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What Kindle Means for Android

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Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#51

Post by michaelpinto »

fpgeek wrote: post #29
michaelpinto wrote: post #19

But didn't Google block Acer pretty recently? I understand that Acer was part of an industry group, but if Google is delivering a stream of improvements to Android can't they just lock up future updates?

Well, until 2017 there's a pesky promise to Chinese regulators: http://news.cnet.com/8301-32969_3-57437774-300/china-to-goog... Of course, Google's willingness to make that promise says something about their current plans and the contingencies they foresee.

that's interesting — i'd assumed they wrote off china, but that really goes the other way

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#52

Post by gman99 »

nivla wrote: post #50
cma wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You forgot to mention that the kindle app is available free on stock android.

And do you realize that you can't download kindle books on to them unless you already own a kindle device. That app was only designed for portability of your existing library. Amazon in no way give up their biggest advantage over android devices.

That's not true. I don't own a kindle device yet I have books I purchased on the Kindle store (when Amazon had a sale in the past) appear in the Kindle app on my Nexus7.

Maybe it's just that the app does not allow purchasing (never looked)?

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#53

Post by fpgeek »

michaelpinto wrote: post #51
fpgeek wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well, until 2017 there's a pesky promise to Chinese regulators: http://news.cnet.com/8301-32969_3-57437774-300/china-to-goog... Of course, Google's willingness to make that promise says something about their current plans and the contingencies they foresee.

that's interesting — i'd assumed they wrote off china, but that really goes the other way

There's a limited market for Google's services in China (if only because the government generally blocks them), but Motorola sells plenty of phones in China and makes even more.

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#54

Post by fpgeek »

gman99 wrote: post #52
nivla wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And do you realize that you can't download kindle books on to them unless you already own a kindle device. That app was only designed for portability of your existing library. Amazon in no way give up their biggest advantage over android devices.

That's not true. I don't own a kindle device yet I have books I purchased on the Kindle store (when Amazon had a sale in the past) appear in the Kindle app on my Nexus7. Maybe it's just that the app does not allow purchasing (never looked)?

The app allows purchasing. If it didn't, that wouldn't benefit Amazon (see: iOS).

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#55

Post by ajross »

recoiledsnake wrote: post #47
ajross wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So you agree with the flip side argument that Google is just enforcing existing business agreements to which all parties are signatories, you just choose to interpret it as uncharitably as possible for Google. Yawn. Business is business. Using open source software doesn't magically absolve you of responsibility to your contracted partners, nor give you the right to jerk your suppliers around. The simple truth is that…

>Business is business Funny, that reminds me of the scorn heaped on Apple for the patent lawsuits against Samsung. Or on Oracle and Microsoft. Business is business, right? Regardless of other companies getting hurt? Also reminds me of this post by Gruber supporting Apple on in app purchases: http://daringfireball.net/2011/03/dirty_percent It's really ironic how people claim their favorite company is better than the o…

Not following at all. Enforcing an existing, voluntary contract is indeed the routine practice of "business" as I understand it. Suing a competitor for patent infringement in an effort to kill its product is not. I don't see a double standard there.

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#56

Post by fluidcruft »

cma wrote: post #28
fluidcruft wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Amazon has what the others (including Google) don't have--an established digital commerce solution that people use and amazing customer support. Goggle falls flat but sort of seems to be trying to work on it, but I don't trust them the way I already trust Amazon. There's zero reason for me to purchase a book on Play instead of a Kindle as far as I can tell.

You forgot to mention that the kindle app is available free on stock android.

Well, I thought that it was common knowledge that Amazon spreads access widely. AFAIK it's also available on iOS and of course e-ink readers. That platform indirection is a strong reason why I would make an Amazon purchase instead of Play. Similarly, lack of device access for Play (Roku, TiVo) is another reason I prefer to purchase video content on Amazon (I've been purchasing subscriptions for series that are automatically delivered to my TiVo in lieu of cable subscription for a few years now). Not to mention that Play's handling of music does byzantine obtuse things on my phone whereas Amazon MP3 is quite sensible in its directory and file naming. Amazon just feels more open and accessible. Not to repeat the biggie--responsive customer support.

Re: What Kindle Means for Android

#57

Post by nivla »

gman99 wrote: post #52
nivla wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And do you realize that you can't download kindle books on to them unless you already own a kindle device. That app was only designed for portability of your existing library. Amazon in no way give up their biggest advantage over android devices.

That's not true. I don't own a kindle device yet I have books I purchased on the Kindle store (when Amazon had a sale in the past) appear in the Kindle app on my Nexus7. Maybe it's just that the app does not allow purchasing (never looked)?

How do you manage to get the books the at the kindle sale price when you don't own a kindle? Strange, when I got my Nexus 7, I did give the kindle app a try but it wouldn't let me purchase any books unless I paid the hardcover price. I have amazon prime, but without owning a kindle device, these ebook sales are meaningless to me.
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