We’ve discussed ‘read later’ apps before. Personally, I like the simplicity of Pocket, as Evernote is so overly-capable that it seems daunting to dive into head-first. Perhaps in due time, I suppose. Another nice option I’ve used is Google’s ‘Read it Later’ feature on its Reader service, but well, yeah, we all know where that’s headed.
Anyway, Amazon has been on the offline reading tip for quite some time now. And their latest Kindle update makes it even easier to store Web content for later perusing. Introducing a “Send to Kindle” button to several popular media websites and blogs on Wednesday, Kindle users can now easily and conveniently link online content directly to their handheld.
With the announcement, Kindle readers will now notice the option on websites such as The Washington Post, TIME, and the popular blog Boing Boing.
Of course, we’re expecting Amazon to introduce the option to other highly trafficked websites soon, possibly leading up to the point where it will become commonly found on all websites, next to the Facebook ‘Share’ button, and the Twitter, Pinterest, Google +1, Tumblr and Instagram buttons.
Website operators can find out how to add the button to their pages here; some general knowledge about the entire family of Amazon’s ‘Send to Kindle’ applications can be found here.
Amazon’s no doubt happy. Adding that button to popular websites means yet another reason to own a Kindle. But advertisers on those websites may not be happy to get our eyeballs more briefly. And what advertisers want, advertisers tend to get.
I also prefer Instapaper for reading later. Deleting or archiving is easier than deleting a ‘book’ from a Kindle. And as a paid-up Instapaper member, I can search that archive. All these articles will quickly clutter up my Amazon storage.
Perhaps Amazon should add a separate short article, Instapaper-like app to their tablet and epaper Kindles.
It’s good that Amazon is adding another gun into its arsenal. Pocket and instapaper are good, too. Its too early to judge if this becomes a hit but what what alternative kindle users have anyway?
Perhaps Amazon should add a separate short article, Instapaper-like app to their tablet and epaper Kindles.