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As far as the existing e-ink-based Kindles, all I’ve heard is that they’ll continue to co-exist with this new tablet (though the DX may or may not stick around). They’ll simply be the low-end, low-cost Kindles, whereas this new one will be the high-end one (at least until the 10-inch version comes out, if it does).

Oh and one more thing: Amazon has been working on a multi-touch screen/e-ink hybrid tablet device. But that’s nowhere near completion, I’m told. So for now, this new Kindle will have to do.

http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/02/amazon-kindle-tablet/

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Amazon reportedly in talks to launch a Netflix for books

In February, Amazon.com launched its long-awaited subscription video-streaming service as part of Amazon Prime, setting itself up to be a serious rival to Netflix. If we’re honest, it has yet to take off but let’s not be too harsh on a service that is essentially a bolt-on to its existing Amazon Prime annual subscription that offers free two day shipping with no minimum purchase amount for $79/year.

Today however we’re hearing reports via the WSJ that Amazon may soon launch a book equivalent of the service, charging a fixed monthly fee for access to a library of books. Amazon will reportedly offer book publishers a substantial fee for their involvement in the program.

The idea isn’t entirely new with services like ‘the library’, booksfree.com and bookswim existing for some time but both are currently primarily for offline paperbacks and hardbacks. There’s also 24symbols which recently launched a near identical offering, but currently only features titles that are public domain rather than premium bestsellers. With Amazon’s Kindle platform and intimate relationships with every premium publisher on the planet, this is a unique new space only the likes of Amazon and Apple are likely to be able to cater to.

Assuming this is true, my bet is on Amazon to dominate thanks to its first mover advantage and a name synonymous with books. Let’s face it, iBooks hasn’t had quite the impact we would have expected to see from a digital giant like Apple. I’d argue this is because of its lacking selection of books, poor access across multiple mobile platforms and its fewer features such as desktop reading, community highlighting, etc.

As with most subscription based online streaming or rental services these days you can expect this to only be available in the US.

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2011/0...lix-for-books/

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Amazon.com planning Netflix-style program for e-books

Amazon.com is in negotiations with publishers about a Netflix-style e-book service, that would allow customers to pay an annual fee to access a library of content, according to sources familiar with the matter. The service differs from the previously announced Kindle Lending Library, which allowed loans from libraries affiliated with the service, in that it will offer only older content (at least at first), and would be limited to Amazon Prime members.

It makes sense. Amazon.com has leveraged its Amazon Prime memberships for other things before, and the service is quite popular already, although Amazon.com has not revealed how many Prime members it has.

The Amazon Prime service gives members free two-day shipping on most items, and $3.99 one-day shipping (per item) as well. Earlier, in February, Amazon Prime members were given access to video streaming via Amazon.com's Instant Videos service.

Reportedly, Amazon.com would offer publishers a substantial fee if they participate in the service. Some sources said that Amazon.com would limit the amount of books that Amazon Prime customers could read freely every month. It's unclear if these customers could then pay "overage" fees to read more.

The titles would also be older ones, the sources added, and not current, timely bestsellers.

http://www.examiner.com/technology-i...-books-sources

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though the DX may or may not stick around

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