It turns out that the PC version is not the only Kindle software to get an update. MG Siegler of TechCrunch reports and editorializes on the new version 2.5 software update for the Kindle Reader device.
The update includes new social networking features, allowing sharing book passages on Facebook and Twitter (via the 3G cellular uplink). It also adds folders, cross-device highlighting, more fonts, panning and zooming options for PDF, and password protection.
Almost as interesting as the update is Siegler’s take on it. He notes that he hasn’t used his own Kindle device in weeks, because he feels the iPad is just so much better. He opines that the Kindle software update is still missing a few key features.
Of course, those features include things like a touchscreen and color display that no software update could add. Others include a better web browser, support for other media, and apps.
In fact, what Siegler is annoyed about seems to be largely that the Kindle isn’t an iPad. “A $259 device that does one thing well (the Kindle) versus a $499 device that does a dozen or more things well (the iPad) is not a fair fight.”
It still remains to be seen, of course, whether the majority of the e-book-reading public will feel the same way. But with a million iPads sold in just one month, compared to an estimated 3 million Kindles sold all of last year, it seems to be making headway fast for whatever reason.
Let’s see, we have a guy “reporting” on an update he *hasn’t* seen, because he *hasn’t* been updated, ad the whole report is a rant about how the update doesn’t magically provide his Kindle with a color touchscreen?
For this, he not only gets posted on TechCrunch but quoted on Teleread?
Slow news day?
What makes this shill-job of any consequence?
Just curious…
I miss only a txt rss reader and a txt twitter client to avoid buying an ipad.
In fact, what Siegler is annoyed about seems to be largely that the Kindle isn’t an iPad. “A $259 device that does one thing well (the Kindle) versus a $499 device that does a dozen or more things well (the iPad) is not a fair fight.”
Actually with it’s screen size it’s more appropriate to compare the Amazon Kindle DX to the Apple iPad… Amazon wants $489 for what?
For E-ink screen, for displaying text like a PRINTED book of course. I thought this is the whole point of ereader.