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Amazon releases Kindle cloud reader web app, sidesteps App Store rules

by Kelly Hodgkins Aug 10th 2011 at 10:00AM

Amazon has launched a new cloud-based version of its Kindle book reading application. The new Kindle Cloud reader is accessible to the iPad with iOS 4, Google Chrome and Safari on the Mac/PC. The new web-based app circumvents Apple's policy change that prevents publishers from linking to their online stores from within an app.

Apple made this change to make sure new content was purchased from within the app and subject to Apple's 30% fee. Amazon complied with this policy change and removed external links from its native Kindle iPad app. At the same time, it was working on this web version as an alternative.

Amazon's new Kindle Cloud Reader frees Amazon from the long reach of Apple and lets it offer books and other downloadable content right through the web. The app mimics the look and feel of the native iPad app and even lets you read content offline. Its uses HTML5, a web standard supported by Mobile Safari. Right now the app only supports the iPad, but an iPhone version is likely in the works.

[Via Tech Crunch]



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Amazon has launched a new cloud-based version of its Kindle book reading application. The new Kindle Cloud reader is accessible to the...
 

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Martin C

Bravo Amazon :)

August 13 2011 at 6:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Virtuous

Many people will continue to use the ios Kindle app. They will continue out of habit. They will prefer the ios version over the web app. Some won't realize there is a web app. The App Store is an unparalled marketing venue.

August 10 2011 at 8:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Idstein

I think that is a great improvement as it cuts on the other side costs. Have you ever maintained an application for so many different platforms? I think improvements regarding the performance and HTML5 API access (brightness, location, touch gestures) will be seen in near feature as well.

Loosing 30 % margin for a huge company maintaining its own infrastructure represents an unnecessary disadvantage in terms of competition.

August 10 2011 at 4:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
**Freddy

3 shortcomings:

1. Doesn't use previously downloaded books from app (but DOES know latest page).
2. Landscape not split into two pages.
3. Can't adjust brightness of screen.

August 10 2011 at 1:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dngnmstr

Let's just hope that HTML5 app works well, plays smoothly, readable, good UI, etc.

But seriously, "frees it from Apple's long reach"? What long reach, the one that hasn't prevented Amazon from creating the Kindle hardware? or the Android app? Or the Blackberry App? Or win7 App? And now, Amazon has created YET ANOTHER app that "frees it from Apple's long reach... an HTML5 based app... And I have 5 bux here that says that Apple doesn't give a rats. That Apple is JUST FINE with people making HTML5 based mobile apps and not paying them 30% (and not making 70%) etc. They were just fine with it for the WHOLE FIRST YEAR of the iPhone... They don't work to make Safari on IOS as fast and as smooth as possible just so you can go read TUAW after all.

August 10 2011 at 12:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wayne Luke

Competition in any market place is good. Tried it out this morning and found it to be a little slow but I am sure it will improve over time. I'll continue using the app for now. I buy most of my ebooks from Barnes and Noble though. They seem to have more variety and always have what I am looking for in an electronic format.

August 10 2011 at 12:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
trevorde

Steve is going to be p155ed at missing out on his 30%

August 10 2011 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
terrinecold

I just tried it and then turned off wifi and tried again. I must have done something wrong as it did not work offline

August 10 2011 at 11:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to terrinecold's comment
Rob Cook

Press and hold on the title you wish to read offline, a popup will appear, click on download & pin and it will save the book for offline reading.

August 10 2011 at 12:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Rob Cook's comment
Drew Goodman

That doesn't work. I've played with the iPad version of the cloud reader all morning. If you are disconnected from the internet, the Cloud Reader won't even start, thus, not even allowing you access to the books that you've "pinned" to the reader.

August 10 2011 at 2:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down
Will Todd

"Amazon's new Kindle Cloud Reader frees Amazon from the long reach of Apple and lets it offer books and other downloadable content right through the web."

Yeah, okay. Amazon has ALWAYS offered downloadable content "right through the web."The difference before was that it was sent directly into an app.

August 10 2011 at 11:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dorjesyber

Good for Amazon... kinda.... More like yay for HTML5. If newspapers and other subscription magazinens pick up on this maybe they'll start the swing back toward web apps (which also feature offline components in local DB form). Not everything needs to be or should be an "App".

August 10 2011 at 10:33 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
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