Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Kindlebility sends Web pages from your computer to your Kindle]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/kindlebility-sends-web-pages-from-your-computer-to-your-kindle/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/kindlebility-sends-web-pages-from-your-computer-to-your-kindle/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/kindlebility-sends-web-pages-from-your-computer-to-your-kindle/#commentsKindlebilityKindlebility is a bookmarklet that can send any Web page you're viewing to your Kindle. Kindlebility will format the websites so that viewing them on the Kindle isn't a pain. Once you've set it up (more on that in a moment), Kindlebility only requires one click to use -- and the pages arrive on your Kindle in seconds.

Before you use Kindlebility for the first time, you have to quickly set it up. This only needs to be done once, and requires that you go to the Kindlebility site and enter your Kindle email address (something @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com). The bookmarklet is then generated for you, and you can drag it to your bookmarks bar. However, you can't use it just yet. You need to go to Amazon, enter your account page, and find the email whitelist under the Manage My Kindle settings. Then just add kindle@darkhelmetlive.com to the whitelist.

That's it. Whenever you're surfing the Web on your computer and find an interesting page that you want to read on your Kindle, just click the Kindlebility bookmarklet. A quick demo video showing you how to set Kindlebility up is after the break.

Continue reading Kindlebility sends Web pages from your computer to your Kindle

Download SquadKindlebility sends Web pages from your computer to your Kindle originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon KindleAmazonKindlebookmarkletE-readersInternetkindlekindlebilityutilitiesWebMon, 11 Apr 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle update brings real page numbers, public notes, and new magazine layout]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/kindle-software-update-3-1-brings-real-page-numbers-public-notes-magazine-layout/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/kindle-software-update-3-1-brings-real-page-numbers-public-notes-magazine-layout/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/kindle-software-update-3-1-brings-real-page-numbers-public-notes-magazine-layout/#commentsAmazon KindleThe latest generation Amazon Kindle e-book reader is about to receive a software update over-the-air that will add quite a few interesting features. Chief among those is what's probably been the most requested feature from Kindle owners: real page numbers. These match the numbers in printed books and have already been added to tens of thousands of books, including the Top 100 best selling books in the Kindle Store. The page numbers show up alongside Amazon's 'locations' system, which until now was exclusively used to figure out your reading progress. Real page numbers will be available for Amazon's Kindle apps in the next few months.

Also in the update is support for public notes. This lets Kindle owners choose to make their notes and highlights publicly available. A 'following' system has been implemented here, akin to that pioneered by Twitter: you can follow different Kindle users' public notes. To do that, as well as turn on Public Notes in your own books, go to kindle.amazon.com.

Newspapers and magazines have received a new layout that gives you a quick snapshot of the news to help you quickly decide what you want to read.

When you reach the end of a book, you can now immediately rate that book, thanks to a new Kindle feature called Before You Go. This will also let you share your thoughts about the book, see more books by the same author, and get personalized recommendations for what to read next.

The 3.1 software update will be pushed to all latest generation Kindle and Kindle 3G devices soon. However, if you want, you can manually install it right now by downloading the Early Preview Release from here.

Download SquadKindle update brings real page numbers, public notes, and new magazine layout originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon KindleAmazonKindlee-booksE-readerskindleKindle 3GKindle software updateKindle3gKindleSoftwareUpdatepublic notesPublicNotesreal page numbersRealPageNumberstextTue, 08 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Send to Kindle extension for Google Chrome saves articles to your Kindle]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/19/send-to-kindle-extension-for-google-chrome-saves-articles-to-you/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/19/send-to-kindle-extension-for-google-chrome-saves-articles-to-you/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/19/send-to-kindle-extension-for-google-chrome-saves-articles-to-you/#commentsKindle owners who would rather read web articles on their Kindle devices than on a laptop screen are in luck: there's now a Send to Kindle Chrome extension. With a little bit of setup, you can pass articles to your Kindle over Wi-Fi or Amazon's Whispernet with one click.

When you install Send to Kindle, you'll see a setup screen where you'll have to enter your Kindle's registered email address. Then, jaunt over to your Kindle Management page at Amazon and add the extension's email address -- "kindle@klip.me" -- to your list of approved senders.

Now the hard work is done. When you see an article you want to send to Kindle, you'll just have to click Send to Kindle's toolbar button, and it will be delivered immediately. If you have an older, pre-3rd-generation KIndle, just make sure that you've set some limits on 3G data transfer before you go too crazy racking up bandwidth charges from Amazon.

Download SquadSend to Kindle extension for Google Chrome saves articles to your Kindle originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleAmazonKindlechromechrome extensionsChromeExtensionse-bookse-readerskindlesend to kindleSendToKindleutilitieswebWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Color hacked to run Ubuntu]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/07/nook-color-hacked-to-run-ubuntu/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/07/nook-color-hacked-to-run-ubuntu/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/07/nook-color-hacked-to-run-ubuntu/#commentsUbuntu on Nook Color Ever wondered if your $249 e-book reader was able to run a full-fledged desktop operating system? Wonder no more, for the wizards over at XDA-Developers have managed to port Ubuntu to Barnes and Noble's tablet slash e-book reader.

First off, you'll obviously need to have rooted your Nook Color. The Ubuntu install boots off of the SD card, and as such won't replace the Android OS the Nook Color ships with. To run Ubuntu on your Nook Color, you use an Android VNC app. It's all detailed over on this forum thread, and make sure you follow the instructions precisely if you'd like to see how everyone's favorite flavor of Linux performs on the Nook Color. Do keep in mind that the user who posted the hack does mention that it's rather slow at the moment -- so don't expect stellar performance just yet. It'll be interesting to see what kind of improvements can be made in future releases.

Download SquadNook Color hacked to run Ubuntu originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barnes and Noble Nookbarnes and noble nook colorBarnesAndNobleNookBarnesAndNobleNookColordeveloperE-readersLinuxnook colorNookColorubuntuFri, 07 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle lending lets you share e-books]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/30/amazon-launches-kindle-book-lending-feature/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/30/amazon-launches-kindle-book-lending-feature/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/30/amazon-launches-kindle-book-lending-feature/#commentsamazon kindle loan this book Amazon announced back in October that its Kindle e-reader platform would allow users to lend books to one another "by the end of the year." Today, Amazon introduced a lending feature for US customers just ahead of the deadline. Kindle users across the entire range of Kindle apps and devices can now lend each of their purchased books one time only, for a period of 14 days.

To lend a book, go to Manage Your Kindle on the web and click the "Loan this book" button. From there, just enter the recipient's email address and name, and add an optional note. The recipient has seven days to open the email message and accept your loan. After that, the book will be returned to you. Just like a paper book, you can't read your copy while someone else is borrowing it. (Of course, you can lend a paper book more than once, to as many of your friends as you want.)

Note that some Kindle titles aren't available for lending, because the decision to enable it (or not) is up to the publisher of each book. If there's no "Loan this book" button next to one of your purchased books, it's not lending-enabled. As for books you haven't yet purchased, the Amazon.com page for each one will let you know whether it's lendable.

Download SquadAmazon Kindle lending lets you share e-books originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.comappsbookse-bookse-readersebookskindlelendingsharingThu, 30 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple updates iBooks with folders and PDF printing and emailing, Canadian books are coming soon]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/16/apple-updates-ibooks-with-folders-and-pdf-printing-and-emailing-canadian/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/16/apple-updates-ibooks-with-folders-and-pdf-printing-and-emailing-canadian/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/16/apple-updates-ibooks-with-folders-and-pdf-printing-and-emailing-canadian/#commentsiBooks 1.2 screenshotApple's iBooks has received an update today, pushing it to version 1.2. New in the app are a few features that have long been requested by iBooks fans.

First off, iBooks now has support for folders. These work in a similar fashion to iOS folders, only they're called 'Collections.' The two default collections are Books and PDFs. Of course, you can create your own, name them however you like, and move things around from one collection to another.

Also supported is emailing PDFs, as well as printing PDFs and notes from iBooks using Apple's AirPrint. Strangely enough, you still won't be able to print actual e-books -- just PDFs or annotations to books.

Rounding up the new feature additions are support for fully illustrated books (such as children's picture books) and more words per page being displayed, thanks to the addition of auto-hyphenation.

Also in iBooks-related news, the Canadian government has approved Apple's iBookstore. The iBookstore had been available in Canada prior to this, but did not have any Canadian works in it. Now that Apple and Canada have reached an agreement, expect Canadian books to show up in Apple's book store pretty soon.

iBooks 1.2 works on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 3.2 or newer installed.

Download iBooks 1.2 from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadApple updates iBooks with folders and PDF printing and emailing, Canadian books are coming soon originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleappsCollectionse booke book readere-booksEBookEBookReaderfoldersibooksibookstoreiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchThu, 16 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google eBookstore now available on Android, iOS, Nook and Web... if you're American]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/06/google-e-book-store-now-available-on-android-ios-nook-and-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/06/google-e-book-store-now-available-on-android-ios-nook-and-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/06/google-e-book-store-now-available-on-android-ios-nook-and-web/#commentsGoogle e-book store Gentlemen, start your e-readers! Google, as promised, has launched its e-book store. More than 3 million titles are available to read right now, and you can read the books on the Web, or a wide range of devices. [At the time of publishing, the iOS app isn't yet available.]

With Android, iOS, Nook and Sony e-reader compatibility, Google surely knows that it could have a Kindle killer on its hands -- at least in the US, anyway. Google says it's working with publishers around the world to bring its e-books to those of us not lucky enough to be born in America.

Download SquadGoogle eBookstore now available on Android, iOS, Nook and Web... if you're American originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide-booke-readerebooksereadersgooglegoogle ebooksgoogle ebookstoregoogle editionsGoogleEbooksGoogleEbookstoreGoogleEditionsiosmobilenooksony readerSonyReaderwebMon, 06 Dec 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Root your Nook Color to make a DIY 7-inch Android tablet]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/30/root-your-nook-color-to-make-a-diy-7-inch-android-tablet/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/30/root-your-nook-color-to-make-a-diy-7-inch-android-tablet/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/30/root-your-nook-color-to-make-a-diy-7-inch-android-tablet/#comments Got a Nook Color? Want to use it as a tablet as well as a color LCD reader? Well now you can thanks to nookDevs and a bit of Android rooting action. With a 800MHz ARM chip powering a modified Android ROM, it was fairly obvious from the get-go that the Color could make for a decent, cheap, DIY tablet, and now that dream has been realized. Of course the actual process of rooting the Nook Color is pretty involved -- it's no simple unlock like Windows Phone 7 -- but anyone with a keen eye, access to a Linux machine, and a bit of terminal-fu, can turn their $250 reader into a 7-inch IPS-wielding, Wi-Fi-connected, Android tablet.

Head on over to nookDevs for full instructions, but be warned, just because it's technically legal to jailbreak your device doesn't mean you don't void your warranty in doing so, and of course you could brick your device. That said, let's get rooting!

Download SquadRoot your Nook Color to make a DIY 7-inch Android tablet originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblee-readerjailbreaknooknook colorNookColorrootingtabletTue, 30 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two quick ways to read library e-books on your iPhone or iPad with Bluefire]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/two-quick-ways-to-read-library-e-books-on-your-iphone-or-ipad-with-bluefire/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/two-quick-ways-to-read-library-e-books-on-your-iphone-or-ipad-with-bluefire/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/two-quick-ways-to-read-library-e-books-on-your-iphone-or-ipad-with-bluefire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Bluefire e-reader for iPhone made a big splash last week because it's a free app that can read DRM-protected e-books, like the ones offered by many public libraries. We've reviewed Bluefire and shown you how to get borrowed e-books onto your iPhone, but there are two better and faster ways to accomplish this, without opening Adobe Digital Editions on your computer or syncing with iTunes. Whether these methods work depends on the e-book format your particular library uses, but they work with one of the most common formats, EPUB.

Continue reading Two quick ways to read library e-books on your iPhone or iPad with Bluefire

Download SquadTwo quick ways to read library e-books on your iPhone or iPad with Bluefire originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluefiredropboxe-bookse-readerhow-tohowtosipadiPhonelibraryTue, 16 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluefire Reader for iPhone and iPad lets you read public library e-books]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/bluefire-reader-for-iphone-and-ipad-lets-you-read-public-library/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/bluefire-reader-for-iphone-and-ipad-lets-you-read-public-library/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/bluefire-reader-for-iphone-and-ipad-lets-you-read-public-library/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bluefire Reader screenshot

Bluefire Reader is an e-reader app for the iPhone and iPad that, along with letting you read e-books in EPUB and PDF formats, has a unique twist compared to its competitors -- support for Adobe DRM. Not only that, but starting today, it supports the unique DRM used by public libraries, so you can download free e-books from hundreds of public library websites, transfer them to your iDevice using iTunes, then read them in BlueFire reader. Previously, such e-books could not be read on an iPhone or iPad.

Intrigued yet? Interested even? Then head on over to Mobiputing for the detailed instructions on how to pull this off. Don't let the number of steps overwhelm you -- once you get the hang of it, you'll be transferring public library e-books to your iPhone or iPad in no time.

One thing to note is that the e-book services of public libraries behave pretty much like their paper book services -- a loan is only good for three weeks. After that time has passed since your download, you won't be able to read the book anymore. Also, each library only has a limited number of licenses for each e-book -- exactly like they only have a limited number of actual books on their real shelves. Once one license expires, someone else can use it. Sounds like a rather absurd system for the digital world, but hey, at least reading the books is free.

Download SquadBluefire Reader for iPhone and iPad lets you read public library e-books originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DRMe-booke-book readere-book readerse-book-readerE-bookReaderE-bookReaderse-bookse-readere-reader softwareE-readersE-readerSoftwaree-readingipadipad appIpadAppiphoneiphone appiPhone AppsIphoneAppIphoneAppsmobilemobile appmobile applicationmobile appsmobile softwareMobileAppMobileApplicationMobileAppsMobileSoftwarepublic librariesPublic LibraryPublicLibrariesPublicLibrarytextThu, 11 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle app for Windows Phone 7 will be out later this year]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/kindle-for-windows-phone-7-will-be-out-later-this-year/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/kindle-for-windows-phone-7-will-be-out-later-this-year/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/kindle-for-windows-phone-7-will-be-out-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kindle for Windows Phone 7 site

Amazon has announced that a Kindle application will be available for the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system "later this year". This would be the first e-reader app to make it to Microsoft's new smartphone OS, and would continue Amazon's cross-platform strategy for the Kindle. Aside from the Kindle devices themselves, Kindle apps are already available for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, BlackBerry and Android smartphones, Mac and PC.

The Kindle app for WP7 will include all the functionality of the other Kindle apps, in addition to a couple of unique features: personalized book recommendations on the app's home screen and the ability to send a book suggestion to a friend without leaving the app.

A teaser site for the new app is already up, and that's where you can sign up to be notified when it will finally become available.

Download SquadAmazon Kindle app for Windows Phone 7 will be out later this year originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone-readerE-readerskindlekindle mobile appKindleMobileAppWindows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo e-book reader gets newspaper and magazine content and subscriptions]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/27/kobo-gets-newspaper-and-magazine-content-and-subscriptions/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/27/kobo-gets-newspaper-and-magazine-content-and-subscriptions/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/27/kobo-gets-newspaper-and-magazine-content-and-subscriptions/#commentsFiled under:

Kobo Newspapers and Magazines

Aside from Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook, there's a third, often overlooked, e-reading device+service combo out there -- Kobo from Borders. And while it doesn't get in the news anywhere near as much as the other two, it's still a decent offering. One glaring omission so far has been lack of subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

Kobo now finally has newspaper and magazine subscriptions on offer, for the device itself and for the iOS Kobo apps (presumably support for other mobile platforms will follow). Well-known publications are included, among them the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, the Harvard Business Review and PC Magazine. The full list is available on the Kobo website here. The list should continue to grow as time goes by.

You can have a free 14-day trial for any subscription, after which it will cost $13.99 per month for newspapers and $2.99 per month for magazines. New issues of the publications you choose to subscribe to are delivered to your Kobo as soon as they're published.

[via CrunchGear]

Download SquadKobo e-book reader gets newspaper and magazine content and subscriptions originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderse-readereBookebook readerebook readersebook-readerEbookReaderEbookReadersebookskobotextWed, 27 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon announces Kindle book lending feature]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/amazon-announces-kindle-book-lending-feature/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/amazon-announces-kindle-book-lending-feature/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/amazon-announces-kindle-book-lending-feature/#commentsFiled under:

Well, it's no Amazon Library, but the Kindle e-book platform will soon let users lend books to one another for a limited amount of time. You'll be able to loan out a book for up to 14 days at a time, and you won't be able to read the book while a friend is borrowing it. Not all books will support lending, though. Allowing or blocking lending will be up to the publishers and other rights-holders. Amazon hasn't set a launch date for lending, but it's due out "later this year."

In the meantime, Amazon will be making newspapers and magazines available across Kindle apps on all platforms, not just on Kindle devices. They're starting with iOS devices in the next few weeks, which means Amazon is getting into the iPhone and iPad periodical business. It will be interesting to see whether owners of Apple devices will opt to buy subscriptions and read on the free Kindle app instead of downloading, for example, the brand-new New York Times iPad app. Newspapers and magazines are a definite win for other platforms with Kindle apps, though: Android is getting periodicals right after iOS devices do.

Download SquadAmazon announces Kindle book lending feature originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.combookskindlelendingmagazinesnewspapersFri, 22 Oct 2010 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle for Mac update brings Whispersync annotation and highlighting]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/20/kindle-for-mac-update-brings-whispersync-annotation-and-highlighting/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/20/kindle-for-mac-update-brings-whispersync-annotation-and-highlighting/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/20/kindle-for-mac-update-brings-whispersync-annotation-and-highlighting/#commentsFiled under:

Kindle for Mac highlighting
Amazon's Kindle software for Mac has received a number of nice feature additions today, of which annotation support and highlighting are certainly the most interesting. What's more, both of these work with Amazon's Whispersync tech to instantly sync your highlights and notes across all Kindle apps and devices.

You can also search within a book now and use a multi-column reading mode. Kindle's user interface for the Mac has also received some tweaks here and there, making it appear cleaner and less cluttered.

Kindle for Mac is a free download and works on Mac OS X 10.5 or newer.

Direct download link

Download SquadKindle for Mac update brings Whispersync annotation and highlighting originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonkindlekindle for macKindleForMacMacWhispersyncWed, 20 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinstant is a great start page for the Kindle's browser]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/kinstant-is-a-great-start-page-for-the-kindles-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/kinstant-is-a-great-start-page-for-the-kindles-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/kinstant-is-a-great-start-page-for-the-kindles-browser/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kinstant Read section

Kinstant is a custom start page that's tailor made for the Kindle's "experimental" Web browser. It's monochrome, has an easy to use layout and crisp text, and you can reach it by simply going to Kinstant.com on your Kindle.

Kinstant has four link categories: Read, Share, Buy, and More. Read is filled with links to some of the most prominent information sources across the Web. Share has links to email services and social networks. Buy features online shopping sites, where everything from pizza to Kindle accessories can be purchased. More has a Going Out section -- populated with links to Yelp, Ticketmaster, and Upcoming and a way to share your love for Kinstant with your Facebook friends.

Any link inside Kinstant takes you to the mobile-optimized version of the respective site. There's no way to customize Kinstant just yet, but we hope that's on the way since it would make the page even better. Kinstant's business model seems to be (unsurprisingly) based on advertising, but thankfully, it will only involve text ads.

[via Lifehacker]

Download SquadKinstant is a great start page for the Kindle's browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InternetkindleKinstantstart pagestart pagesStartPageStartPagesutilitiesMon, 18 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Zork for Kindle makes e-paper a next-gen gaming platform]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/08/zork-for-kindle-makes-e-paper-a-next-gen-gaming-platform/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/08/zork-for-kindle-makes-e-paper-a-next-gen-gaming-platform/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/08/zork-for-kindle-makes-e-paper-a-next-gen-gaming-platform/#commentsFiled under: ,

zork

The Register made a significant journalistic discovery this morning: Zork for Kindle!

Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, and I tested it on my own Kindle 3 (which you see pictured above). Zork is a text-based adventure which is ideally suited to this medium, but I'm afraid to say the experience is not perfect. The game itself is a classic, and the service offers the entire series (not just the original Zork). They've also implemented a login system so you can easily pick up where you left off.

On my own Kindle, however, I often had to hit ENTER twice to get a command to execute. Also, the screen blanked out at least once while I was playing. It was resolved once I hit ENTER again, but was still confusing. I suspect that these problems are mainly due to the Kindle's "experimental" browser, which is a euphemism for "crappy."

I've also had a small issue with the font size - I enjoy large fonts, and the text seemed a bit on the small side for me to really comfortably read for a long time. Too bad it can't be customized.

Notwithstanding those issues, Zork on the Kindle is a fantastic idea - one that I hope will be made into a Kindle app some day.

Download SquadZork for Kindle makes e-paper a next-gen gaming platform originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonepapergameskindleretrozorkFri, 08 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Instapaper subscriptions enter beta]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/05/instapaper-subscriptions-enter-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/05/instapaper-subscriptions-enter-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/05/instapaper-subscriptions-enter-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Instapaper, one of our favorite read-it-later services, has released a beta version of a subscription plan. We recently listed Marco Arment's fantastic iOS app as a must-buy for any iPad user. But of course, running the service costs money, and Instapaper is currently supported solely by on-site adverts . As most interaction with the Web clipping service is done through dedicated apps, Marco needs an alternative method of supporting the increasing costs of Instapaper and furthering his project.

Costing $1 a month and available in a three month package for $3 (thanks to PayPal's fee structure making smaller sums uneconomical), what do you get on top of the already stellar Instapaper package? Admittedly, not a lot at this stage. You can turn off the adverts on the Instapaper website, but it's the knowledge that you're supporting a quality service that's the real draw at the moment.

Marco also talked about the issue of cost and how it had been prohibitive in the past when it came to the implementation of some of the more complex features. He said that subscriptions could fund feature add-ons, such as search. That's not to say that lots of features are going to go subscriber-only. Arment was quick to point out that "Almost all of Instapaper's features will continue to be available to non-Subscribers."
[via TechCrunch]

Continue reading Instapaper subscriptions enter beta

Download SquadInstapaper subscriptions enter beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instapaperIOSkindlemarco armentMarcoArmentWebTue, 05 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon unveils Kindle for the Web]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/amazon-unveils-kindle-for-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/amazon-unveils-kindle-for-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/amazon-unveils-kindle-for-the-web/#commentsFiled under:

You can already read Kindle books on a whole host of devices besides the Kindle itself -- like your iPhone, Blackbery, Android device, PC, or Mac -- but Amazon's not stopping there. The mammoth ebook seller has unveiled Kindle for the web, an embeddable reader which is capable of displaying book samples right in your browser. In my testing, however, I didn't have much luck -- I tried to embed every "Look Inside" book by George Carlin after the break, but wound up having to use Amazon's example instead.

As Mobiputing's Brad Linder pointed out to me, this could eventually lead to an Amazon Video On Demand-type setup for Kindle: "stream" books to your browser via the viewer, or cache them via HTML5's localstorage element for offline reading. Hey, the Web is the platform, right? Why bother developing dedicated apps for a slew of different devices if you can cleverly code a single Web app which does the job just as well?

Take a look at the embed code in action after the break -- it's a lot like a Google Docs Viewer or Scribd embed. Kindle for the Web currently bears the beta tag, so you might not see it on many Kindle books as you browser Amazon's shelves.


Continue reading Amazon unveils Kindle for the Web

Download SquadAmazon unveils Kindle for the Web originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonebookkindleTue, 28 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrabble is the Amazon Kindle's first app]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/24/scrabble-is-the-amazon-kindles-first-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/24/scrabble-is-the-amazon-kindles-first-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/24/scrabble-is-the-amazon-kindles-first-app/#commentsFiled under:

Chances are, you didn't buy a Kindle to play games. Well, games are what you're about to get: Scrabble just became the first game -- in fact, the first app -- to hit the Kindle.

It seems like the literate Kindle audience will make a great fit for the classic spelling game. Unlike various Facebook Scrabble apps, this one has the official Scrabble name, and it was put together by Electronic Arts.

Those triple word scores come at a price, though: a reasonable $4.99. The real downside is that Scrabble on the Kindle has the same physical limitations as a real Scrabble board: there's no online play, or wireless play with other Kindles. You'll just have to make do with passing the Kindle to the next player when your turn is done. It also suffers from the graphical limitations of a black-and-white eReader, but hey, at least you don't have to keep score with a pencil.

[via Switched]

Download SquadScrabble is the Amazon Kindle's first app originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleAmazonKindlegameskindlescrabbleFri, 24 Sep 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo desktop app released, not quite up to Kindle or Calibre standards]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/kobo-desktop-app-released-not-quite-up-to-kindle-or-calibre-sta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/kobo-desktop-app-released-not-quite-up-to-kindle-or-calibre-sta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/kobo-desktop-app-released-not-quite-up-to-kindle-or-calibre-sta/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Kobo eReader doesn't get quite the same level of attention as Amazon's Kindle, but it's still a nice little device. Now, there's an equally nice desktop companion app, which supports not only the Kobo, but just about any other e-reader on the market.

Like the Kindle desktop software, Kobo lets you make purchases and read your e-book collection. The Kobo bookstore has loads of titles for sale, and it also features free and cheap book sections (which appeals to the discount/used book hound in me). The reading interface is clean and simple, but the app is still a bit rough around the edges.

For example, Kobo Desktop provides only synopses -- there's no preview reading via the contents tab as there is on the Kobo Web store. Unlike Calibre and Kindle, you also can't search your library at the moment (or search text within books as you can with Kindle); you're limited to displaying items in alphabetical order, either by title or by author.

Right now, I'd probably stick with Calibre if you're using a non-Kindle e-book reader -- even if that device happens to be a Kobo.

Download SquadKobo desktop app released, not quite up to Kindle or Calibre standards originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncalibreebookereaderkindlekoboFri, 10 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[International Kindle users: change your country to avoid additional fees]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/02/international-kindle-avoid-extra-fee-save/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/02/international-kindle-avoid-extra-fee-save/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/02/international-kindle-avoid-extra-fee-save/#commentsFiled under:

amazon

Okay, so my earlier story about how Amazon is messing with International Kindle users made a bit of a splash. Quite a few things came up in my investigations before and after the story, but the basic fact remains: Amazon will add a fixed $2.00 surcharge to most items (which may or may not be a "roaming charge") if you're an international customer, even if you're using a WiFi-only device.

But I've now discovered something interesting enough to warrant a follow-up: It turns out that if you go to Amazon's Manage My Kindle page, you can simply set your country.

I think you must specify a valid address in your destination country (I supplied a valid one in Canada), but Amazon then simply takes your word for it.

As soon as I switched my country from Israel to Canada, the extra $2.00 per book simply disappeared. I could also suddenly subscribe to the NYT. I didn't actually try to do it, but it appears to be possible. Another side-effect was that Michael Pollan's Food Rules was suddenly unavailable, whereas before I was actually able to buy the title for $7.20 (when my location was listed as "Israel").

What's interesting is that in talking to four different Amazon reps, not a single one has mentioned this option. Also, Amazon can easily verify your actual location in two different ways - IP address or billing address. Yet, for some interesting reason, they choose to let you specify the address manually, and then take your word for it.

To me, this feels like a legal work-around they've had to take due to content restrictions and distributors insisting on various deals. Could it be that this shifts the legal responsibility to the customer rather than leave it with Amazon? Maybe I'm completely off-base here, but I think such weird complications are often lawyer-induced.

Note that I still don't have the device itself, so I can't fully guarantee that this works, and for all I know, they might plug this hole tomorrow. What I can tell you is that right now it does change the pricing and availability of many Kindle items.

Download SquadInternational Kindle users: change your country to avoid additional fees originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbusinessinternationalkindlelawyersloopholesmoneyThu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[International Kindle users: here's how Amazon is screwing you]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/international-kindle-users-heres-how-amazon-is-screwing-you/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/international-kindle-users-heres-how-amazon-is-screwing-you/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/international-kindle-users-heres-how-amazon-is-screwing-you/#commentsFiled under:

amazon

I am the proud owner of a brand-spanking-new WiFi-only Kindle. The coveted device is currently en route, and I can't wait to be reading off its crisp E-Ink screen in all of its greyscale glory.

Since I'm so anxious to start using it, I decided to get a head start on building up my electronic library. I decided to start with the classics - for example, Moby Dick. Yes, I know it's available for free online, but this edition is typeset for the Kindle so I figured it must be worth the modest sum Amazon asks for it ($2.95, as you see in the screenshot above).

When I sent the link to my friend, who has an Amazon account with a Canadian billing address, we were amazed to discover that Amazon list the same exact item at $0.95 when she's looking at it.

This two-dollar difference holds across the boards - for all Kindle titles. It is most noticeable on the cheap ones (for Moby Dick, it's actually a 200% markup!), but it's there also for the more expensive ones.

Next to the jacked-up price, it says "International shipping included". In plain English, this means "roaming charges for 3G". Okay ... but:

1) Amazon constantly touts its 3G kindle as "Free 3G" - here, it's right in the product name - Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally - Latest Generation!

2) I bought a WiFi-only device. So even if international 3G users do have to pay some sort of a roaming charge (which is very underhanded in itself), surely there should no be such charge for WiFi-only users!

Thinking this must be some mistake, I called Amazon up (Thanks, GetHuman.com).

Continue reading International Kindle users: here's how Amazon is screwing you

Download SquadInternational Kindle users: here's how Amazon is screwing you originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audio and video on Amazon's Kindle? They'd have to launch a whole new device to do that, right?

Nah, they're doing it anyway, but only as part of the Kindle iPad app. That's right: Amazon's just introduced new features that can only be accessed on a competitor's reading device. What the heck are they thinking?

Well, they're probably thinking that there's more profit in selling books on every device than there is in trying to lock users down to Kindle hardware in an increasing competitive reader market. Still, do users want audio narration with their books? Wouldn't they just buy -- y'know, audiobooks? Also, I wonder what kind of video could enhance, rather than distract from, the reading experience. Exclusive author interviews, perhaps? One of the first books to get video is a travel guide, Rick Steves' London, which sounds like a smart use of multimedia.

The additional content will really be up to the publishers, so maybe Amazon is throwing them a bone here. Publishers could always use audio and video for marketing, adding in trailers for other books a reader might want to buy. I guess we'll have to wait and see, because only a handful of books are using these new features so far.

[via TechCrunch]

Download SquadAudio and video come to Kindle ... but only on Amazon's iPad app originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon's getting ready to go to war with Apple and the iPad in the e-book market, and it's about to bring out the big guns. Kindle for Android will reportedly launch this summer, with a feature that other mobile Kindle apps (including Kindle for iPad and iPhone, ahem) don't have: the ability to buy books directly from the app.

The iPhone and iPad apps would have that ability, too, but Apple would count the books as in-app purchases under its App Store terms of service. That means Amazon would have to let Apple take a 30% commission, and that's no way to stay ahead of the iPad bookstore.

The Kindle apps still have the advantage of seamless cross-platform syncing, so they're viable even if the Kindle hardware loses out to tablets like the iPad.

[via TechCrunch]

Download SquadKindle for Android will arrive this summer, with in-app book buying originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 19 May 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonebookebooksereaderkindleWed, 19 May 2010 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Editions scores deals with "nearly all" U.S. publishers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/google-editions-scores-deals-with-nearly-all-u-s-publishers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/google-editions-scores-deals-with-nearly-all-u-s-publishers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/google-editions-scores-deals-with-nearly-all-u-s-publishers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Although details about Google's forthcoming digital bookstore, Google Editions, are still hazy, at least we now know that it's going to have a huge number of books. Google has said that "nearly all" U.S. publishers will be included in the bookstore. Over 20,000 publishers and individual authors will be part of Editions, accounting for 2 million of the projected 4 million books on the site. The other 2 million books are older works that have fallen out of copyright and can now be offered by Google.

When I reported that Google Editions was slated to launch this summer, I said that the only thing it still needed to shake up the e-book market was deals with major publishers. Now it looks like Google has got that and more, so we're soon going to find out whether a (mostly) device-independent search-based e-book market will take a big chunk of business away from Amazon's Kindle store and Apple's iPad bookstore.

[via JapanToday]

Download SquadGoogle Editions scores deals with "nearly all" U.S. publishers originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksebooksereadergooglegoogle editionsGoogleEditionspublishersMon, 10 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle jumps onto social network bandwagon with Twitter and Facebook features]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/29/kindle-jumps-onto-social-network-bandwagon-with-twitter-and-face/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/29/kindle-jumps-onto-social-network-bandwagon-with-twitter-and-face/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/29/kindle-jumps-onto-social-network-bandwagon-with-twitter-and-face/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Kindle 2.5, Amazon has tossed its popular eBook reader onto the social networking bandwagon. In case you're someone who can't read without sharing what you're reading, you'll now have a few ways to Twitterize and Facebook up your book experience directly from the Kindle: tweet about interesting passages, or post them on Facebook.

I don't know how useful these features are going to be to Kindle owners, but they're extremely useful as free advertising for Amazon. After seeing so many "hey, I'm using my Kindle!" messages on social networks, you may just give in and buy one. If Amazon really wants to make books social, they should buy Goodreads. The closest the Kindle gets in this new update is a feature that shows you which passages in a book were most frequently bookmarked by others.

As far as non-social features, Kindle 2.5 introduces a password lock, new fonts, and the ability to organize your books into collections. It also adds the much-needed ability to pan and zoom within PDFs.

[via Wired]

Download SquadKindle jumps onto social network bandwagon with Twitter and Facebook features originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonebookereaderfacebookkindleSocialNetworkingtwitterThu, 29 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon previews the Kindle eReader for iPad and tablets]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/22/amazon-previews-the-kindle-ereader-for-ipad-and-tablets/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/22/amazon-previews-the-kindle-ereader-for-ipad-and-tablets/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/22/amazon-previews-the-kindle-ereader-for-ipad-and-tablets/#commentsFiled under:

With the iPad launch just weeks away, it's no surprise that Amazon has started showing off the big-screen version of its Kindle app, designed for the iPad and other tablets. Kindle for iPad is more than just an upsized version of the iPhone app we already know and love: the reading experience has been optimized for the iPad, and the app includes new ways to sort and view your book collection, as well as some nice new eye candy.

Font size and background color are customizable, and there's a slick new page-turning animation (so you know you're reading a book, I guess). The real question isn't whether Kindle looks good, though, it's whether Apple will allow a competitor to its free iBooks app. I think Kindle shouldn't have any problem getting approved, though, because Apple has already approved the iPhone version, and they shouldn't give the impression that the approval standards are any different for the iPad.

Whatever happens with Apple and the App Store, Amazon was smart to build the app to be used on other tablet devices, too. If you're going to run a proprietary eBook store, you might as well run it on as many platforms as possible.

[via Engadget]


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Download SquadAmazon previews the Kindle eReader for iPad and tablets originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon hasn't really made a big deal out of its Kindle for Mac launch today, but rest assured that you can download the app today and start reading your eBooks. The featureset is basically identical to the other apps in the Kindle family -- it's got Whispersync and page bookmarking, for example -- but Kindle for Mac is kind of the ugly duckling of the bunch.

There was a lot of potential to create an amazing reading experience on the Mac, but what you get is just tossed off. Like the PC version, Kindle for Mac works, and it's readable, but it basically does the bare minimum. You'd hope that a Mac app would at least use the Mac's native font-smoothing, but, as John Gruber points out, the type is sloppily rendered and the text isn't selectable.

I'm not going to complain too much about an app that works, provides access to my Kindle library on yet another one of the devices I own, but come on, Amazon. I'm a snobby Mac user, and I expect better.
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Download SquadAmazon's Kindle for Mac arrives, but it's not pretty originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbooksdesktopebookkindlemacreaderThu, 18 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[137 years of Popular Science Magazine now online]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/137-years-of-popular-science-magazine-now-online/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/137-years-of-popular-science-magazine-now-online/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/137-years-of-popular-science-magazine-now-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A special shout out to our tipster @RussHogg who told us the entire 137 year archive of Popular Science Magazine is now available for online free browsing. You can view the entire collection's issues as they appeared at time of publication. It's definitely fun to go back in time and view cutting edge science throughout the years.

Right now, you can search by inputting key words in the search box, however they plan to roll out a browse-by-issue cover interface in the future with more advanced features for searching. Popular Science partnered with Google to make the archive possible.

Thanks @RussHogg!
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Download Squad137 years of Popular Science Magazine now online originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eBookeReaderGooglenewspopular sciencepopular science magazinePopularSciencePopularScienceMagazineFri, 05 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon restores Macmillan books, becomes eBook middleman for publishers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/06/amazon-restores-macmillan-books-becomes-ebook-middleman-for-pub/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/06/amazon-restores-macmillan-books-becomes-ebook-middleman-for-pub/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/06/amazon-restores-macmillan-books-becomes-ebook-middleman-for-pub/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just days after Amazon.com decided to stop selling all books by Macmillan and its imprints, the online book giant has relented and added buy buttons back to Macmillan titles. The publisher vs. retailer dispute arose when Macmillan wanted to raise prices on its eBooks to $15, which is well over what Amazon currently charges (and, arguably, more than consumers will pay). You can get the details of the original dispute in an earlier post by Download Squad's Brad Linder.

For now, the details of the resolution aren't being made public, but Amazon has said it will allow major publishers to switch to an "agency" model for eBook sales. That means publishers like Macmillan and HarperCollins can sell you their eBooks directly, at whatever prices they wish, and Amazon will act as the middleman and take a 30% commission. The New York Times speculates that Amazon also asked the publishers not to make exclusive deals with other eBook vendors, like Apple's upcoming eBook store.
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Download SquadAmazon restores Macmillan books, becomes eBook middleman for publishers originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbooksebookskindlemacmillanpublishersSat, 06 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E-book buyer's privacy guide - reading isn't solo anymore]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/28/e-book-buyers-privacy-guide-reading-isnt-solo-anymore/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/28/e-book-buyers-privacy-guide-reading-isnt-solo-anymore/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/28/e-book-buyers-privacy-guide-reading-isnt-solo-anymore/#commentsFiled under: ,

The digital footprints we leave as we move along in our daily lives are pretty astonishing. As our lives are transformed by the convenience technology provides, the price we pay is the privacy we give up. Today is Data Privacy Day, and we thought it was a good time to highlight one of the areas where companies are watching your behavior closely.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation published an excellent guide, "The E-Book Buyer's Guide to Privacy " which dishes the goods on E book readers' privacy policies by brand. It might give you pause to think of the powerful information Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Google, and Sony could employ with the information they monitor on what books individuals read or search for.

For instance, two of the E-book readers (Google Books and Amazon Kindle) can monitor what you're reading. Google's Book Search Project takes tracking reading habits to a new level, logging what you searched for, the page you read, how long you viewed the page, and where you searched next.

All of the E-book readers, Google Books, Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, and Sony Reader can keep track of book searches and book purchases. Most troubling is the fact that the information collected on your book selections, searches, and purchases could be shared outside the company without your consent (applies to the Kindle, Nook and Reader).

The good news is you do have options. You can laugh in the face of the commercial behemoths and get a free, open source FBReader (for Windows/Linux) which collects no data on your book selections or searches. Another option: you can go to a bookstore and purchase an old fashioned paper book, with cash preferably.

Download SquadE-book buyer's privacy guide - reading isn't solo anymore originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle platformAmazon has just launched a new program that addresses my number one reason for not buying a Kindle or most other dedicated eBook readers: Why would anyone spend $250 or more on a device that only reads eBooks? After all, you don't need any money at all to read a book. Just pop on over to the closest library and you'll find thousands of books that you can read without paying a dime.

Anyway, Amazon is launching a Kindle Development Kit, which opens the door to third party applications for the device. In other words, it's about to become a lot more than just an eBook reader. You know, as much as a device with a grayscale e-Ink display that takes a moment to refresh can be more than an eBook reader. It's never going to be a video player, for example.

But the Kindle does have 3G wireless and ridiculously long battery life. And that can come in handy for some applications. For example, Amazon says Handmark is building a Zagat guide for restaurant reviews and ratings, and Sonic Boom is building word and puzzle games. EA Mobile is also developing games for the Kindle.

Of course, the other way Amazon could convince me to spend $250 or more to buy a Kindle would be to offer a $250 credit toward eBook purchases. But somehow I think opening the platform to games and other third party apps to make the platform more useful is about as far as the company is willing to go to tempt me. Because after all, Amazon will be making money off of these apps much the way it does with eBooks.

Developers will be able to give away content for free, charge a one time purchase fee, or charge a monthly subscription. Amazon will take a 30% cut of the revenue.

Download SquadAmazon launches Kindle developer platform, apps coming soon originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It had to happen eventually, and it's not really a surprise, considering people don't tend to shop online for books on Christmas Day but... it will be marked down in history, that's for sure -- Christmas Day 2009: the day digital books outsold their physical, paper counterparts,(At Amazon anyway).

It's a misleading statistic, as I said: no one buys paper books online on Christmas Day -- people do, however, log in with their new Kindles and buy some ebooks.The actual number worth paying heed to is the sheer volume of Kindles that were sold or gifted this year -- a number that Amazon seems unwilling to divulge.

Estimates put their 2009 sales figures at over 500,00 units. Couple that with 390,000 books now available in the Kindle Store and you can see that this might be the beginning of the end for physical books. At the very least we may see a cut in the wholesale price of books. I've never really thought about it before, but book publishers don't have any competition: no one else can sell a paper-back edition of Harry Potter in any given market. A digital version of Harry Potter, with a ubiquitous reader like the Kindle would result in real, honest-to-God competition.

Amazon, as part of the same press release, also gave us some interesting stats and holiday sales numbers. The best one, I think, is that they shipped 7 million units in one day at the peak of the holiday season. They maxed out at 9.5 million items ordered in one day -- 110 per second. But go read the press release, if you want more.

Download SquadAmazon sells more Kindle books than conventional tree-murderin' books originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondigitaldownloadebookkindleonlineshoppingSun, 27 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Calibre e-Book app can now convert books to Nook format]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/calibre-e-book-app-can-now-convert-books-to-nook-format/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/calibre-e-book-app-can-now-convert-books-to-nook-format/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/calibre-e-book-app-can-now-convert-books-to-nook-format/#commentsFiled under: ,

Calibre is one of the best free e-book apps out there. It's cross-platform, and it supports almost any e-book format you can think of. Calibre's latest trick is converting books to and from EPUB and PDB formats that work on Barnes and Noble's Nook e-reader. Version 0.6.27 of the app introduces this new feature, and it should turn at least a few Nook users on to how useful Calibre is.

Calibre isn't just a converter, although it works well in that respect. It's also a great way to organize your book library, transfer books to other devices, and read books on your PC. Calibre is compatible with this long list of book formats:
  • Input Formats: CBZ, CBR, CBC, EPUB, FB2, HTML, LIT, LRF, MOBI, ODT, PDF, PRC, PDB, PML, RB, RTF, TCR, TXT
  • Output Formats: EPUB, FB2, OEB, LIT, LRF, MOBI, PDB, PML, RB, PDF, TCR, TXT

Aside from the Nook and the Kindle, Calibre also works with iPhones, Android devices, and a host of less-popular e-reader devices. If you're into eBooks, it's a must-have app.
[via JKOnTheRun]

Download SquadCalibre e-Book app can now convert books to Nook format originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebookscalibreebookereadernookTue, 22 Dec 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Who needs shipping? 14 online sites where you can get great gifts]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/who-needs-shipping-14-online-sites-where-you-can-get-great-gif/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/who-needs-shipping-14-online-sites-where-you-can-get-great-gif/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/22/who-needs-shipping-14-online-sites-where-you-can-get-great-gif/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Don't want to spend more on shipping your gifts to arrive before Christmas than they're actually worth? Don't worry, there are lots of online sites where you can give some super gifts via download online certificates. Here are 14 places to check out to give some great gifts:

E-Gift Cards:
Amazon.com offers the ability to send gift cards via email in any denomination from $1-5,000. Your gift card can arrive in your friend's inbox as soon as you hit checkout. You can also print your gift card and give them something that is more tangible.

Barnes and Noble is another option if you'd like to send an online gift certificate to someone. B&N provides online access to ebooks which can be read on iPhones and Blackberries, Mac or PCs. All your gift recipient will have to do to get started reading, is select their book at B&N.com and download the free eReader software. Note, gift certificates can only be used at B&N.com, not in stores.

Macys.com offers the ability to send e-gift cards until 1pm on December 24. Your recipient will receive a personalized email within 24 hours, redeemable at Macys.com, macysweddingchannel.com or in stores.

Continue reading Who needs shipping? 14 online sites where you can get great gifts

Download SquadWho needs shipping? 14 online sites where you can get great gifts originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblecarbonitee gift cardsEGiftCardsemusicereaderfeaturesgog.comhggholidayholiday gift guideHolidayGiftGuideitunesitunes storeItunesStorelands endLandsEndmacysmedia templeMediaTemplenordstromonline shoppingOnlineShoppingsteamwalmartTue, 22 Dec 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle app coming soon for BlackBerry and Mac]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After coming to the iPhone and then to Windows desktops, Amazon's Kindle e-reader app is scheduled to conquer the BlackBerry next. Despite all the hype about the iPhone and new Android devices, BlackBerry is still one of the most popular smartphones out there, so this represents a significant new market for Amazon. There hasn't been a big announcement about the BlackBerry app, but the San Francisco Chronicle broke the story last week.

Kindle for BlackBerry is listed as "coming soon" on Amazon's Kindle product page, but we don't have an exact timeline yet. Will BlackBerry users want to read Kindle books on the small screens of their devices? Maybe not, but Kindle's well-known brand name and large library of books means Amazon probably has a better shot than anyone else at marketing a BlackBerry e-reader.

Kindle for Mac is also listed as coming soon, which isn't a huge surprise after the PC version was released in November. No one seems to have gotten a peek at the Mac app yet, so, like the BlackBerry version, the best we can say about the timeline is "coming soon." Early reviews of the PC version of Kindle praised the seamless WhisperSync download experience, but bemoaned the lack of display settings. Knowing how Mac users love eye candy, Amazon may have to step up its game for a successful OS X release.

[via AppScout]

Download SquadAmazon Kindle app coming soon for BlackBerry and Mac originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblackberrybooksereaderkindlemobileMon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Major publishers collaborating on "Hulu for magazines"]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/08/major-publishers-collaborating-on-hulu-for-magazines/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/08/major-publishers-collaborating-on-hulu-for-magazines/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/08/major-publishers-collaborating-on-hulu-for-magazines/#commentsFiled under:

Major magazine publishers know they're in trouble. Mags have been shutting down all over the place during the past year, and the rise of blogs and eReaders continues apace. A group of publishers including Conde Nast, Hearst, Meredith, News Corp., and Time Inc. has combined to launch a digital delivery system for magazines that has been compared to both iTunes and the popular streaming TV site Hulu.

The service has no name yet, but it will deliver magazines - and advertising, of course - to eReaders, mobile devices and laptops, staying true to the mags' print layouts. Other publishers will be able to join the platform eventually (hey, it can't hurt to offer more content), and it might expand beyond magazines eventually.

As Valleywag points out, the challenge of this venture is to consolidate the userbase behind one device and corresponding delivery mechanism, like Apple did with iTunes and the iPod. Magazine publishers might not be the ones to do that, considering how clueless they've been in the print business. Plus, Hearst is also involved in a service called Skiff, that launched a week ago, uses Sprint's 3G network, and seems to be a competitor with this nameless new magazine platform.

[via Mashable]

Download SquadMajor publishers collaborating on "Hulu for magazines" originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital distributionDigitalDistributionereaderhuluitunesmagazinesprintpublishersTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle for PC: Now delivering books to your desktop]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/amazon-kindle-for-pc-now-delivering-books-to-your-desktop/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/amazon-kindle-for-pc-now-delivering-books-to-your-desktop/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/amazon-kindle-for-pc-now-delivering-books-to-your-desktop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kindle for PC
As expected, Amazon has launched a version of its Kindle eBook reader for Windows. The software is available for Windows XP, Vista, and 7, with a Mac version "coming soon."

As an eBook reader, Kindle for the PC is pretty no-frills. It lets you adjust fonts, read books, and create bookmarks. And that's about it. But the software can also synchronize with other devices. So if you have Amazon's physical Kindle eBook reader or the iPhone version and you've created annotations on it, you'll be able to access them on the PC client. No, I have no idea why you can't create annotations on the PC version.

In order to download books, you'll need to connect to the Amazon Kindle store via a web browser. When you select a title, it will be downloaded to your PC and available for viewing in the Kindle software.

The Windows 7 version of the software also includes multitouch capabilities that allow you to zoom in and out by pinching your fingers if your PC has a touchscreen. A future version is expected to add support for page turning with a swipe of your finger.

The biggest problem with Kindle for PC? It's geographically restricted and won't work in most countries outside of the US. I haven't seen any official statement on this, but a colleague in Canada tells me that the software won't work in his country.

[via Engadget]

Download SquadAmazon Kindle for PC: Now delivering books to your desktop originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-kindleebook-readerebooksfreewarekindlekindle-for-pcTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google announces new e-book store, competes with Amazon]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/15/google-announces-new-e-book-store-competes-with-amazon/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/15/google-announces-new-e-book-store-competes-with-amazon/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/15/google-announces-new-e-book-store-competes-with-amazon/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon's Kindle might have some competition on its hands. Google has just announced a new e-book store called Google Editions, that will deliver books to any device with a web browser. Although Google isn't launching an e-reader device like the Kindle, it will support e-books that customers buy from stores like Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. Google Editions is slated to launch in the first half of 2010.

This obviously won't hurt Amazon's e-book sales too much, but it might cut into sales of the Kindle. Why buy a really expensive device when you can read the same books on the devices you already have? From what we've seen in the past, though, Amazon is much more concerned with book sales than device sale. They did create the Kindle app for iPhone, after all. Also worth noting: Google's history with electronic versions of books isn't entirely a successful one. They're still resolving legal issues over Google Books, a project which has already scanned over 10 million books and made them searchable.

[via Mashable]

Download SquadGoogle announces new e-book store, competes with Amazon originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon kindleAmazonKindlebooksebookgooglegoogle editionsGoogleEditionskindleThu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown for Kindle outselling hardback edition]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/17/the-lost-symbol-by-dan-brown-for-kindle-outselling-hardback-ed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/17/the-lost-symbol-by-dan-brown-for-kindle-outselling-hardback-ed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/17/the-lost-symbol-by-dan-brown-for-kindle-outselling-hardback-ed/#comments
Oh those times they are a changin'! According to the statistics at the time of writing in the Amazon US best-selling books list, 'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown for Kindle is outselling the equivalent hardback!

Kindle Nation notes that the situation may well change as time goes on and particularly as the holiday season approaches (when the book will certainly sell extremely well as a gift), however I think that what we are seeing is almost a 'coming of age' of the eBook - consumers realising that they can get their books more conveniently, cheaper and of course instantly - a huge plus when you're rushing to get the newest best-seller from a huge author like Dan Brown.

Bear in mind that as you can see in the above screenshot, not only is the Kindle version of the book outselling the hardback edition, but it is outselling every other book in any form in Amazon's store. Impressive!

Unfortunately we don't have any numbers that detail what percentage of the copies sold are delivered to iPhones and iPods rather than the Kindle devices themselves, but I suspect that if we did, a large percentage would be going to the non-Amazon devices.

Who knows how huge the book sales would be if more platforms have a Kindle reader...?

Download Squad'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown for Kindle outselling hardback edition originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondan brownDanBrownkindlethe lost symbolTheLostSymbolThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST