Amazon's Kindle announcements today
10-03-11, 12:27 PM
#101
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by al_bundy
Once the iPad 3 with the new screen comes out apple will probably sell the 1 for $299 or so
For example, you can still buy a new iPhone 3GS, but you can't buy a new iPad 1 from Apple.
10-03-11, 12:34 PM
#102
Moderator
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
I thought the joke about the Kindle Fire on SNL over the weekend was pretty funny: "The #1 selling product for parents who always buy the wrong thing."
10-05-11, 06:03 PM
#103
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Everyone's talking about the Fire, but I just came across this nugget regarding the Kindle Touch:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817...id=ZEAijOOt4sb
Doesn't really affect me since I've been considering the Wifi version (with special offers!), but thought others might like to know.
Amazon Limits Kindle Touch 3G Web Access
By Sara Yin
October 3, 2011 10:01am EST
Caveat Emptor. Amazon's new Kindle Touch 3G doesn't give you full 3G access: it's limited to shopping in the online Kindle Store and browsing Wikipedia, the company clarified over the weekend.
Last Wednesday, Amazon announced the Kindle Touch eReader with a $99 Wi-Fi or $149 3G option. It seemed safe to assume that the Touch 3G allowed users to surf the Web with Amazon's Whispersync technology, just as it was understandable to assume that the Touch 3G would allow unlimited 3G access just like the year-old Amazon Kindle (3G + WSi-Fi), also known as the Kindle Keyboard 3G.
Then last Friday, a customer noticed the Kindle Touch 3G's product page read, "experimental web browsing is available via Wi-Fi."
The "Mom of 3" user asked Amazon what this meant in a Kindle forum, prompting hundreds of people to speculate and debate over the question.
Finally on Sunday Amazon clarified the 3G issue.
"We apologize for the confusion. Our new Kindle Touch 3G enables you to connect to the Kindle Store, download books and periodicals, and access Wikipedia - all over 3G or Wi-Fi. Experimental web browsing (outside of Wikipedia) on Kindle Touch 3G is only available over Wi-Fi," the company said. "Our Kindle Keyboard 3G will continue to offer experimental web browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi."
Unsurprisingly, the statement touched a nerve in the discussion forum and prompted many to cancel their Kindle Touch 3G order in favor of the $100 Kindle Touch Wi-Fi.
"Dear Amazon, why are you charging us $50 to shop in your store?" quipped one user.
However, owners of the Amazon Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi, which doesn't limit 3G browsing through Amazon's Whispersync technology, argued the convenience of being able to download Kindle books on to go, even without a Wi-Fi connections.
"I love my ereader because I don't have to search for Wi-Fi spots especially when I'm in other countries," wrote one user. "I don't expect Amazon to pick up the cost of my surfing the web. As long as they pick up the cost of my using their services to purchase products via the Kindle that's all I expect. If I want to surf other sites then I will use my home network or my account from Verizon."
With the Touch, Amazon CEO Bezos said Amazon had improved the page-turning experience. Rather than splitting the touch field into three, equal, vertical sections for back, forward, and more, the Touch moves the "back" portion to a small slab on the left-hand side, while the "forward" portion takes up a larger part of the screen. This "EasyReach" option, Bezos said, will make reading less tiresome.
By Sara Yin
October 3, 2011 10:01am EST
Caveat Emptor. Amazon's new Kindle Touch 3G doesn't give you full 3G access: it's limited to shopping in the online Kindle Store and browsing Wikipedia, the company clarified over the weekend.
Last Wednesday, Amazon announced the Kindle Touch eReader with a $99 Wi-Fi or $149 3G option. It seemed safe to assume that the Touch 3G allowed users to surf the Web with Amazon's Whispersync technology, just as it was understandable to assume that the Touch 3G would allow unlimited 3G access just like the year-old Amazon Kindle (3G + WSi-Fi), also known as the Kindle Keyboard 3G.
Then last Friday, a customer noticed the Kindle Touch 3G's product page read, "experimental web browsing is available via Wi-Fi."
The "Mom of 3" user asked Amazon what this meant in a Kindle forum, prompting hundreds of people to speculate and debate over the question.
Finally on Sunday Amazon clarified the 3G issue.
"We apologize for the confusion. Our new Kindle Touch 3G enables you to connect to the Kindle Store, download books and periodicals, and access Wikipedia - all over 3G or Wi-Fi. Experimental web browsing (outside of Wikipedia) on Kindle Touch 3G is only available over Wi-Fi," the company said. "Our Kindle Keyboard 3G will continue to offer experimental web browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi."
Unsurprisingly, the statement touched a nerve in the discussion forum and prompted many to cancel their Kindle Touch 3G order in favor of the $100 Kindle Touch Wi-Fi.
"Dear Amazon, why are you charging us $50 to shop in your store?" quipped one user.
However, owners of the Amazon Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi, which doesn't limit 3G browsing through Amazon's Whispersync technology, argued the convenience of being able to download Kindle books on to go, even without a Wi-Fi connections.
"I love my ereader because I don't have to search for Wi-Fi spots especially when I'm in other countries," wrote one user. "I don't expect Amazon to pick up the cost of my surfing the web. As long as they pick up the cost of my using their services to purchase products via the Kindle that's all I expect. If I want to surf other sites then I will use my home network or my account from Verizon."
With the Touch, Amazon CEO Bezos said Amazon had improved the page-turning experience. Rather than splitting the touch field into three, equal, vertical sections for back, forward, and more, the Touch moves the "back" portion to a small slab on the left-hand side, while the "forward" portion takes up a larger part of the screen. This "EasyReach" option, Bezos said, will make reading less tiresome.
Doesn't really affect me since I've been considering the Wifi version (with special offers!), but thought others might like to know.
10-05-11, 11:25 PM
#106
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Groucho
Not sure what the big deal is. Why would you want to web browse in e-ink?
http://xkcd.com/548/
10-06-11, 01:09 AM
#107
Banned by request
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Groucho
Not sure what the big deal is. Why would you want to web browse in e-ink?
10-06-11, 03:14 AM
#108
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Supermallet
I think the "Why are you charging us $50 to shop in your store?" comment sums it up. The previous Kindle had the ability to surf the web via 3G for a one time surcharge. Yeah, it was e-ink, but it was good for the lifetime of the device. Now they're still charging a surcharge for the 3G but without the web browsing.
All of the Kindles I've used seem too clumsy to do any kind of meaningful web browsing, and the e-ink seems really only useful for mimicking paper.
10-06-11, 09:05 AM
#109
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Josh-da-man
The premium price for the 3G Kindle always seemed kind of dodgy. I don't really see the point of paying extra for 3G; I can't imagine absolutely having to buy a book from Amazon's kindle store at some moment when I'm not home or not near a wifi spot.
All of the Kindles I've used seem too clumsy to do any kind of meaningful web browsing, and the e-ink seems really only useful for mimicking paper.
All of the Kindles I've used seem too clumsy to do any kind of meaningful web browsing, and the e-ink seems really only useful for mimicking paper.
However, the one "really-nice-to-have" argument for 3G on the Kindle is for whispersync. Since I also use the Kindle app on my phone, syncing my spot in a given book would be seamless and automatic with a 3G Kindle. With wi-fi only, I'd have to be more intentional about syncing - both to find wi-fi when away from home and to turn wi-fi on when I am home, since I'd probably leave it off most of the time to preserve battery.
10-13-11, 03:01 PM
#110
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
I was just looking over the Fire page on Amazon - it doesn't appear to have access to your own video files. Or am I misreading something. Are there any Android/Amazon apps that can play back your own videos?
10-13-11, 03:12 PM
#111
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Superman07
I was just looking over the Fire page on Amazon - it doesn't appear to have access to your own video files. Or am I misreading something. Are there any Android/Amazon apps that can play back your own videos?
The supported file formats include MP4 and VP8, so presumably you can watch any of your own video files in those formats on the device with the stock video app. Additionally, media players such as DoubleTwist are available in the Amazon Appstore.
11-11-11, 12:40 AM
#112
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20111109PD212.html
I guess pre-orders are doing pretty darn well for them to have 5 million devices made.
I guess pre-orders are doing pretty darn well for them to have 5 million devices made.
11-11-11, 08:02 AM
#113
DVD Talk God
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
this is kind of what I was worried about with the Fire: http://phandroid.com/2011/11/11/kind...mputates-apis/
11-11-11, 09:04 AM
#114
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Yeah, I cancelled my pre order and will just go iPad I think. Not that I'm a huge fan of the iPad but I like the size and the fact that the Fire is going to be a crippled Android is sort of a turnoff.
11-11-11, 09:10 AM
#115
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Deftones
this is kind of what I was worried about with the Fire: http://phandroid.com/2011/11/11/kind...mputates-apis/
None of this really worries me. If the Fire sells as much as it looks like it will, developers will figure out how to work with the limitations whenever it makes sense.
11-11-11, 09:39 AM
#116
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Deftones
this is kind of what I was worried about with the Fire: http://phandroid.com/2011/11/11/kind...mputates-apis/
https://developer.amazon.com/help/fa...890#KindleFire
Will my app work on Kindle Fire?
For your app to work on Kindle Fire, it needs to be compatible with the device's specifications. At a high level, it must be optimized for non-Google Mobile Services (GMS) Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and a 7" screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600. Your manifest should specify support for large screens. Your app cannot require a gyroscope, camera, WAN module, Bluetooth, microphone, GPS, or micro-SD to function. In addition, your app must not be a theme or wallpaper that manipulates the user interface of the device. As with any other app submission to the Amazon Appstore for Android, your app will also need to comply with our Content Guidelines...
My app requires access to Google Mobile Services. Will it work on Kindle Fire?
Apps that run on Kindle Fire do not currently have access to Google Mobile Services (GMS). If your app currently requires access to GMS apps or services, we recommend that you either remove the features that require these services or modify them to degrade gracefully when invoked (e.g. with an error message such as "This feature is not currently available on this device").
My app uses Google's in-app purchasing technology. How can I make it work on Kindle Fire?
Because Google's in-app purchasing technology requires access to Google Mobile Services, it will not work on Kindle Fire. We are working on a solution that will let you sell digital content in your apps using Amazon's merchandising and payments technology...
Does Kindle Fire have an SD card?
Kindle Fire has an internal SD card that your application can write to. Kindle Fire's SD card is internal and is not removable. You should not have to change your app for Kindle Fire if it currently stores data on the SD card.
For your app to work on Kindle Fire, it needs to be compatible with the device's specifications. At a high level, it must be optimized for non-Google Mobile Services (GMS) Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and a 7" screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600. Your manifest should specify support for large screens. Your app cannot require a gyroscope, camera, WAN module, Bluetooth, microphone, GPS, or micro-SD to function. In addition, your app must not be a theme or wallpaper that manipulates the user interface of the device. As with any other app submission to the Amazon Appstore for Android, your app will also need to comply with our Content Guidelines...
My app requires access to Google Mobile Services. Will it work on Kindle Fire?
Apps that run on Kindle Fire do not currently have access to Google Mobile Services (GMS). If your app currently requires access to GMS apps or services, we recommend that you either remove the features that require these services or modify them to degrade gracefully when invoked (e.g. with an error message such as "This feature is not currently available on this device").
My app uses Google's in-app purchasing technology. How can I make it work on Kindle Fire?
Because Google's in-app purchasing technology requires access to Google Mobile Services, it will not work on Kindle Fire. We are working on a solution that will let you sell digital content in your apps using Amazon's merchandising and payments technology...
Does Kindle Fire have an SD card?
Kindle Fire has an internal SD card that your application can write to. Kindle Fire's SD card is internal and is not removable. You should not have to change your app for Kindle Fire if it currently stores data on the SD card.
11-11-11, 10:00 AM
#117
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Yeah, for me I don't see the issue. I already knew I wouldn't be able to run every single app, only whatever was available on the Amazon App store anyway. Whats available on there currently is enough to entice me for a purchase.
11-11-11, 10:54 AM
#118
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
The initial lineup for Kindle Fire apps is looking pretty good so far with the latest announcements (Netflix, Hulu Plus, ESPN Scorecenter, Facebook, etc):
http://mashable.com/2011/11/11/kindle-fire-hulu-plus/
I will be curious to see how optimized some of them are for the Fire specifically.
http://mashable.com/2011/11/11/kindle-fire-hulu-plus/
I will be curious to see how optimized some of them are for the Fire specifically.
11-11-11, 04:32 PM
#119
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Don't worry. I'm certain the Fire will be able to be jailbroken thereby uncripped within the first week... A simple cracked firmware update will make it possible to run every Android app out there, AND enable universal website access as well. Believe me, it will be well worth the time invested to turn this $200 tablet into a major player.
11-11-11, 05:22 PM
#120
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by zyzzle
Don't worry. I'm certain the Fire will be able to be jailbroken thereby uncripped within the first week... A simple cracked firmware update will make it possible to run every Android app out there, AND enable universal website access as well. Believe me, it will be well worth the time invested to turn this $200 tablet into a major player.
11-11-11, 06:23 PM
#121
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by joeblow69
I don't think we can assume that yet. If amazon decides to encrypt their firmware, then it could take considerably more time to unlock. Amazon has a vested interest in keeping their ecosystem locked. They are selling it at a loss because they want you to use their apps to buy movies, tv shows, songs, books ... etc. You jailbreak it, and load the android market, then you don't need amazon at all, and then you are just costing them money.
The main draw of the Kindle Fire isn't really the hardware, which seems pretty average (and in some cases below average - *cough* on-board storage *cough*). It's the $200 price, the simplicity of their OS-skin, and the tight integration with the Amazon cloud infrastructure that are appealing. You lose two of the main draws of the Kindle Fire if you root and install stock Android and the third draw (price) is already matched by other rootable tablets with similar hardware specs.
11-11-11, 07:37 PM
#122
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
A lot of people will want to hack it just for the sake of doing so. It's fun for a lot of people, even if there's better hardware out there.
Personally, after messing around with both my Android phone and a Viewsonic GTablet with custom roms, I'm happy using the Kindle as is. I already have plenty of free apps and games in the AppStore with stuff like Plants versus Zombies and Cut the Rope, and as a Prime member I think i'll have enough streaming and kindle book options as is.
Personally, after messing around with both my Android phone and a Viewsonic GTablet with custom roms, I'm happy using the Kindle as is. I already have plenty of free apps and games in the AppStore with stuff like Plants versus Zombies and Cut the Rope, and as a Prime member I think i'll have enough streaming and kindle book options as is.
11-12-11, 07:27 AM
#123
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
I'm really excited for my KF, and the thought of using it like it's designed for. As an existing Amazon Prime customer, I'm stoked about the streaming video library and the Kindle Library.
HOWEVER, what I really want is to see someone *cough*XDA*cough* get this thing unlocked and rooted and get a dual boot option so when I turn it on, I can boot into "Kindle OS" or "ICS".
Best of both worlds.
HOWEVER, what I really want is to see someone *cough*XDA*cough* get this thing unlocked and rooted and get a dual boot option so when I turn it on, I can boot into "Kindle OS" or "ICS".
Best of both worlds.
11-12-11, 12:08 PM
#125
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Amazon's Kindle announcements today
Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
So when do demo units hit Best Buy?
