It seems as if Amazon is “actively enticing” Apple iOS devs to port certain educational apps to the company’s popular Kindle platform.
Indeed, Atomium developer Henri Hansen told AppleInsider that Amazon had “invited” him to adapt a periodic table reference app for use on the Kindle.
The online retailer has also scheduled a March 29 conference call to discuss its future Kindle app plans with additional third-party devs.
As AppleInsider’s Daniel Eran Dilger notes, Amazon’s Kindle is currently based on an E-Ink display that offers long battery life and helps reduce eye strain as well as glare.
However, the display is also relatively slow to refresh and limited to black and white, thereby making the Kindle an attractive device for educational or reference apps.
My take on all this?
Sure, Amazon can try and tempt iOS devs to code for the Kindle. After all, it is an established platform with quite a proven track record.
But really, why bother porting apps at all? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to simply upgrade Amazon’s current Linux OS to Android?
Sure, some people may find it a bit odd running Android on a grey display – but why not seize the opportunity to offer a color Kindle model capable of more effectively competing against B&N’s Android-powered Color Nook?
Such a move would allow Amazon to offer a color e-reader with instant access to thousands of high-quality Android apps, and perhaps even a few Kindle-specific titles as well.
Yes, I know the greyscale approach obviously has its advantages as well in terms of lower cost and longer battery life.
Clearly, I’m not suggesting Amazon ditch its flagship Kindle model with its E-Ink display, but rather, introduce a viable color Android-powered alternative (with a color LCD display) alongside it.
It certainly seems a bit more logical than reinventing, or even recoding the wheel.
