There’s talk going around that Amazon may be looking to take completely redesign the Kindle platform and base it on the Android OS. According to posts in the New York Times Blog, Amazon is looking for Android developers for “Lab 126” which is Amazon’s Kindle development unit. That would make for a very interesting development and may signal Amazon’s concern that the NOOKColor is suddenly very popular with Android geeks looking for an affordable tablet option. There’s also the fact that with Amazon’s Android App Store that the book seller may simply be looking to evolve the Kindle to take advantage of Android apps they sell.
There’s some positive and negative aspects to this possibility. First off, the hallmark of the Kindle itself is that it has amazing battery life due to it’s passive liquid crystal display that doesn’t rewrite the page until it’s “turned.” This means that users don’t have to recharge it for days, maybe even weeks, as opposed to every day. Then there’s also that the Kindle can be read outside thanks to it’s matte finish, which doesn’t allow for glare in bright ambient light.
But there’s plenty of attraction to having the Android platform. There is a Kindle App and users will buy more apps along with books with an Android Kindle. And coupling it with Kindle’s free lifetime 3G to buy said books and apps is really attractive. And if Amazon can syphon off users wanting a tablet and prevent them from buying from BN.Com, so much the better.
[via Android Guys]
I seriously hope so.
Kindle move to Android?
Kindle move to Android?
The author seems to believe that using Android dictates that they use certain display technology. That’s not true, so Kindle can have both Android and amazing battery life. Color and touch e-ink screens are close to being available.
The author seems to believe that using Android dictates that they use certain display technology. That’s not true, so Kindle can have both Android and amazing battery life. Color and touch e-ink screens are close to being available.
Good idea. An Amazon curate marketplace alone increases it’s value significantly. They could also gear a tablet being supremely useful as a media consumption device rather than trying to make it an all-in-one. No good way to get music or video onto Android devices for one. They could put function over form on this one and beat the iPad amongst value conscious consumers. They also have an image, marketing muscle, and additional revenue stream that Motorola doesn’t have. They could sell an Amazon tablet at a loss and still make a killing. With free 3G? For downloads that would be awesome. Probably wouldn’t count for things covered with a typical data plan, but making it free to access anything you purchased at anytime would be perfect.
Amazon should do BOTH. E.ink Kindle $100 or less. Andriod Kindle $150 or more. A SURE-SHOT winning formula.
The lab is hiring only two Linux guys. Guess they must be superheros to singlehandedly migrate Kindle to Android.
How hard could it be, E-Ink even sells an Android development kit, http://www.eink.com/sell_sheets/AM350_Kit_Sell_Sheet.pdf
I dont know I really love my rooted NookyC! But if Kindle comes out with Android+color eink+ free 3G = WIN! I would be very interested but Im sure NookyC2 will be right behind if not sooner. FIGHT!
I own a Kindle 3 and Nook Color … the rooted Nook Color is an incredibly nicer unit … Amazon needs to come back with something that is a next gen Nook Color competitor to stay in the game … end of story.
I think it must be for a future kindle generation. The kindle 3 has not enough processor resources – it’s kind of slow. Just look at the browser how slow it renders.
I think it must be for a future kindle generation. The kindle 3 has not enough processor resources – it’s kind of slow. Just look at the browser how slow it renders.