With a price war developing between eReader devices (Barnes and Noble's Nook can now be purchased for just $US149), and the iPad making significant inroads into the market as well, Amazon have gone on the attack by announcing significantly cheaper Kindles - including a WiFi only version for just $US139:
The new Kindle features a screen with increased gray-scale contrast, a battery that lasts for a month, and a slightly smaller size. It will come in two flavors: one with Wi-Fi and 3G Internet connections selling for $189, the other with Wi-Fi only for $139. The latter will be among the cheapest wireless-equipped e-readers on the market, at least for now.
"We developed this device for serious readers. At these price points, it may be much broader than that," said Mr. Bezos in an interview. "People will buy them for their kids. People won't share Kindles any more." Amazon will begin taking orders Thursday and the new models will begin shipping Aug. 27 to customers in 140 countries.
The new models and pricing seem aimed primarily at undercutting other comparable devices such as the Nook, rather than taking on the iPad. In the words of Jeff Bezos, "adding video and animation is not going to be helpful. It is distracting rather than enhancing. You are not going to improve Hemingway by adding video snippets."
Here's Bezos on Charlie Rose explaining further:
You can find complete video of the interview at the Charlie Rose website.
