Amazon Kindle update available with… I’m not really sure
I just walked into in the door and see reports of an Amazon Kindle software update. Very limited info on version 1.0.4 is available over at Amazon. And when I say "limited", I’m being generous because there’s no information shared on what’s included in the update. I didn’t opt for a Kindle, so we’ll let James give his an update and share the deets. While I think eInk has a definite future, I’m sticking with eBook reading on my UMPC and other computing devices as I prefer backlit screens and color backgrounds. Maybe that’s why I’m liking TextOnPhone, that iPhone / iPod Touch web app I mentioned yesterday. It’s working well for me now… sounds like a good reason to do another jkOTR video since it’s something better shown than written about.
Although the site is up…(Amazon) rumors are that the update not ready yet. My Kindle did NOT update when I got on to whispernet….so I am not going to “force it” by downloading and installing (in case there are still issues that need to be cleaned up)
“While I think eInk has a definite future …”
Perhaps, but I’ll be surprised if it has a very long one. I thought about buying a Bookeen Cybook recently. (Neither the Sony Reader nor the Kindle is available on this side of the Atlantic. I wouldn’t be seen dead with the Kindle in any case.) Apart from the price, the main thing that put me off was the screen.
I think it would be more accurate to say that eInk HAD a definite future seven or eight years ago, before TFT flat screens and ClearType fonts became so common. These days, reading off a computer screen is no more difficult than reading off a page. My eyes certainly don’t get as tired as they used to when I used a CRT screen. The makers of eInk readers have missed their opportunity, in my opinion.