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[Apple, Microsoft meet with Turkish minister, may bid to supply 15 million tablets to schools]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/apple-microsoft-meet-with-turkish-minister-may-bid-to-supply-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/apple-microsoft-meet-with-turkish-minister-may-bid-to-supply-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/apple-microsoft-meet-with-turkish-minister-may-bid-to-supply-1/#commentsWhen it comes to the economy, things appear to be pretty shaky in the land of feta and olive oil, but at least Greece's neighbor to the east is ready to spend, considering a very ambitious (and costly) investment in its education system. Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan just completed a tour through Seattle and Silicon Valley, making stops to meet with executives at Apple, Intel and Microsoft along the way. Caglayan's stateside mission was to discuss Turkey's FATIH Project, which somehow stands for "Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology" and aims to equip 15 million students with tablets within the next four years. The official seems to have left with a positive impression, telling the Turkish Weekly that "upon agreement, Microsoft teams will come to Turkey to cooperate with Turkish firms on the project." He went on to say that Apple executives expressed interest in having iPhone and iPad accessories manufactured in Turkey as well. Doesn't exactly sound like a firm commitment from either company, but 15 million tablets would be nothing to sneeze at, so we'd be surprised if the tablet makers didn't end up making formal bids. With South Korea and now Turkey making commitments to improving education, perhaps we'll see a similar plan hit stateside soon?

Apple, Microsoft meet with Turkish minister, may bid to supply 15 million tablets to schools originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebookBookBagbookseducationfaithFATIH ProjectFatihProjectintelkindlekindle dxKindleDxKoreamicrosoftschoolseoulsouth koreaSouthKoreastudentstablettablet pcTabletPctabletstextbooksturkeyturkey schoolsTurkeySchoolsturkishturkish schoolsTurkishSchoolsZafer CaglayanZaferCaglayanSat, 20 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfram launches open CDF format, adds visual pizzazz to charts and graphs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/wolfram-launches-open-cdf-format-adds-visual-pizzazz-to-charts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/wolfram-launches-open-cdf-format-adds-visual-pizzazz-to-charts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/wolfram-launches-open-cdf-format-adds-visual-pizzazz-to-charts/#comments Amazon's Kindle DX and RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook were supposed to be the business world's answer to an on-the-go office. Turns out, PDFs viewed in e-ink or on a tethered slate don't offer much in the way of interactive app experiences -- they're still just documents, no matter the tablet they're wearing. Well, Wolfram Group's got an open format contender to Adobe's throne and it's hoping you'll adopt it. Introduced today, the Computable Document Format "puts easy-to-author interactivity at its core," breathing animated life into otherwise static infographics. Not a programmer? No need to worry, the company promises the two-way diagrams are "easy enough for teachers, journalists, managers, [and] researchers to... create." We've seen Microsoft's XPS take a similar crack at dethroning the reigning format king, only to find itself in portable document oblivion. We'll just have to wait and see if CDF's a more noble contender. In the meantime, head on over to the source to download the free player and see for yourself the possible future of live textbooks, tables and charts.

Continue reading Wolfram launches open CDF format, adds visual pizzazz to charts and graphs

Wolfram launches open CDF format, adds visual pizzazz to charts and graphs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon Kindle DXAmazonKindleDxCDFComputable Document FormatComputableDocumentFormatdocumentdocument formatDocumentFormatdocumentsfile formatFileFormatformatinteractive documentInteractiveDocumentKindle DXKindleDxMicrosoft XPSMicrosoftXpsPDFPDFsRIMrim blackberry playbookRimBlackberryPlaybookWolframWolfram GroupWolframGroupXPSFri, 22 Jul 2011 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korea plans to convert all textbooks to digital, swap backpacks for tablets by 2015]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/south-korea-plans-to-convert-all-textbooks-to-digital-swap-back/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/south-korea-plans-to-convert-all-textbooks-to-digital-swap-back/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/south-korea-plans-to-convert-all-textbooks-to-digital-swap-back/#comments Well, that oversized Kindle didn't become the textbook killer Amazon hoped it would be, but at least one country is moving forward with plans to lighten the load on its future generation of Samsung execs. South Korea announced this week that it plans to spend over $2 billion developing digital textbooks, replacing paper in all of its schools by 2015. Students would access paper-free learning materials from a cloud-based system, supplementing traditional content with multimedia on school-supplied tablets. The system would also enable homebound students to catch up on work remotely -- they won't be practicing taekwondo on a virtual mat, but could participate in math or reading lessons while away from school, for example. Both programs clearly offer significant advantages for the country's education system, but don't expect to see a similar solution pop up closer to home -- with the US population numbering six times that of our ally in the Far East, many of our future leaders could be carrying paper for a long time to come.

South Korea plans to convert all textbooks to digital, swap backpacks for tablets by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 06:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookBookBagbookseducationkindlekindle dxKindleDxKoreaschoolseoulsouth koreaSouthKoreastudentstablettablet pcTabletPctabletstextbooksSun, 03 Jul 2011 06:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon celebrates its first '$10 billion quarter' in sales, finds Kindle books overtaking paperbacks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/amazon-celebrates-its-first-10-billion-quarter-in-sales-find/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/amazon-celebrates-its-first-10-billion-quarter-in-sales-find/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/amazon-celebrates-its-first-10-billion-quarter-in-sales-find/#comments July 19, 2010 marked the day that Amazon's digital book sales eclipsed the sales of hardcover books, and it barely took half a year for those e-book sales to also overtake the sales of paperbacks. According to the ouftit's latest earnings release, "Kindle books have now overtaken paperback books as the most popular format on Amazon.com." The company had surmised that this would happen by Q2 of this year, but it clearly went down a lot earlier than even it expected. Bezos and co. also sold through $12.95 billion worth of goods, representing The Jungle's first "$10 billion quarter." That came up to $416 million in net income, representing an eight percent uptick year-over-year. Of note, operating income slipped from $476 million in Q4 2009 to $474 million this year, with the unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates generating a staggering $18 million hit.

When looking at 2010 as a whole, Amazon's sales were up 40 percent over 2009, with operating income rising some 25 percent to $1.41 billion compared to the whole of 2009. Speaking specifically of the Kindle, the company is now moving 115 Kindle books for every 100 paperbacks sold, but this obviously only takes into account the US book business. We're still no closer to finding out exactly how many Kindles have been moved, but we're told that "millions" of the third-gen model were moved in Q4 2010, and the Kindle Storeitself has over 810,000 books on its digital shelves. Head on past the break if you're thirsty for more, Sir Economist.

Continue reading Amazon celebrates its first '$10 billion quarter' in sales, finds Kindle books overtaking paperbacks

Amazon celebrates its first '$10 billion quarter' in sales, finds Kindle books overtaking paperbacks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010amazonbusinesse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersearningearningsindustrykindlekindle 3kindle dxKindle3KindleDxq4q4 2010Q42010quarterquarterlyquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningsrevenuesalesThu, 27 Jan 2011 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Amazon's Kindle DX Graphite?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx-graphite/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx-graphite/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx-graphite/#comments We both know you didn't need a Kindle with a 9.7-inch display, but you went and did the deed anyway. Now that you're a proud owner of Amazon's Kindle DX Graphite, you're obligated to tell the world what exactly you'd change about it if given the ability to do so. We noted back in our review that the revised display was indeed a lovely extra, but is it enough to justify the lofty premium over the standard 6-inch model? Would you have changed up the keyboard? What about the enclosure? Thrown in a kickstand? Added a helmet mount? Go on and tell us how you'd make the Kindle DX Graphite an ideal device down in comments below. We're all ears, you know.

How would you change Amazon's Kindle DX Graphite? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershow would you changeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCkindlekindle dxKindle DX GraphiteKindleDxKindleDxGraphiteFri, 22 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle gets its first premium app: Scrabble]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/amazon-kindle-gets-its-first-premium-app-scrabble/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/amazon-kindle-gets-its-first-premium-app-scrabble/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/amazon-kindle-gets-its-first-premium-app-scrabble/#comments
It's still a long way from a full-fledged app store, but the Amazon Kindle has just taken one step in that direction with its very first premium app: Electronic Arts' Scrabble. That's available right now for $4.99, and it'll work on both the second and third generation Kindle, and both Kindle DX models. It also looks like it's already off to a strong start in terms of sales -- it's currently sitting at number four on the Kindle bestseller list, right behind two Stieg Larsson novels and the latest Oprah book club pick.

Amazon Kindle gets its first premium app: Scrabble originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleappe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerselectronic artsElectronicArtskindlekindle dxKindleDxpaid appPaidApppremium appPremiumAppscrabbleFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Entelligence: One device to rule them all -- or not]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/22/entelligence-one-device-to-rule-them-all-or-not/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/22/entelligence-one-device-to-rule-them-all-or-not/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/22/entelligence-one-device-to-rule-them-all-or-not/#commentsEntelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

The introduction of the third generation Kindle has reignites the debate over the role of dedicated vs. converged devices. Five years ago, device segmentation was easy: phones made calls, music players played music and cameras took pictures. Even two years ago, integrated devices remained differentiated from standalone devices that provided greater features and capabilities. But some now feel the market for dedicated e-book readers like the Kindle and Nook will soon disappear, subsumed by devices like tablets and smartphones capable of delivering e-books along with other content, applications and services.

It certainly feels to some degree that converged functionality is replacing the standalone and dedicated device. Look at the state-of-the-art iPod touch today and the state-of-the-art iPod of just three years ago. Compare the camera on your phone to the point and shoot digital of just four years ago. The argument seems strong for converged rather than dedicated and standalone devices.

I think the reality is a little more complicated.

Continue reading Entelligence: One device to rule them all -- or not

Entelligence: One device to rule them all -- or not originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncolumnconvergenceconvergence devicesConvergenceDevicesdedicated devicesDedicatedDevicesentelligencekindlekindle dxkindle graphiteKindleDxKindleGraphiteSun, 22 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's back to school guide: E-readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-e-readers/#commentsWelcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we have e-readers in our sights -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month.
Engadget's back to school guide: E-readers
Yes, it's the next round of buying advice for those of you condemned to start hitting the books at the end of the summer. But, with one of these e-readers, you might just have fewer books to hit -- or at least lighter ones. Sadly most schools are still dependent on texts of the pulpy variety, but that doesn't mean an e-reader can't make your life a lot easier at school, and possibly even save you some money if you're reading the classics.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide: E-readers

Engadget's back to school guide: E-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010alexamazonback to schoolback to school guideBackToSchoolBackToSchoolGuidebarnes nobleBarnesNoblebebookbebook neoBebookNeodaily editionDailyEditione booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfeaturefeaturedfeatureskindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxnookpocket editionPocketEditionsonysony readerSonyReaderspring designSpringDesignFri, 13 Aug 2010 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle DX Graphite review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/09/amazon-kindle-dx-graphite-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/09/amazon-kindle-dx-graphite-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/09/amazon-kindle-dx-graphite-review/#comments Just over a year ago, we reviewed Amazon's jumbo-sized Kindle, the Kindle DX. And just a few weeks ago, Amazon outed a new, $379 Graphite gray version of the DX. This time, it's got the new Pearl display from E Ink, which supposedly boasts a much higher contrast ratio and a faster page refresh rate over its predecessor. Other than that, you're looking at pretty much the same unit as before, and if you like a large e-reader, that's probably a good thing. Read on for our full impressions of the device.

Continue reading Amazon Kindle DX Graphite review

Amazon Kindle DX Graphite review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle dxAmazonKindleAmazonKindleDxbacktoschoole booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskindlekindle dxkindle dx graphiteKindleDxKindleDxGraphitereviewreviewsMon, 09 Aug 2010 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle's digital book sales overtake hardcover, device purchases triple after price drop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kindles-digital-book-sales-overtake-hardcover-device-purchases/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kindles-digital-book-sales-overtake-hardcover-device-purchases/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kindles-digital-book-sales-overtake-hardcover-device-purchases/#commentsWhile Amazon is being as coy as usual when it comes to an actual number (still keeping to the vague "millions" figure), the company has revealed that sales of its Kindle hardware has tripled since the price took a plunge from $259 to $189. While it's hard to gauge just how many champagne corks are being popped over that statistic, news that downloaded kindle books has overtaken its hardcover brethren is certainly cause for major celebration. According to a press release, 143 Kindle books have been sold for every 100 hardcovers in the past three months, and that ratio is a more impressive 9:2 if you only look at this past month. Before you start asking about the obvious caveats, the data both include sales of hardcovers where no Kindle equivalent exists and exclude free Kindle downloads -- meaning if those weren't considered, the ratio would be even greater. Guess the agency pricing model didn't deter too many customers. Since you're in such a good mood, Amazon, how about a slimmer model to satiate the remaining holdouts?

Kindle's digital book sales overtake hardcover, device purchases triple after price drop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbezosbookbooksdownloaddownloadse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershard coverHardCoverhardcoversjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle dxkindle salesKindleDxKindleSalessalesMon, 19 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's graphite Kindle DX now shipping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/amazons-graphite-kindle-dx-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/amazons-graphite-kindle-dx-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/amazons-graphite-kindle-dx-now-shipping/#comments
Amazon promised that its new, Pearl display-equipped graphite Kindle DX would start shipping today and, as a helpful tipster informs us, the first shipping notices are now indeed going out. What's more, unlike some past Kindle debuts, the e-reader is also still listed as in stock, so it looks like you're not out of luck if you didn't get your pre-order in. Of course, it's not clear if that's due to increased supply or reduced demand -- although, at $379, we'd have to guess it's moving a bit slower than the regular $189 Kindle.

Amazon's graphite Kindle DX now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse inke readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebook readerEbookReaderebooksEInkereadergraphitegraphite kindle dxGraphiteKindleDxkindlekindle dxKindleDxpearlWed, 07 Jul 2010 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[E Ink explains the new Pearl display used in the updated Kindle DX]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/e-ink-explains-the-new-pearl-display-used-in-the-updated-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/e-ink-explains-the-new-pearl-display-used-in-the-updated-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/e-ink-explains-the-new-pearl-display-used-in-the-updated-kindle/#comments
Amazon has already boasted that the display in its updated Kindle DX has a 50% improved contrast, but E Ink has now thankfully come out and provided a few more details on the new display technology used. Dubbed Pearl, the new display builds upon E Ink's previous Vizplex displays, and not only promises enhanced readability and text that "pops from the page," but the lowest power consumption of any display used in e-readers today (something also claimed about E Ink's previous displays). Of course, the display technology isn't limited to just the Kindle DX -- E Ink currently has five different Pearl displays ranging from 5-inch to 9.7-inch, all of which boast 16 levels of gray, and resolutions ranging from 800 x 600 to 1,200 x 825 (and 200 to 150 DPI).

Continue reading E Ink explains the new Pearl display used in the updated Kindle DX

E Ink explains the new Pearl display used in the updated Kindle DX originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse inke ink pearle readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEInkEInkPearlereaderkindlekindle dxKindleDxpearlThu, 01 Jul 2010 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Graphite Kindle DX coming July 7th for $379, now available for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/graphite-kindle-dx-coming-july-7th-for-379-now-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/graphite-kindle-dx-coming-july-7th-for-379-now-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/graphite-kindle-dx-coming-july-7th-for-379-now-available-for-p/#comments Amazon's having a field day with its Kindle lineup as of late. Hot off the heels of its Kindle price drop, bigger brother Kindle DX has gotten a new shade, a touted 50 percent improved contrast, and a $379 price tag -- much lower than the $489 it asked for when first hitting the scene. Not to worry, there's still a 9.7-inch E-ink display and free 3G wireless. Though not shipping until July 7th, you can go ahead and give Bezos and co. your money today, whether you're a domestic or international customer.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Graphite Kindle DX coming July 7th for $379, now available for pre-order

Graphite Kindle DX coming July 7th for $379, now available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackbreaking newsBreakingNewsdxe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgraphitegraphite kindle dxGraphiteKindleDxkindlekindle dxKindleDxThu, 01 Jul 2010 00:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Slim Amazon Kindle 'Shasta' to be first with WiFi?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/slim-kindle-shasta-to-be-first-with-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/slim-kindle-shasta-to-be-first-with-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/slim-kindle-shasta-to-be-first-with-wifi/#comments You know what Amazon's Kindle doesn't have? No, we're not talking about color, the other thing. Right, WiFi. That looks set to change when the rumored slimster -- codenamed "Shasta" -- launches in August. The screencap above displaying the results of an internal Amazon device query shows entries for "Shasta" and "Shasta WiFi." That would seem to indicate that Amazon's next reader will launch in two flavors: WiFi + 3G and 3G-only (our source isn't sure). There's even an outside chance that one could be a WiFi-only device. Another grab after the break.

Oh, and here's an interesting footnote: the original Kindle was apparently codenamed "Fiona" after Fiona Hackworth in Neal Stephenson's novel The Diamond Age. Many of the names in the device list above -- Nell (the protagonist), Miranda (mother figure to Nell), and Turing (i.e., Turing Machines) -- are all related to that very same story. What we can't figure out is how the word "Shasta" fits into all this so lay it on us Cyberpunks if you know.

Update: Freddo411 seems to have nailed it in the comments: Shasta, Lassen, and Mazama are all volcanoes in the Cascades.

Continue reading Slim Amazon Kindle 'Shasta' to be first with WiFi?

Slim Amazon Kindle 'Shasta' to be first with WiFi? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 May 2010 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncodenamee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersexclusivefionakindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxklamathlassenmazamamirandaNeal StephensonNealStephensonnellreddingshastathe diamond ageTheDiamondAgeMon, 31 May 2010 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[E-Ink Shocker! Amazon CEO says color Kindle is 'still a long way out']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/e-ink-shocker-amazon-ceo-says-color-kindle-is-still-a-long-way/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/e-ink-shocker-amazon-ceo-says-color-kindle-is-still-a-long-way/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/e-ink-shocker-amazon-ceo-says-color-kindle-is-still-a-long-way/#comments Well, if it isn't a surprise to end all surprises. Amazon's head honcho Jeff Bezos recently grabbed a mic at the outfit's annual shareholder meeting in Seattle, and when speaking about the "millions" of Kindle e-readers that he's sold, he pointed out the obvious when questioned about the possibility of a color version. In addressing concerns that LCD-based tablets may seem more attractive due to their ability to showcase color images and video, he noted that developing color electronic ink remains a challenge, and while he's seen things "in the laboratory," the prototypes are simply "not ready for prime-time production." He also stated that these lust-worthy, mythical displays were "a long way out," but that the Kindle would remain focused as a dedicated e-reader moving forward. Hear that, Mirasol? That's the ear-piecing sound of a market opportunity waiting to be exploited.

E-Ink Shocker! Amazon CEO says color Kindle is 'still a long way out' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlecolorcolor e inkcolor e-inkColorE-inkColorEInke booke bookse inke papere readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-papere-readere-readerseinkelectronic inkelectronic paperElectronicInkElectronicPaperEPaperjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxshockerTue, 25 May 2010 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Kindle 2.5 software update begins to roll out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/24/amazons-kindle-2-5-software-update-begins-to-roll-out/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/24/amazons-kindle-2-5-software-update-begins-to-roll-out/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/24/amazons-kindle-2-5-software-update-begins-to-roll-out/#comments We knew it was destined for a late-May release, and it looks as if Amazon's going to make its deadline after all. Following a preview of the 2.5 software update a few weeks back, we've got pictorial proof that the new code is being pushed out as we speak. This particular unit is a Kindle DX, and it's not hesitant in showing off the social networking features we were promised. Feel free to poke around in the gallery below, and then fire up your own Kindle to see if you've received an OTA surprise. Let us know either way in comments below, won'tcha?

[Thanks, Andreas]

Gallery: Amazon's Kindle 2.5 software update begins to roll out

Amazon's Kindle 2.5 software update begins to roll out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 May 2010 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEReaderexclusivekindlekindle 2kindle 2.5kindle dxKindle2Kindle2.5KindleDxsoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateMon, 24 May 2010 02:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle DX trial at Darden concludes it's academically woeful, personally enjoyable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/kindle-dx-trial-at-darden-concludes-its-academically-woeful-pe/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/kindle-dx-trial-at-darden-concludes-its-academically-woeful-pe/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/kindle-dx-trial-at-darden-concludes-its-academically-woeful-pe/#comments Amazon's experiment of replacing textbooks with Kindle DXs in classrooms already took a pretty hefty blow from Princeton's feedback -- which described the jumbo e-reader as "a poor excuse" for an academic tool -- but here comes some more punishment courtesy of the trialists at Darden. The Business School describes the DX as clunky and too slow to keep up with the pace of teaching, with up to 80 percent of users saying they wouldn't recommend it for academic use. There is a silver lining to this cloud of hate however, as up to 95 percent of all project participants would be happy to recommend the Kindle DX as a personal reading device. That meshes rather well with the high satisfaction and sales figures e-readers are enjoying, but it does show that the hardware has a long way to go before it convinces us to ditch our paperbacks.

[Thanks, Miles B]

Kindle DX trial at Darden concludes it's academically woeful, personally enjoyable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondardendarden school of businessDardenSchoolOfBusinesse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseducationexperimentfailurekindlekindle dxKindleDxpilotpilot programPilotProgramresearchstudytrialuniversityuniversity of virginiaUniversityOfVirginiaThu, 13 May 2010 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle's social networking-friendly 2.5 update gets an early preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/kindles-social-networking-friendly-2-5-update-gets-an-early-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/kindles-social-networking-friendly-2-5-update-gets-an-early-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/kindles-social-networking-friendly-2-5-update-gets-an-early-pre/#comments Amazon may not be rolling out its Kindle 2.5 update until later this month, but the folks at Ars Technica have already managed to get their hands on it, and they've kindly shared a few impressions. While the added social networking capabilities may be the most standout feature, Ars found the new "Collections" feature to be the most substantive part of the update, as it finally gives you a way to manage all your books into groups that are more easily browsed than one big list. Those social networking features do seem to welcome additions as well, however, albeit with a few limitations -- while you can easily share a passage from a book with your Twitter or Facebook friends, it's delivered in the form of a link rather than an actual quote. Other new features like password protection also work just as you'd expect, and there's a number of more minor but pleasant surprises -- like being able to pan and zoom in PDF files. Hit up the source link below for a closer look.

Kindle's social networking-friendly 2.5 update gets an early preview originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfirmwarekindlekindle 2.5kindle dxkindle firmwarekindle updateKindle2.5KindleDxKindleFirmwareKindleUpdateFri, 07 May 2010 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle version 2.5 update gets Facebooked and Twitterized]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/kindle-version-2-5-update-gets-facebooked-and-twitterized/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/kindle-version-2-5-update-gets-facebooked-and-twitterized/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/kindle-version-2-5-update-gets-facebooked-and-twitterized/#commentsAmazon just announced a 2.5 software update for its Kindle and Kindle DX readers. At the moment, it's rolling out the update to a "limited group" of Kindle users with a general release coming at the end of May. Enhancements include the ability to organize books and documents into "collections," pan and zoom within PDFs, Kindle password protection, larger and sharper fonts, and just what you've always wanted: the ability to "share book passages with friends on Facebook and Twitter." Somebody pinch us.

Kindle version 2.5 update gets Facebooked and Twitterized originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5amazoncollectionsdxe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfacebookfirwmarekindlekindle dxKindleDxpdfsoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatetwitterThu, 29 Apr 2010 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA['Millions of people' now own Kindles, says Amazon in its most non-vague sales statement yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/millions-of-people-now-own-kindles-says-amazon-in-its-most-no/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/millions-of-people-now-own-kindles-says-amazon-in-its-most-no/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/millions-of-people-now-own-kindles-says-amazon-in-its-most-no/#commentsAmazon has been notoriously and aggravatingly mum on releasing concrete sales figures for its Kindle series. Last tidbit we heard was that it was the most gifted item in the retail company's history. Or maybe there was some indication by AT&T's note today that 1 million non-phones have been activated, which at this point includes newer Kindles, Nooks, and Sony Readers. At any rate, CEO Jeff Bezos let out the tiniest smidgen of Kindle's sales today in its fiscal report, saying that "millions of people now own Kindles." If we're lucky, next earnings call we'll get to play a "higher or lower" guessing game. Maybe.

'Millions of people' now own Kindles, says Amazon in its most non-vague sales statement yet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebezosbusinessfinancejeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxsalesThu, 28 Jan 2010 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/#comments In quite a few ways, Apple's iPad and iBooks announcement today was a shot across the bow of Amazon's Kindle. Sure, Apple played nice, even saying that Amazon has done a "great job of pioneering" the e-book space, but you can't help but think that Apple thinks of itself as the evolution of the Kindle, not mere competition. Steve Jobs says that Apple is going to "stand on their shoulders," and that doesn't sound quite as benign as perhaps he meant it. So, how do the devices stack up, specifically as book consuming devices? Well, for starters, one of these things costs a whole lot more than the other... let's break it down after the break.

Continue reading iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?

iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpade-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-readere-readersipadkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxWed, 27 Jan 2010 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[InstaPaper for Kindle now more Kindle-like]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/22/instapaper-for-kindle-now-more-kindle-like/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/22/instapaper-for-kindle-now-more-kindle-like/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/22/instapaper-for-kindle-now-more-kindle-like/#comments
InstaPaper's "read later" bookmarking service was already a pretty handy way to get any article or web page onto your Kindle, but it looks like the company's now taken a considerable leap forward in usability with its latest update. Nothing's changed in the way you actually get articles onto the Kindle (via wireless delivery or .mobi files), but once they're loaded up you'll now have a decidedly more Kindle-like experience. That includes being able to tap left or right between articles downloaded from a site and, perhaps most notably, you'll also now get a convenient table of contents that can be accessed from any article by pressing the back button. Those using wireless delivery will also now see old InstaPaper files moved to the "Periodicals: Back Issues" folder as new ones come in, rather than see them fill up their home screen. Sound like just the thing you've been waiting for? Hit up the link below to get started.

InstaPaper for Kindle now more Kindle-like originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-booke-readerinstapaperkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxreadingFri, 22 Jan 2010 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Boeye's OEM E900 reader is the Kindle DX's cheaper twin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/15/boeyes-oem-e900-reader-is-the-kindle-dxs-cheaper-twin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/15/boeyes-oem-e900-reader-is-the-kindle-dxs-cheaper-twin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/15/boeyes-oem-e900-reader-is-the-kindle-dxs-cheaper-twin/#comments Ever wondered what an exact replica of the Kindle DX would look like? Well, if you were thinking that it would look like an exact replica of the Kindle DX, you're a winner. You're currently checking out the Boeye E900, a 9.7-inch reader hailing from Guangdong, China. Besides the obvious lack of branding here, we're hard-pressed to spot another difference -- though we do only have the one photo. Both sport WiFi, Bluetooth, and text-to-speech, plus apparently the exact same internals as the DX, including an 825 x 1200 resolution, 3G, 128MB built-in flash memory, and a microSD card slot. We'll tell you this -- the price, at around $311, is way cheaper than Amazon's actual reader. That is however, seemingly a wholesale price as the minimum order accepted is apparently 100 pieces. Anybody need 99 fake Kindles?

Boeye's OEM E900 reader is the Kindle DX's cheaper twin originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbookse inke readere-inke-readerEInkereaderkeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekindlekindle dxKindleDxkirfreaderreadkingFri, 15 Jan 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Justice Department settlement puts on-campus Kindle use on hold]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/13/justice-department-settlement-puts-on-campus-kindle-use-on-hold/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/13/justice-department-settlement-puts-on-campus-kindle-use-on-hold/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/13/justice-department-settlement-puts-on-campus-kindle-use-on-hold/#comments
Amazon may have recently announced it was beefing up the Kindle's functionality for vision-impaired users, but it looks like that's too little too late for three universities using Kindles as an alternative to textbooks, who have now agreed to shelve the e-readers until such enhancements are in place as part of a settlement with the Justice Department. Those universities include Pace, Case Western, and Reed College, who were all sued by two organizations representing the blind, which alleged that while the Kindle has a text-to-speech function, the menus do not, thereby making them impossible for blind students to use -- another university testing the Kindle, Arizona State, has already reached a similar settlement. Assuming Amazon lives up to its promises, however, it looks like the Kindles could be put back to use as soon as this summer -- and the universities in question will still be able to finish any pilot programs currently taking place this semester, just not expand their use.

Justice Department settlement puts on-campus Kindle use on hold originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncase westernCase Western Reserve UniversityCaseWesternCaseWesternReserveUniversitydojjustice departmentJusticeDepartmentkindlekindle dxKindleDxpacePace UniversityPaceUniversityreed collegeReedCollegesettlementWed, 13 Jan 2010 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle DX with global wireless: ships January 19th for $489]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/amazon-kindle-dx-with-global-wireless-ships-january-19th-for-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/amazon-kindle-dx-with-global-wireless-ships-january-19th-for-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/amazon-kindle-dx-with-global-wireless-ships-january-19th-for-4/#comments Well, what do you know? Seems that Amazon's Kindle DX will indeed be offered in a Global Wireless flavor, and it'll soon be shipping to over 100 nations for the tidy sum of $489. Bezos and Company confirmed an earlier slip tonight by trumpeting the impending release of its 9.7-inch e-reader around the world, where we presume it'll work exactly like the recently released International Kindle. 'Course, you overseas folks will probably need to budget for a power converter and import duties, but you can get your pre-orders in right this moment.

Amazon Kindle DX with global wireless: ships January 19th for $489 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazon Kindle DXAmazonKindleDxbreaking newsBreakingNewse booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderglobalinternationalkindlekindle dxKindleDxreaderWed, 06 Jan 2010 00:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle DX now with global wireless?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/kindle-dx-now-with-global-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/kindle-dx-now-with-global-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/kindle-dx-now-with-global-wireless/#comments See that text up there? The part of the site that reads "Kindle DX Now with Global Wireless." Well, the Kindle DX doesn't have have global wireless... yet. The link is dead but it certainly looks like Amazon is about to make good on its earlier promise to bring global roaming capabilities to the DX as it did with its 6-inch Kindle. In fact, we're expecting a press release any time now.

[Thanks, Brad]

Kindle DX now with global wireless? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncesces 2010Ces2010internationalkindlekindle dxKindleDxTue, 05 Jan 2010 03:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle most gifted item in Amazon's history, e-books outsell physical tomes on Christmas Day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/kindle-most-gifted-item-in-amazons-history-e-books-outsell-phy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/kindle-most-gifted-item-in-amazons-history-e-books-outsell-phy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/27/kindle-most-gifted-item-in-amazons-history-e-books-outsell-phy/#commentsWe're still not about say the e-book reader industry has branched out beyond the infancy stage, but one of its flagship products certainly has reason to celebrate. Amazon has announced it's hit some pretty big milestones with the Kindle. The two bullet points it's currently touting loudest is that the reader has become "the most gifted item" in the company's history -- quite an achievement given the size of the online retailer, but what's missing here is any quantitative sales data to give us even a ballpark of the number of units sold. The other big news is that on Christmas Day (we're guessing not Christmas Eve, else the press release surely would've mentioned it, too), e-book sales actually outsold physical books. Those brand new Kindle owners needed something to read, right? It'll be interesting to see if that momentum is maintained through next year, especially with some major publishers starting to show some teeth with digital delays.

The Kindle bits were all part of Amazon's annual post-holiday statistical breakdown, so in case you're wondering, besides Kindle, the company is claiming its other top-selling electronics were the 8GB iPod Touch and Garmin nuvi260W, and in the wireless department the honor goes to Nokia's unlocked 5800 XpressMusic, Plantronic's 510 Bluetooth headset, and AT&T's edition of the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Kindle most gifted item in Amazon's history, e-books outsell physical tomes on Christmas Day originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebookchristmase booke book readere inke readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-inke-readerEBookEBookReaderEInkEReaderholidayholidayskindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxsalesalesSun, 27 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon beefing up Kindle's functionality for vision-impared users as B&N's Nook stays silent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/amazon-beefing-up-kindles-functionality-for-vision-impared-user/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/amazon-beefing-up-kindles-functionality-for-vision-impared-user/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/amazon-beefing-up-kindles-functionality-for-vision-impared-user/#commentsWhile the Amazon Kindle's text-to-speech functionality might seem like a gimmick for some, it's anything but for blind, vision-impaired and dyslexic users. Unfortunately, the device's accessibility so far hasn't extended to the menus. That's set to change next year, however, with Amazon promising to release an audible menuing system for navigating the unit look-free. Amazon's also prepping a new "super size" font, that doubles the current largest font in height and width. It all sounds great, but it also seems like a subtle dig at Barnes & Noble, whose brand new Nook reader is skipping out on text-to-speech (for this generation, anyway). Barnes & Noble claims that it's due to the sub-par experience on "other devices," but for now that means the Kindle might just be most accessible dedicated e-reader around -- at least once this new software rolls out, supposedly by summer 2010.

Amazon beefing up Kindle's functionality for vision-impared users as B&N's Nook stays silent originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxtext to speechTextToSpeechMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle 2.3 software update available, generation 1 owners need not apply]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/kindle-2-3-software-update-available-generation-1-owners-need-n/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/kindle-2-3-software-update-available-generation-1-owners-need-n/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/kindle-2-3-software-update-available-generation-1-owners-need-n/#commentsWe gadget nerds have to endure unspeakable atrocities in order to slake that early adoption jones: first-run gear shipped DOA, buggy pre-release software, and months of waiting after a product leaks only to be greeted by a jacked-up price premium at launch. So we feel your pain, original Kindle owners, after Amazon announced a major firmware update that brings native PDF support to the 6-inch Kindle 2 and DX readers with the promise of a staggering 85% increase in battery life to all Kindle 2 devices -- if you haven't already received it OTA, the 2.3 software update is now available for download and installation via USB tethering. At least owners of "some earlier versions of Kindle" (quote from the press release) will receive native PDF support whenever the 1st generation firmware update (currently at version 1.2) is released. It's worth noting that Amazon's PDF reader lacks a zoom function which makes many PDFs entirely unreadable on the device. Good thing Amazon's store is chock full of easily zoomable books in a proprietary format then, huh?

Kindle 2.3 software update available, generation 1 owners need not apply originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.36-inchamazonbatterydxfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatekindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxotaover the airOverTheAirpdfsoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatezoomWed, 25 Nov 2009 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon spokesperson affirms that Kindle app for Mac is being 'worked on']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/amazon-spokesperson-affirms-that-kindle-app-for-mac-is-being-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/amazon-spokesperson-affirms-that-kindle-app-for-mac-is-being-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/amazon-spokesperson-affirms-that-kindle-app-for-mac-is-being-wo/#comments Don't pretend you didn't see this one coming -- just days after Amazon confirmed that a Kindle application was indeed coming soonish for the PC, a company spokesperson has now stated that a Mac version is also in the works. With the explosion of e-reader competition, it's no shock to see Amazon branching out in an effort to spread the Kindle name (and business model) to more areas. To quote the aforesaid spokesperson: "Yes, we are working on a Kindle app for Mac." Unfortunately, no further details were provided, but you can bet that Bezos wants this one out as soon as humanly possible.

[Via TUAW]

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Amazon spokesperson affirms that Kindle app for Mac is being 'worked on' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apple TVAppleTve booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderKindleDxmacos xOsXSoftwareDevelopmentKitSat, 24 Oct 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon confirms international Kindle DX is on the way too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/amazon-confirms-international-kindle-dx-is-on-the-way-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/amazon-confirms-international-kindle-dx-is-on-the-way-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/amazon-confirms-international-kindle-dx-is-on-the-way-too/#comments
Amazon made a fairly big splash in announcing that the standard-issue Kindle would finally be available in an international edition, but it's now also rather quietly confirmed that the larger Kindle DX will be soon become a bit of a globetrotter as well. Unfortunately, it's also considerably more light on details this time around, although Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener does say that the international Kindle DX will come out "sometime next year," and we can only presume that it'll demand a similar premium to its smaller counterpart (which is $20 more expensive than the US-only version).

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Amazon confirms international Kindle DX is on the way too originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle dxAmazonKindleAmazonKindleDxe-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerinternational kindleinternational kindle dxInternationalKindleInternationalKindleDxkindlekindle dxKindleDxFri, 09 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle coming to the UK in October? Amazon might just tell us next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/kindle-coming-to-the-uk-in-october-amazon-might-just-tell-us-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/kindle-coming-to-the-uk-in-october-amazon-might-just-tell-us-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/kindle-coming-to-the-uk-in-october-amazon-might-just-tell-us-ne/#comments Wanna know what we love? Authoritative sources. That fine breed of people who don't like keeping important secrets is back with another hit, this time suggesting that Amazon has finally tied up all the loose ends and is ready to bring the Kindle to Blighty. This implies Qualcomm has done its rumored job of putting together a 3G and WiFi connectivity package with one of the UK's mobile operators, and all that remains to be done now is the old dotting and crossing of i's and t's. An official announcement -- which should tell us whether the Kindle 2 will be joined by the chunkier Kindle DX -- is expected some time ahead of the Frankfurt Book Fair, which commences on October 14.

[Via Pocket lint]

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Kindle coming to the UK in October? Amazon might just tell us next week originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon KindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-readerE-readersebookebook readerEbookReaderebooksereaderKindleKindle 2Kindle DXKindle2KindleDxQualcommUKUnited KingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 01 Oct 2009 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle DX called "poor excuse of an academic tool" in Princeton pilot program]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/kindle-dx-called-poor-excuse-of-an-academic-tool-in-princeton/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/kindle-dx-called-poor-excuse-of-an-academic-tool-in-princeton/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/kindle-dx-called-poor-excuse-of-an-academic-tool-in-princeton/#comments We've never thought the Kindle DX was ideal for serious studying, and it sounds like the students and teachers in Princeton's pilot program agree with us -- after two weeks of use in three classes, the Daily Princetonian reports many are "dissatisfied and uncomfortable" with their e-readers, with one student calling it "a poor excuse of an academic tool." Most of the criticisms center around the Kindle's weak annotation features, which make things like highlighting and margin notes almost impossible to use, but even a simple thing like the lack of true page numbers has caused problems, since allowing students to cite the Kindle's location numbers in their papers is "meaningless for anyone working from analog books." That's all led to word that Princeton won't be bringing the Kindle back to school next year, but we'll see if Amazon -- or anyone else -- can address all these complaints before that decision is made final.

[Thanks, Tom]

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Kindle DX called "poor excuse of an academic tool" in Princeton pilot program originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicsamazondxe booke readerEBookeducationEReaderkindlekindle dxKindleDxprincetonprinceton universityPrincetonUniversityschoolMon, 28 Sep 2009 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds Kindle more eco-friendly than actual books, maybe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/study-finds-kindle-more-eco-friendly-than-actual-books-maybe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/study-finds-kindle-more-eco-friendly-than-actual-books-maybe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/study-finds-kindle-more-eco-friendly-than-actual-books-maybe/#comments
A mass-produced piece of plastic and electronics more environmentally-friendly than a simple book? Possibly, at least according to a new study released by the Cleantech Group. While the group found that the Kindle's upfront environmental impact was indeed fairly significant, they also found that the numbers can change dramatically over the course of the device's lifecycle -- depending largely on the users' reading habits, of course. More specifically, they say that the Kindle can produce a potential savings of 1,074 kg of CO2 if it replaces three books a month for four years, or a whopping 26,098 kg of CO2 if the Kindle DX is used to its fullest capacity. They also found that the Kindle would still break even if it replaced just 22.5 books over its lifespan, although they're quick to point out that its impact can turn to a negative if folks continue to buy books and print periodicals in addition to e-books and don't recycle them.

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Study finds Kindle more eco-friendly than actual books, maybe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookscleantech groupCleantechGroupe-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-readerenvironmentkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxstudyFri, 28 Aug 2009 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Amazon's Kindle DX?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/how-would-you-change-amazons-kindle-dx/#comments
You didn't have to read much of our recent Kindle DX review to get a handle on our opinions of the super-sized e-reader, but as you've likely gleaned from the headline, this one's not about us. Instead, we're asking you to chime in with your take on this here device during this week's How Would You Change. Did you really gain anything from the larger screen? Have you found it useful in your line of work / education? Are you down on the keyboard? Given Amazon's history, we can't imagine that the DX will stay in this form forever, and listen, wouldn't you want to have a say in what gets changed on Revision B? Drop your most intimate thoughts on the matter below -- who knows, maybe Sir Bezos is tuning in just to cash in on your two pennies.

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How would you change Amazon's Kindle DX? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone readere-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEReaderfeaturesHow would you changeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCkindlekindle dxKindleDxSat, 08 Aug 2009 03:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Student sues Amazon after Kindle eats his homework]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/student-sues-amazon-after-kindle-eats-his-homework/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/student-sues-amazon-after-kindle-eats-his-homework/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/student-sues-amazon-after-kindle-eats-his-homework/#comments It seems we have yet another reason to volley complaints in Amazon's directions. 17-year old high school student Justin Gawronski had apparently been taking electronic notes and annotations on his Kindle for a summer assignment on George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. Yeah, you can probably guess where this is going -- after the retailer remotely pulled the plug on that particular version of the book, Gawronski's notes were lost in the ethers, rendered useless. The suit, which is seeking class action status, asks that Amazon be legally blocked from improperly accessing users' Kindles in the future and punitive damages for those affected by the deletion -- and if he asks nice, we're pretty sure Jeff would write his teacher a note. [Warning: read link is a PDF]

[Via Trading Markets]

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Student sues Amazon after Kindle eats his homework originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxlaw suitLawSuitsuesuitThu, 30 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Entelligence: Two strikes for Kindle is enough for me]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/entelligence-two-strikes-for-kindle-is-enough-for-me/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/entelligence-two-strikes-for-kindle-is-enough-for-me/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/entelligence-two-strikes-for-kindle-is-enough-for-me/#commentsEntelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.
I like books. No: I actually love books. In virtually every room in my home there are bookcases that are filled to overflowing. I like to purchase them, hold them as I read words written to inform, delight, and transport the reader into different times, new experiences, and enlighten them in ways they could not have imagined. Like the worst hot dog I've eaten and the worst beer I've drunk, the worst book I've read was wonderful... but books do have a downside. They're bulky to store, hard to travel with (paper is really, really heavy), and paperbacks in particular tend to not hold up well over time. So, in addition to books, I've been a fan of e-Books. My former venture capital firm did one of the first investments in Peanut Press (long sold and re-sold many times and now owned by Barnes and Noble) and more than a decade ago I struggled with reading fiction by Dan Brown on a Palm V device with low resolution and on backlight. It was a struggle -- but it was better than schlepping paper.

Continue reading Entelligence: Two strikes for Kindle is enough for me

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Entelligence: Two strikes for Kindle is enough for me originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1984amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle 2amazon kindle dxAmazonKindleAmazonKindle2AmazonKindleDxanimal farmAnimalFarmcolumncolumnsDRMe booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReadereditorialentelligenceEReaderfeaturedfeaturesgeorge orwellGeorgeOrwellkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxThu, 23 Jul 2009 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon reportedly close to deal for UK Kindle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/15/amazon-reportedly-close-to-deal-for-uk-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/15/amazon-reportedly-close-to-deal-for-uk-kindle/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/15/amazon-reportedly-close-to-deal-for-uk-kindle/#comments
This one isn't a done deal just yet, but Mobile Today is reporting that Amazon is "close to finalizing a launch date" for the Kindle in the UK, and that it's now in "advanced negotiations with a mobile operator for an MVNO." From the sound of it, however, Amazon is taking a somewhat hands-off approach this time around, with it not only tapping Qualcomm to manufacture the device, but to secure connectivity for it with a carrier as well. What's more, it seems that the UK Kindle will include both 3G and WiFi connectivity which, as SlashGear notes, would seem to suggest that either T-Mobile or O2 would be likely partners, considering that each already has some sizable WiFi networks of their own in place.

[Via SlashGear]

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Amazon reportedly close to deal for UK Kindle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleAmazonKindlee-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxUKWed, 15 Jul 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle's German launch stalled by T-Mobile and Vodafone?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/kindles-german-launch-stalled-by-t-mobile-and-vodafone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/kindles-german-launch-stalled-by-t-mobile-and-vodafone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/kindles-german-launch-stalled-by-t-mobile-and-vodafone/#comments A news item is circulating the internet reportedly from German business weekly Wirtschaftswoche claiming Amazon is facing a major hurdle in trying to bring its Kindle to Deutschland. The problem at hand? The two big wireless providers in the country, Vodafone and T-Mobile, are both saying "nein" to providing Whispernet service, and apparently the issue has to do with how much money Amazon was willing to give -- unsurprising, if true. Another, very likely reason for T-Mobile's unwillingness is that parent company Deutsche Telekom is rumored to be working on its own e-book reader, and we gotta believe those company picnics would be mighty awkward if a large subsidiary was given the competition a major boost. We can't imagine this stopping Amazon for long, and we'd be very surprised if the Kindle didn't find some way to sneak itself into the region sooner or later.

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Kindle's German launch stalled by T-Mobile and Vodafone? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindledeutsche telekomDeutscheTelekome booke book readere-booke-book readerE-bookReaderEBookEBookReaderimmanuel kantImmanuelKantkantkindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxt mobilet-mobileTMobilevodafonewhisper netWhisperNetWed, 01 Jul 2009 01:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle DX review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/kindle-dx-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/kindle-dx-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/19/kindle-dx-review/#comments Here's the one-line summary of the Kindle DX: It's a Kindle 2 with a larger screen, hair-trigger orientation sensor, and an awful keyboard. Seriously awful. Yes, we know we should be focused on things like PDF support or even content partners like newspapers and textbook publishers, but we're having a hard time getting over the keyboard -- it's emblematic of some puzzling design choices Amazon made with the Kindle DX. What do we mean? Read on.

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Amazon Kindle DX review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondxfeaturedfeatureskindlekindle 2kindle dxKindle2KindleDxreviewFri, 19 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST