The rumor going around is that an Amazon Android Tablet will be coming out sometime around the holidays in 2011. Amazon has not come out and said it outright, but they have not denied it, either. When asked about it, Amazon’s CEO said, and I quote, “Stay tuned.” That is pretty much an acknowledgement that it is on the way in the near future.

It makes sense when you think about it. First, Amazon moved into selling cell phones and cell phone service through Amazon Wireless, so they have the capacity to offer the wireless service for these devices. Second, the Amazon app sotre recently came out that offered a little more of a hint that they are big fans of the Android operating system. An Amaon Android Tablet is certainly likely on the way.

But what does this mean for the Kindle? There are rumors that this new tablet will have a way to switch the screen to some kind of black and white mode that is easier on the eyes than a regular tablet. However, I just don’t see this as beinga  replacement for the Kindle. Why?

1. The Kindle is doing too well on its own. Why would Amazon want to change that?
2. There is no way that an LED screen, no matter what mode it is in, will ever be able to compete with the readability and easy-on-the-eyes-edness (yes, I just made up a word. That’s how much I love the Kindle screen!) of the e-ink screen of the Kindle. Since this is a huge selling point, Amazon will not want to give that up.
3. Amazon already sells Android tablets, and they do not seem to hurt Kindle sales, so adding their own tablet to the market alongside the Kindle makes more sense than umping the Kindle altogether.

So, Kindle owners, don’t fret – I still think the Kindle will still be around and will thrive for a long time to come!

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With all the new faces in the game, will Kindle continue to compete? I think so, and here is how -

1. Cost – The Kindle still has one of the cheapest price point for e-readers out there, especially compared to the iPad.
2. Free 3G – The no-cost 3G makes the Kindle enticing as a “one-off” cost. No monthly payment here!
3. Uniqueness – Yes, there are other e-readers out there. However, none offer the same exact features. None of the others offer subscriptions to blogs and newspapers like the Kindle does, for example.
4. Title availability – While the iPad and Nook have a number of titles available, the Sony reader and Kobo do not have the same volume.
5. Brand recognition – While some of the other ebook readers are catching up to the Kindle, Kindle is still recognized as the premiere brand over Nook and Sony.
6. Screen – The e-ink screen speaks for itself.
7. Accessories – A whole industry has sprung up around Kindle lights, Kindle chargers, etc.

Many people thought the iPad would be “the Kindle killer.” However, the opposite has proven true, as they are different devices marketing for the most part to different kinds of users.

In my opinion, the Kindle is here to stay for a long time!

What do you think? Any features I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Click to read our full breakdown of the Kindle vs. iPad.

Also, check out my latest article comparing the Kindle DX vs. iPad over at Info Barrel.

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Amazon just launched a new program that allows Kindle books to be read inside a web browser.

This is an interesting take on Kindle books, as it allows users to share book excerpts and even embed excerpts on their own sites. If someone buys the book after reading the excerpt, the site owner can get a commission.

What do you think? Is it worth it for Amazon? Seems like a great way to share books (and maybe sell a few more, too!).

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If you are like me, sometimes you might not have your Kindle with you when an unexpected opportunity to read comes along – in traffic, at work on a break, etc. This is when I love having a Kindle app on my phone.

As an Android user as well, I am happy to see Amazon taking their Android app seriously! Here are some of the cool new features -

• Voice Search
• In-text Search
• Ability to add notes
• Ability to sync notes between devices
• Text highlighting to bring up results from wikipedia and dictionary.com
• Content from Shelfari – Amazon’s book related social network
• Screen lock to avoid unwanted screen rotation

These features make the new Kindle for Android app a fully functional Kindle app, with many of the features found on the iPad/iPhone Kindle app. It still doesn’t replace my Kindle, but it is nice to have when my Kindle isn’t with me! Android owners rejoice!

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Maybe you have been wanting to upgrade to that Kindle DX, but don’t want to shell out the cash! Or maybe, you really want a model that has 3G coverage, but can’t justify the extra cost.

Well, now Amazon might just have a solution for you – Refurbished Kindles. They are redone by Amazon and at a great cost.

For the Kindle DX it is only $289. For the 3G Kindle 2, it is only $159. Not bad compared to $379 and $189, respectively.

However, they are not new, so you might have some concerns about quality.

What do you think? Would you buy a refurbished Kindle? Let us know in the comments!

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The Kindle 3 is here, and for only $139, it’s a steal! With its lightning fast download time, high definition surround-sound (how cool is that!), and several other new features, the unit takes reading to a whole new level of experience.

This newly remodeled reader is thinner, lighter, faster, and makes reading easier than with any previous Kindle model.   Weighing in at only 8.5 ounces, the sleekly designed electronic reader is lighter than a paperback book.   It is only 1/3” thick and feels great in the hand.  This new model is the thinnest Kindle yet.

Kindle 3 uses the latest electronic ink technology to create crisp, clear text that has a 50% greater contrast than before.  The screen isn’t backlit, so reading is comfortable, even in bright sunlight.  The addition of this feature means that Kindle users can read for hours with no eyestrain.

In the new model, pages can easily be turned with either hand, a great new feature for any of you who get tired of pushing that “next page” button. Also, this model displays text in eight different font sizes.

This Kindle also has the longest battery life yet.  Users can read up to a month without recharging.  This makes the new Kindle the perfect companion at home or on the road.  With built in WiFi, users can purchase the latest books, magazines, and blogs practically anywhere.

Storage capacity is remarkable on the new Kindle. The unit can store up to 3500 books and documents with no problem.

If you are looking to upgrade, Amazon makes it easy to switch from one Kindle to the next. Click here to go to Amazon and check it out now!

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Are you waiting on bated breath like the rest of the planet regarding the Apple Digital Reader, (a/k/a Apple iPad – maybe?) it supposedly comes out tomorrow. Whoa!

The anticipation factor on this digital reader is HUGE, not too mention the rumors are just as big. Through all the speculation, fact is no one really knows for sure, the size – price – or specs on this, the Jesus reader. But one thing everyone seems to agree on, is that the Apple digital reader will be priced steep as is their style. And it will be sleek, as is their style.

Let’s take a look at the major differences between the Apple Digital reader and the Amazon Kindle. (from what we do know)

Kindle

• Price – $259
• Size – 6 inch and 9 inch (DX model)
• Ink – eInk
• Connectivity – Wireless 3G (via AT&T)
• Storage – 2GB
• Input – Keyboard

Apple Digital Reader

• Price – $1,000 + (heavily rumored to be high priced)
• Size – 9 inch (heavily rumored to be bigger than the Kindle 2, 6 inch screen)
• Ink – LCD (computer like screen in tablet style form)
• Connectivity – Wireless 3G (heavily rumored to be either via Verizon or Sprint)
• Storage – n/a (but most likely will have good storage capacity)
• Input – Touchscreen (heavily rumored)

Yes! this is mostly speculation, but one thing we can pretty much all bet on is the MEDIA BUZZ the Apple digital reader will create, and as such get people talking about “reading” in general.

Question

What specs have you heard or read about, that will most likely make it to the Apple iPad?

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That is no small feat, considering that the Amazon Kindle goes for two hundred and fifty dollars. Will 2010 be the year of the digital reader? I absolutely believe so, as when the much rumored and much anticipated Apple tablet debuts, it will bring worldwide attention to digital readers.  Even more so than the Kindle has already done. In 2010 expect to hear, see and read ALOT more on digital readers.

So it is not surprising to hear that Amazon sold its most Kindles ever this holiday season. And it will only continue.

via Wireless News And Reviews

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