyAnalyticstabletThu, 26 Jan 2012 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: the Kindle Touch, a repurposed Army bag and a non-user replaceable laptop battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/irl-the-79-kindle-a-repurposed-army-bag-and-a-non-user-replac/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/irl-the-79-kindle-a-repurposed-army-bag-and-a-non-user-replac/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/irl-the-79-kindle-a-repurposed-army-bag-and-a-non-user-replac/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Hi there, folks. It's that time of the week where we share our close and very personal experiences with various gadget paraphernalia. This week, Brian makes the switch from the Nook Simple Touch to the Kindle Touch, Ben explains why he'd rather replace his own laptop battery, thank you very much, and Don makes the case for a laptop bag that looks anything but.

Continue reading IRL: the Kindle Touch, a repurposed Army bag and a non-user replaceable laptop battery

IRL: the Kindle Touch, a repurposed Army bag and a non-user replaceable laptop battery originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon KindleAmazon Kindle TouchAmazonKindleAmazonKindleTouchAppleapple batteryAppleBatterybatteriesbatterybattery replacementBatteryReplacementBen DrawbaughBenDrawbaughBrian HeaterBrianHeaterDon MelansonDonMelansonengadgetirlirlKindle TouchKindle4KindleTouchlaptop baglaptop bagsLaptopBagLaptopBagsWed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! People like free stuff, Amazon's lending library a success]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/Amazons-lending-library-a-success/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/Amazons-lending-library-a-success/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/Amazons-lending-library-a-success/#comments Amazon PrimeYou can always count on people's desire to avoid paying for stuff. That's why it shouldn't come as any surprise that Amazon's Lending Library is such a success. The free perk available to Prime customers who also happen to be Kindle owners launched in November with just 5,000 books available. Since then the library has expanded to over 75,000 titles with over 295,000 people borrowing an independently published KDP e-tome in December alone. To celebrate Amazon is adding another $200,000 to the pool available to Direct Publishing authors, pushing the grand total to $700,000. To read the entire self-congratulatory PR continue on after the break.

Continue reading Surprise! People like free stuff, Amazon's lending library a success

Surprise! People like free stuff, Amazon's lending library a success originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersKindleKindle Direct PublishingKindle Lending Librarykindle owners lending libraryKindleDirectPublishingKindleLendingLibraryKindleOwnersLendingLibrarylending libraryLendingLibraryMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Send to Kindle lets you send stuff to your Kindle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/amazons-send-to-kindle-lets-you-send-stuff-to-your-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/amazons-send-to-kindle-lets-you-send-stuff-to-your-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/amazons-send-to-kindle-lets-you-send-stuff-to-your-kindle/#comments
Do you like Amazon Kindles? Do you like PCs? Do you like documents? Would you like to send documents from your PC to your Kindle? Fantastic, because that's totally what you can do with Amazon's new Send to Kindle software. You might wanna take this opportunity to grab a notepad, because it's sort of complicated: download the program for free, fire up Windows Explorer, find a document, right-click it, and choose Send to Kindle. You can also save documents to download at a later date and synchronize your bookmarks, notes and highlights across all (non-PDF) documents, which is pretty wild, if you think about it. Windows users can dramatically change their lives at the source link below. Mac users will have to wait a little longer.

Amazon's Send to Kindle lets you send stuff to your Kindle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleapplicationdocumente booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersexplorerkindlekindle appKindleApppcpdfreadersend to kindleSendToKindlesharewindowswindows explorerWindowsExplorerThu, 12 Jan 2012 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon launches touch-friendly, web-based Kindle store for iPads]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/amazon-launches-touch-friendly-web-based-kindle-store-for-ipads/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/amazon-launches-touch-friendly-web-based-kindle-store-for-ipads/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/amazon-launches-touch-friendly-web-based-kindle-store-for-ipads/#comments Kindle iPad Store After being forced to give up its in-app purchasing feature, Amazon has finally brought a finger-friendly Kindle store back to the iPad. The company launched a web-based shop designed with touchscreens in mind today, accessible at Amazon.com/iPadKindleStore. It's not an ideal solution, but at least you can quickly switch back to the Kindle app and start devouring your tomes. Or, you can continue with your browser-based experience and use the Cloud Reader.

Amazon launches touch-friendly, web-based Kindle store for iPads originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleapplee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersiosipadkindlekindle appkindle cloud readerkindle ipad storekindle storeKindleAppKindleCloudReaderKindleIpadStoreKindleStoreminipostTue, 10 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SolarFocus Kindle case eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/solarfocus-kindle-case-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/solarfocus-kindle-case-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/solarfocus-kindle-case-eyes-on/#comments We're here at CES Unveiled and we've just got our mitts on SolarFocus' Kindle case. The $80 e-reader sheath is said to provide for three months of unplugged use as well as 50 hours for its onboard reading light. While the construction seemed solid, the case added an extra bit of heft, with a heavy grey backing and a comfortable black leather detail surrounding the rather large solar panel on the front. The case is now available for the fourth generation Kindle, but we're told a Kindle Touch version is on its way sometime in mid-March, with more iterations in development. Check out a closer view of the case in the gallery after the break.

Gallery: SolarFocus Kindle case eyes-on

SolarFocus Kindle case eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryamazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlecesces 2012Ces2012e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershands-onkindleSolarFocusSolarFocus KindleSolarfocusKindleSun, 08 Jan 2012 21:21:00 EST<![CDATA[SolarKindle cover basks in the sun's rays, charges for days and days]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/solarkindle-cover-basks-in-the-suns-rays-charges-for-days-and/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/solarkindle-cover-basks-in-the-suns-rays-charges-for-days-and/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/solarkindle-cover-basks-in-the-suns-rays-charges-for-days-and/#comments Direct sunlight and Amazon's Kindle have always gone hand in hand -- you simply can't read E-Ink without a strong light source. So, it would make sense to pair that lighting requirement with a solar panel, pack it into a convenient case, toss in a reading lamp and give readers the gift of effortlessly extended battery life -- which is exactly what SolarFocus intends to do. Scheduled to be shown off at this week's CES, the company's SolarKindle adds three months of unplugged use, in addition to 50 hours for its included LED lamp. And unlike most innovations that take their sweet time getting to market, this cover's slated for a January 15th bow, priced at $80. Take that paperbacks.

Continue reading SolarKindle cover basks in the sun's rays, charges for days and days

SolarKindle cover basks in the sun's rays, charges for days and days originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazon KindleAmazonKindlecaseCESCES 2012Ces2012covere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderskindlesolar chargingSolar Focussolar powerSolarChargingSolarFocusSolarKindleSolarPowerSat, 07 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/#comments It was yet another solid year for Amazon's Kindle family of products. The mega online retailer sent out its yearly post-Christmas card, bragging about moving "well over one million Kindle devices per week" for December, making it the best holiday yet for the e-reader / tablet line, according to the company. Three Kindles held the top spots on the site's list of best sellers, led by the Fire, the Touch and the plain old fourth generation Kindle. No exact numbers from Amazon, as per usual, but it looks to have been a pretty green Christmas for Bezos and co. Jingle all the way to the celebratory press release after the jump.

Continue reading Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash

Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfireholidaysjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle firekindle touchKindleFireKindleTouchsalessellingThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[M-Edge suit accuses Amazon of corporate bullying, patent infringement over Kindle cases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/m-edge-suit-accuses-amazon-of-corporate-bullying-patent-infring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/m-edge-suit-accuses-amazon-of-corporate-bullying-patent-infring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/m-edge-suit-accuses-amazon-of-corporate-bullying-patent-infring/#comments Case maker M-Edge filed suit with a Maryland court last week accusing Amazon of "unlawful corporate bullying" and patent infringement relating to the company's line of Kindle cases. According to M-Edge, the company signed a three-year agreement with Amazon in November 2009 for a 15-percent sales commission, only to have the retail giant demand a new contract with a 32-percent cut a mere two month later. A lawyer for M-Edge told The Wall Street Journal that Amazon punished the case maker over its refusal to play ball, after threats of burying the company's products on its site. According to the filing, M-Edge finally caved and signed a new contract in July of last year, given the fact that Amazon apparently drives nearly 90-percent of the small company's revenue. The suit also accuses Amazon of "knocking off" its reading light-packing covers with lighted jacket designs for the Kindle 3. Amazon, for its part, has refused to comment on the matter.

M-Edge suit accuses Amazon of corporate bullying, patent infringement over Kindle cases originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlecasecovere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerslawsuitlighted caselighted coverLightedCaseLightedCoverm-edgemarylandpatent infringementPatentInfringementsuitWed, 28 Dec 2011 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon UK opens its doors for the Christmas sales, adds hundreds of Kindle books from 99p]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/amazon-uk-opens-its-doors-for-the-christmas-sales-adds-hundreds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/amazon-uk-opens-its-doors-for-the-christmas-sales-adds-hundreds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/amazon-uk-opens-its-doors-for-the-christmas-sales-adds-hundreds/#comments

Got some Kindle hardware burning a hole in your pile of festive gifts? Well, British bookworms have been given some extra yuletide joy courtesy of Amazon UK which has also started a 12-day sale, focusing on its e-book wares. The site vows to add more digital reads each day and it looks like all the additions will stick with their shrunken price tags for the extent of the sale. Head to the source below for some one-click literary gratification.

Amazon UK opens its doors for the Christmas sales, adds hundreds of Kindle books from 99p originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 days of kindle12DaysOfKindleamazonAmazon Kindleamazon ukAmazonKindleAmazonUke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersKindlekindle storeKindleStoreminipostsaleUKMon, 26 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Amazon's Kindle (2011)?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-2011/#comments
Amazon's Kindle is, broadly, the million-selling gold-standard that all other e-readers aspire to. This year's edition was slashed back to basics, with the hardware keyboard, touchscreen, expandable memory, 3G access and MP3 support sacrificed in favor of a $79 (with ads) price tag. Now you've had three months to get to grips with the changes, do you feel it was worth it? Do you miss the keyboard, are the adverts too intrusive, is it the right size for comfortable use? If you were in Jeff Bezos' shoes, let us know what you'd have done differently in the comments below.

How would you change Amazon's Kindle (2011)? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon KindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersHow Would You ChangeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCKindleSun, 18 Dec 2011 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon launches Kindle in Italy and Spain, brings Kindle Store to the Mediterranean]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/amazon-launches-kindle-in-italy-and-spain-brings-kindle-store-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/amazon-launches-kindle-in-italy-and-spain-brings-kindle-store-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/amazon-launches-kindle-in-italy-and-spain-brings-kindle-store-t/#comments
After having already conquered France, Germany and the UK, Amazon has now brought the Kindle and its associated online store to the shores of Italy and Spain. With today's launch, Iberian users will be able to choose from a selection of more than 22,000 Spanish-language titles, which they can now devour on their very own Kindle devices, available for the first time on Amazon.es. Italian readers will have a slightly smaller selection to choose from, with about 16,000 native-language books available online, though they too now have a Kindle to call their own, giving them access to Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing service, as well Both country-specific versions of the e-reader are available for €99 at the source link below, but curious lettori can dig up more information in the dueling press releases, after the break.

Continue reading Amazon launches Kindle in Italy and Spain, brings Kindle Store to the Mediterranean

Amazon launches Kindle in Italy and Spain, brings Kindle Store to the Mediterranean originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle storeAmazonKindleAmazonKindleStoreavailabilitybookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersitalianitalykindlekindle direct publishingKindleDirectPublishinglanguagelaunchpricespainspanishThu, 01 Dec 2011 07:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon sees huge jump in Kindle Black Friday sales, Fire leads the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/amazon-sees-huge-jump-in-kindle-black-friday-sales-fire-leads-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/amazon-sees-huge-jump-in-kindle-black-friday-sales-fire-leads-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/amazon-sees-huge-jump-in-kindle-black-friday-sales-fire-leads-t/#comments
The pandemonium of Black Friday has now subsided, leaving Amazon with nothing but a big grin and stellar sales. According to the retailer, the Kindle Fire dominated this year's one-day extravaganza, standing proud as the top-selling product across all of Amazon.com and the best-selling tablet at Target. Amazon also claims to have sold four times as many Kindle products as it did during last year's post-Thanksgiving rush, though it didn't divulge any precise figures -- Cyber Monday, after all, is far from over. Head past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading Amazon sees huge jump in Kindle Black Friday sales, Fire leads the way

Amazon sees huge jump in Kindle Black Friday sales, Fire leads the way originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFireblack fridayblack friday 2011BlackFridayBlackFriday2011cyber mondayCyberMondaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersindustrykindlekindle fireKindleFiremoneysalesMon, 28 Nov 2011 06:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/#commentsWelcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

The e-reader space is really -- if you'll pardon the expression -- heating up just in time for the holiday season. Industry leader Amazon dropped the gauntlet yet again, with the introduction of three new devices, including the entry-level fourth generation Kindle (which starts at an enticing $79 for the ad-supported version) and the Kindle Fire, which is helping to further blur the lines between the e-reader and tablet worlds. Not to be outdone, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Sony are also offering up impressive new devices for the holiday season. All in all, there's never been a more exciting time to give the gift of reading.

Continue reading Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle 2011amazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindle2011AmazonKindleFirebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNooke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgift guideGiftGuidehgghgg2011holidayholiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2011HolidayGiftGuideHolidayGiftGuide2011holidayskindle fireKindleFirekoboKobo eReader Touch Editionkobo voxKoboEreaderTouchEditionKoboVoxnook touchnook wifiNookTouchNookWifisonysony readersony reader wifisony Reader WiFi PRS-T1SonyReaderSonyReaderWifiSonyReaderWifiPrs-t1Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet...fight!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/kindle-fire-vs-nook-tablet-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/kindle-fire-vs-nook-tablet-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/kindle-fire-vs-nook-tablet-fight/#comments There seems little doubt that the Kindle Fire will prove one of the holiday season's biggest hits. At $200, the budget tablet will no doubt prove too good a deal to pass up for many consumers not ready to make the price commitment to the industry-leading iPad or a top-tier Android tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Of course, the Fire wasn't the only budget Android tablet to launch this week -- heck, it wasn't even the only budget Android tablet launched by an e-reader producer. Barnes & Noble's Nook Tablet also, conveniently, hit stores earlier this week. The company took what it got right with the Nook Color, souped it up a bit internally and wound up with a solid competitor to the Fire.

So, which of these products should budget-friendly gadget shoppers pick up this holiday season? We take a look at their hits and misses after the break.

Continue reading Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet...fight!

Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet...fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFirebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookbarnes and noble nook tabletBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookBarnesAndNobleNookTabletkindlekindle fireKindleFiremobilepostcrossnooknook tabletNookTabletvideoFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle Touch review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/kindle-touch-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/kindle-touch-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/kindle-touch-review/#comments It was back in back in September that Amazon finally unveiled the Kindle Fire, its long awaited entry into the budget space. The full-color, multimedia slate hit the sweet spot, price-wise, sliding in at a hair under $200 and setting the tech world abuzz. The company made it clear, however, that it still had a horse in the standalone e-reader race -- three horses, in fact. That same event also saw the unveiling of the fourth-generation Kindle and the Kindle Touch, two new devices that take slightly different approaches to the post-keyboard world of e-readers. And, to play it safe, Amazon announced that it would be keeping the Kindle 3 around -- albeit, rebranded as the Kindle Keyboard.

At $79 for the ad-supported version, the Kindle 4 carved out a whole new price point for e-readers. The Kindle Touch meanwhile, marked a belated entrance into touchscreen e-ink devices -- a market that had already been populated by several high-profile competitors: Barnes & Noble's Nook, Kobo and Sony. Why did Amazon hold off so long? According to the company, it was "waiting to get touch right." Without spoiling this review too much, there are indeed some features of this new device that suggest the wait was worth it.

But are these elements enough to dethrone the Nook Simple Touch as the best devoted e-reader out there, especially given that the Nook, too, recently got a refresh of its own? Does Amazon still have what it takes to remain the clear market reader in e-books? And is the $20 premium worth the step up from the fantastically affordable fourth-gen Kindle? The answer to all of this and more can be found after the break.

Gallery: Amazon Kindle Touch unboxing

Gallery: Amazon Kindle Touch review

Continue reading Amazon Kindle Touch review

Amazon Kindle Touch review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gamazonamazon kindleamazon kindle touchAmazonKindleAmazonKindleTouche booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskindlekindle touchKindleTouchreviewspecial offersSpecialOfferstouchvideowifiMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader storms into Firefox on an HTML5 chariot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/amazons-kindle-cloud-reader-storms-into-firefox-on-an-html5-cha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/amazons-kindle-cloud-reader-storms-into-firefox-on-an-html5-cha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/amazons-kindle-cloud-reader-storms-into-firefox-on-an-html5-cha/#comments
Just about three months after launching on Safari and Chrome, Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader app has finally made its way to Firefox. With this HTML5-based app, Mozilla devotees can access Kindle books directly from their browsers for both online and offline reading, while syncing their digitized libraries, notes and bookmarks. Available for Firefox 6 and above, the Cloud Reader also offers a touch-optimized store that's integrated directly within the app, putting you within just one click of Amazon's coffers. Take it for a spin at the source link below, or float past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader storms into Firefox on an HTML5 chariot

Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader storms into Firefox on an HTML5 chariot originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle cloud readerAmazonKindleAmazonKindleCloudReaderbrowsere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfirefoxkindlekindle cloud readerKindleCloudReaderminipostmozillamozilla firefoxMozillaFirefoxWed, 09 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/amazon-prime-adds-new-reading-option-with-kindle-owners-lending/#comments Amazon's home page has a new message for Prime members from CEO Jeff Bezos, indicating that their membership plan has a new bonus: free books. The Kindle Owners Lending Library service offers up to one book per month from a selection of thousands of titles, including "over 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers" with no due dates. That's in addition to the free two-day shipping and access to TV shows and movies offered through Prime Instant Video as a part of the $79/year package. Of course, it also serves to the platform lock-in tighter between a suddenly very compelling subscription entertainment service, and its hardware (you will need a Kindle device, from what we're reading the apps won't work), including the upcoming Kindle Fire. Fans of the E inked word can check out the press release after the break for a few more details.

[Thanks, Straton & Abbas]

Continue reading Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library

Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon primeAmazonKindleAmazonPrimebreaking newse readerendingEReaderjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle firekindle owners lending libraryKindleFireKindleOwnersLendingLibrarylibraryreadingsubscriptiontabletWed, 02 Nov 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon focusing on 'lifetime' Kindle revenue, anticipating record device sales for Q4]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-focusing-on-lifetime-kindle-revenue-anticipating-recor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-focusing-on-lifetime-kindle-revenue-anticipating-recor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-focusing-on-lifetime-kindle-revenue-anticipating-recor/#comments Today's Amazon earnings were decidedly split -- the company revealed both a 44-percent increase in net sales and a 73-percent decrease in net income. So, why the discrepancy? It may at least partially be due to the much discussed suggestion that the company actually loses money for each Kindle sold -- a trend which, if true, has likely only been compounded by the release of the uber-cheap ad-supported version of the device. The company addressed the matter in part, suggesting that it is focused on "the lifetime value [of the Kindle], not just the economics of the devices and accessories." The total economic picture of the Kindle includes the device itself, accessories, downloaded content and ad-revenue.

Things are apparently looking up for the company, as well, with Amazon anticipating "a record quarter in terms of device sales" for Q4. The positivity is a reflection, in part, of greater than anticipated Kindle pre-orders. Says CEO Jeff Bezos, "In the three weeks since launch, orders for electronic ink Kindles are double the previous launch. And based on what we're seeing with Kindle Fire pre-orders, we're increasing capacity and building millions more than we'd already planned."

Amazon focusing on 'lifetime' Kindle revenue, anticipating record device sales for Q4 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleearningsfinancialfinancial resultsFinancialResultsfinancialskindlekindle fireKindleFireQ3q3 2011Q32011quarterlyquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningsTue, 25 Oct 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon net sales up, net income down for Q3 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-net-sales-up-net-income-down-for-q3-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-net-sales-up-net-income-down-for-q3-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/amazon-net-sales-up-net-income-down-for-q3-2011/#comments
Amazon pulled back the financial curtain for Q3 2011, revealing $10.88 billion in net sales for the quarter, a 44 percent jump over this time last year. Net income, on the other hand, decreased 73 percent year over year, down to $63 million. The quarter also saw the company's "biggest order day ever for Kindle," according to CEO Jeff Bezos -- September 28th, the introduction of three new reader devices from the company. The company's Q4 report will likely be affected by the coming launch of the Kindle Touch and the long-awaited Fire tablet.

Continue reading Amazon net sales up, net income down for Q3 2011

Amazon net sales up, net income down for Q3 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Great looking books." That's what Amazon is promising to deliver with Kindle Format 8 (KF8) -- a new, HTML5-based file format for Kindle books. According to the company, KF8 will allow publishers to produce picture books, comics and graphic novels with greater ease, thanks to the platform's rich formatting capabilities and design elements. In fact, this format brings more than 150 new formatting tools to the table, including fixed layouts, nested tables, sidebars and Scalable Vector Graphics, among others. It should be noted, however, that audio and video are not included on the list of supported HTML tags and CSS elements. At first, content creators will only be able to use KF8 for the Kindle Fire tablet, though Amazon says it'll gradually expand to its entire lineup of devices and apps "in the coming months." No word yet on when KF8 will become available as an update to Amazon's Kindle Publisher Tools suite, but you can find more details at the source link, below.

Amazon's new e-book format brings HTML5 support to your Kindle library originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFirebookscodecomic booksComicBooksCSSCSS3design elementsDesignElementsdevelopmente booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfireformattinggraphic novelsGraphicNovelshtml 5html5kf8kindlekindle firekindle format 8kindle publisher toolsKindleFireKindleFormat8KindlePublisherToolspublishingrich formattingRichFormattingtabletMon, 24 Oct 2011 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon adds e-readers to Trade-In program, ebook lovers pass the old Kindles to the Bezos side]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/amazon-adds-e-readers-to-trade-in-program-ebook-lovers-pass-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/amazon-adds-e-readers-to-trade-in-program-ebook-lovers-pass-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/amazon-adds-e-readers-to-trade-in-program-ebook-lovers-pass-the/#comments Early adopters are usually SOL a few months into owning their new doodads. After helping make products successful, their version 1.0 devices are often cast aside to make room for the newer, better, faster kit waiting in the pipeline. If you happened to jump on the Kindle bandwagon early on or even just a short while ago, you may be feeling these very flames of tech fury whenever you consider the company's newly refreshed line. Well, buck up bookworms, a partial solution to your economic woes is now available. Amazon's accepting your used and abused e-readers in exchange for a gift card applicable to any purchases you make on the site. It's the same old trade-in program the Bezos-backed company's been running for years, only now you'll have a more sensible way to upgrade your E Ink or tablet game.

Amazon adds e-readers to Trade-In program, ebook lovers pass the old Kindles to the Bezos side originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon KindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersKindleminiposttablettabletsTablets PCTabletsPctrade-inFri, 21 Oct 2011 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle 3 gets software upgrade, ready to soar into the cloud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/16/kindle-3-gets-software-upgrade-ready-to-soar-into-the-cloud/#comments

Amazon has pushed out a new update for the Kindle 3, now operating under the alias of the Kindle Keyboard. This gives the well-buttoned e-reader access to some of the cloud features found on its freshly unboxed younger brother, and includes the ability to view any archived documents, notes and highlights you've added to that intangible pile of books and articles. You'll need to tether the Kindle to your PC, point your browser towards Amazon, and download the file corresponding to the right region and model. Excitable annotators can grab the upgrade now at the source link below.

Kindle 3 gets software upgrade, ready to soar into the cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon cloudAmazon KindleAmazon Kindle 3Amazon Kindle KeyboardAmazonCloudAmazonKindleAmazonKindle3AmazonKindleKeyboardbookscloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragee booke bookse inke readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEInkEReaderEReadersfeaturefeaturesfirmware updateFirmwareUpdateKeyboardkindlekindle 3kindle keyboardKindle3KindleKeyboardminipostreaderreadingSun, 16 Oct 2011 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon puts the kibosh on Kindle Touch 3G's experimental browsing free ride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/amazon-puts-the-kibosh-on-kindle-touch-3gs-experimental-browsin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/amazon-puts-the-kibosh-on-kindle-touch-3gs-experimental-browsin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/amazon-puts-the-kibosh-on-kindle-touch-3gs-experimental-browsin/#comments Back in the early '90s, a certain Mr. Vandross and Ms. Jackson serenaded us with a little ditty on the benefits of free goods. Well, it might be time they updated the track because the best things in this eReading life are no longer free over a carrier's 3G. If you happened to grow accustomed to sucking down data on your AT&T- or Sprint-enabled Kindle keyboard, we'd advise you to hold off on that newly introduced upgrade. An Amazon rep lurking the web retailer's forums this past weekend delivered the disheartening news that experimental browsing over 3G on the Kindle Touch would no longer be supported. Sure, you can still connect to WiFi and surf via the clumsy E Ink browser, but where's the on-the-go, loophole-exploiting fun in that? Bookworms with a predilection for an interwebbed free lunch should cling tightly to their outdated eReaders.

Amazon puts the kibosh on Kindle Touch 3G's experimental browsing free ride originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's true of other portable electronics and it applies here, too: if you own an e-reader, there's a strong argument to be made that you need a case. Sure, readers are a little more scratch-resistant than smartphones, but a little bit of backpack trauma can do some nasty things to an e-ink display. That could be Amazon's elevator pitch, anyway. Introduced at the company's launch event last week, the Kindle Lighted Leather Cover comes in various sizes, with versions for the Kindle Touch and fourth generation Kindle. We spent some hands-on time with the latter over the weekend and have to say: we're liking what we're seeing so far. Read on to find out why.

Gallery: Kindle Lighted Leather Cover hands-on

Kindle Lighted Leather Cover hands-on

Continue reading Amazon Kindle Lighted Leather Cover hands-on

Amazon Kindle Lighted Leather Cover hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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