Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New Kindle Fire HD tablets said to have killer specs. Also, Viewing on a Kindle Fire your photos/videos in your Cloud area and uploading them there automatically

BGR has new details from "trusted sources" on the new Kindle Fire HD's expected in late Fall

BGR's Zach Epstein seems to have the scoop on what Amazon plans to launch in (now) "late September," saying that Amazon is reported to be "on track."

  Today's news include details added to the information on very high display resolutions described July 15 and repeated as background in their current report

  Their headline is "From kindling to inferno: Full specs for next-gen Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablets"

The specs (that unexpectedly include the very fast SpeedDragon 800 processor, etc.) look very similar to today's new Google Nexus except that the Kindle Fire HD would likely be keeping its popular HDMI-out port for direct connection to HDTVs (which some complain is missing from the Nexus), and their new back-facing camera is set to be 8 megapixels.  That camera is said to be included only on the 8.9" model (which will likely make it more popular than the first larger Kindle Fire HD) but not on the 7"HD  model -- this is according to BGR's "multiple trusted sources" who provided "the devices’ complete specs."

BGR is uncharacteristically exuberant in its descriptions. Examples:
' [Subtitled] Amazon to combine powerhouse specs and affordable prices in bid to scorch the competition '
. . .
If you think the new Nexus 7 is impressive, just wait until you see what Amazon is preparing to debut this fall.

If the current tablets are kindling, Amazon’s next-generation Kindle Fire HD tablet lineup is a full-blown inferno.
. . .
We’re told the tablet will be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974) system on a chip, which includes four Krait 400 CPUs and Adreno 330 graphics.  Prototypes are said to be clocked at about 2GHz.

As with the Nexus specs, BGR's sources describe a device with 2GB of RAM, similar storage capabilities, though it seems they'll offer an additional, 64GB option in addition to the 16 and 32GB ones.

  As said July 15, the tablets are said to be both smaller and lighter.

  Again, they're reporting that Amazon is trying to keep similar price points to the current models' non-sales pricing.


The big difference with the Nexus
That would of course be direct access to the Google Play store apps (instead of getting them from places like 1mobile.com as we do now for apps not in the Amazon Appstore).

Barnes and Noble, in May, was in a position where they needed to agree to Google's terms.  The Nook tablets were just not selling, due - partially - to a very limited ecosystem for multimedia tablets and also very limited customer support.  I don't know what Google's device customer support is like, but their Nexus users have seemed pretty happy, in general.  For most things, Google company humans are not easy to get on the phone, so this will be interesting to watch.

  What's not generally described was reported in an ABC news story about the kinds of terms Google requires for competing bookstore and app vendor access to the Google Play store.
' Typically Google requires official Android devices with the full app store to preload Google's own suite of apps, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Play, Music and Chrome.  As such, Barnes & Noble had to remove some of its own store apps to gain access, including its own music app.

[B&N VP] Hilt wouldn't comment on the terms of partnership when asked.  Barnes & Noble's Nook Store, which has millions of books and magazines, will still come preloaded on the tablets. '

  For those who want Google Play Store access, can we imagine Amazon giving up its own Music app or even its own browser, or appstore?  As it is, Kindle Fire owners can get the Chrome browser easily as a secondary web browser.  Apple and Amazon have cooperated in the past, so it's not totally impossible Google and Amazon could do a deal that's better for both of the companies.

  It's not likely, though, as Google books, Cloud, and Music are in competition with Amazon, and the Kindle Fires have been the 2nd most purchased tablets next to the iPad, while using an operating system built on top of Google's Android system.

 I've also read that the current Nexus doesn't yet have as robust a parental control setup.  The Kindle Fire interface is easier for most of its target consumer audience, which seems generally not much into setting up their own layouts and with a family-sharing focus.  The Google Play Store does make it easier for anyone to get those Google apps though.  I personally find it easy to get any apps I want from the secondary Google-apps stores like 1mobile.com, iapknew.com, and others noted in blog entries on installing non-Amazon apps.

 It's good that Google will provide the device competition Amazon customers lost with the current halt of production on the Nook tablets.

  I like the Amazon ecosystem, its customer support, and recent improvements like the Cloud Photo feature this week that, on 2nd Gen Kindle Fires, automatically stores in your Cloud (by the Photo feature's default setting) any photos on your Kindle Fire.  Amazon customers get 5 gigs of free storage space for any type of file.  See the Cloud data storage page.  This is in addition to the 5 Gigs available, to Kindle owners, for 'Personal Docs'


Cloud Photo Storage and Viewing
 You can now view, on your Kindle Fire, all photos stored in your Amazon Cloud (the first generation Kindle Fire requires the Android app for that.

  In Landscape mode, the thumbnails are in varied, larger, sizes and easier to view.   In Portrait mode, they're smaller and are all the same size.  You swipe left or right to see Album contents and click on individual pictures to view those.  Again, the Kindle Fire 2nd Gen tablets automatically send copies to your Cloud area, by default, but you can change the Cloud Photos setting to avoid that if you prefer.

  Importing all your photo albums from Facebook to your Amazon Cloud so that you can view those at anytime on your tablets or phones is now lightning fast.
  Viewing those albums on your Cloud is also a speedy, ultra-clear experience (at least on a cablemodem ISP).  I have tons of images on Facebook, and the transfer of umpteen albums of many photos  to my Amazon Cloud area finished in a couple of minutes.




Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan


Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
If interested, you can also follow my add'l blog-related news at Facebook and Twitter
Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Kindle News: Follow-up on glitchy Kindle Fire software update, w/ workarounds...New Nexus 7" tablets, at Amazon...Chromecast-what-is-it and what about the free Netflix promo...Amazon and job creation + Obama's visit to an Amazon fulfillment center Tuesday...New jobs w/ benefits (warehouse and customer service)...Big Fall Books Preview



Assorted Odds and Ends in the News or from discussion forums the last week

I'll try to keep these shorter and give links for full detail, as there is quite a bit.

First, a caution.  The Kindle Fire software update that went out over the air to a few (but is not offered as a manual update, version [x].4.5 was first mentioned at the bottom of the blog article dated July 21), continues to cause problems, reported on the Amazon Kindle forums in various message threads about website Flash videos or Youtube suddenly not working.

  According to one customer who quoted a note from Kindle Support, this is not an intended effect, and they are studying the reports and working to resolve the problems.

  A few ways to work around it until then, for those who somehow received v[x]4.5 update (but these workarounds don't always work)...

1. At youtube, try going to http://m.youtube.com instead (the simpler mobile version)
or download TubeMate app and use that for Youtube to either play or download a video

2. Using the default Amazon Web browser (named Silk), use the web browser Menu [rectangle] to choose to enable Experimental Streaming Viewer when you see this at the bottom of your webpage after Amazon detects compatible flash video on the page:
 

3. In the meantime, while first-tier customer support may realize that the over-the-air update some have received is causing these glitches, the customer reps don't always know that some tech support have said it is not an intended effect and they're working on it.  This would, though, explain why the software updates page does not offer that software update on a manual basis.


New Nexus tablets - the 16 GB version is in stock for Prime delivery at Amazon
These are making big news this week because of their very high display resolution, large RAM chip, fast processor and much improved audio, all at a decent price, though some are not happy that it still doesn't have built-in HDMI-Out to an HDTV.  That may be due to Google's Chromecast -- more on that latter gizmo in a moment.

  Amazon had the 16 GB in stock for Prime Delivery late last night but apparently those are gone and a 3rd party vendor charging $12 more at Amazon is now offering these.  So this is just for info for those who will hear more about these in the coming days and they're probably the reason we saw all the leaks on the coming new Kindle Fire HD tablets, to be announced, it was said, in August or early September.

  The 32 GB Nexus (and, really, the one to get if you want the Nexus) is being sold by Amazon directly, and shipping via Prime is estimated at 3-4 weeks.  Shipping at most places is slow on this one.

  Here are the product pages for more detail and if you prefer purchasing via Amazon for their customer support policies:  New Nexus 16 GB     New Nexus 32 GB


Google's Chromecast
Chromecast is a 'dongle' that Google is selling for $35 that will stream some web video, music "and more" from a tablet, phone or laptop to a TV in many or most cases.  Reviews differ so far.

  Google was offering 3 months of free Netflix for this, even to those who already subscribe to Netflix.
  They discontinued that free Netflix offer this last week (due to overwhelming demand), to much consternation, especially since people had bought (from Google, Best Buy, and Amazon, et al) one of these gadgets with the expectation of getting that Netflix promo.

  Here is the upshot, on how Amazon will handle the Netflix promo for those who bought before the cancellation was announced:
' Netflix Promotion No Longer Available
Please note that the Netflix promotional offer (which was available in limited supply) has now ended.  Customers who ordered their Chromecast prior to 5:31 PM PST on July 24, 2013 will receive a Netflix gift code via email within 5 days of their product's ship date. '
  If you bought it from Google, their policy is: "Orders placed before 1PM PST on 7/25 will receive their promotion code once their order ships."

  Two excellent articles on Chromecast
  Here's a very informative set of explanations of what Chromecast does and how it does it, by RJ Raphael - "Android Power" column, at Computerworld.
  Also, one titled "... but not for everyone," by Craig Lloyd for Slashgear, includes some caveats.


Amazon and jobs - and an appearance by President Obama
President Obama will be making a speech about jobs at Amazon's Fulfillment Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Tuesday.  This is probably in connection with the heavy creation of new jobs (with benefits) cited this week.

  According to Reuters and other news sources, "the White House said he will discuss proposals "to jumpstart private sector job growth and make America more competitive, and will also talk about new ideas to create American jobs...The speech is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET."

  Amazon to fill 7,000 jobs in 13 states, per AP via Brandenton.com.

  This will include 5,000 full-time jobs at its U.S. distribution centers (see linked article for a list of cities in which they're hiring) and 2,000 jobs in customer service, including full-time, part-time and seasonal.   The customer service jobs are available "in Winchester, Ky.; Grand Forks, N.D.; Kennewick, Wash. and Huntington, W.Va.  Work from home positions are available in Oregon, Washington and Arizona."

  Amazon's own press release on the 5,000 Fulfillment Center jobs headlines the benefits involved:
' Positions pay 30 percent more than traditional retail jobs and include comprehensive benefits beginning on day one, including healthcare, 401(k) and company stock awards

Amazon offers employees innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95% of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon
'

For any job-seekers you may know:
  See more recruitment information at Amazon Fulfillment Careers and Amazon Customer Service Jobs.


What else is Amazon up to?
Here are some ideas from Brad Stone, who was "in Silicon Valley for most of this summer, working with Amazon’s hardware design arm, Lab126, according to a person familiar with the matter who wasn’t authorized to discuss it publicly.)
...
  "... It’s hard to make much money when you’re opening refrigerated fulfillment centers around the country, manufacturing your first set-top box ([TV] , preparing to launch a phone, buying up video content in a furious competition with Netflix, and creating original programming, all the while diving into new product categories and revolutionizing the publishing business "

Earlier in April, Stone had written:
' . The e-commerce giant is planning to introduce a device this fall dedicated to streaming video over the Internet and into its customers’ living rooms, according to three people familiar with the project who aren’t authorized to discuss it.

They say the box will plug into TVs and give users access to Amazon’s expanding video offerings.  Those include its à la carte Video on Demand store, which features newer films and TV shows, and its Instant Video service, which is free for subscribers to the Amazon Prime two-day shipping package. '

I don't know how that might compare with Chromecast, since I haven't bought one (I can just beam my Kindle Fire HD contents to my HDMI TV's with the HDMI-out Kindle Fire HD feature, though I get better size results with the 8.9" model than with the 7" one).

Re the question of whether or not Amazon will include competing video streaming services on its device, Stone feels that they likely will (or go unbought!) but that Amazon's "own video and music services will be more prominently integrated into the device."


Amazon's Big Fall Books Preview was just announced
I'll spare you the details here, because they're available at the "20 Big Fall Books" page at http://amzn.to/fallbookspreview


I still have a lot more to write up, but that won't be until Monday night.




Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan

Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
If interested, you can also follow my add'l blog-related news at Facebook and Twitter
Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Kindle Alert: Saturday July 27, 2013 only: Over 40 of "most popular Kindle deals" at $2.99 or less, each, today. But just for one day..




Deal for today only - Saturday, July 27 [Date was correct, but 'Sunday' was not]

It's 40 of "The Most Popular Kindle Deals: at $2.99 or less, each.

While back working on items for the blog, I ran across this and wanted to get it off while there's still daylight this Saturday.

It's a "Goldbox deal of the day"  -- While it changes daily, of course, the focus today is the most popular of Kindle Daily Deals that are normally found under the Kindle Daily deal link for that.

Still working on news and changes.




Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan

Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
If interested, you can also follow my add'l blog-related news at Facebook and Twitter
Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

New Amazon page for Certified Refurbished Kindles, with full 1-Yr Warranty. 'The Big Deal' of 500 books for up to 85-pct off is back thru' Aug 4. Android App of the Day (Sunday) is Piano Melody Pro. Kindle Fire Software update received by some.


Free Android App of the Day for Sunday
Piano Melody Pro is the free app for Sunday July 21 (only).

  So far, it includes 300 songs that can be learned.  The list is at the product page.  While it's "multitouch" you learn only the melody.
  From the reviews, one thing to know is that you should uncheck "Pressure" setting if you want it to play easily.



AMAZON'S "THE BIG DEAL" IS BACK AGAIN - 500 Kindle books at "up to 85% Off"

"The Big Deal" this time includes 500 Kindle books organized by category.
The books, many of which are quite popular, are priced between $1.99 and $3.99, with most of them $1.99 to $2.99.

Expiration date?
August 4, 2013.

Amazon note:
"Individual titles may have additional territory restrictions, and not all deals are available in all territories.   Amazon may modify the selection of books offered at any time."


NEW Amazon Page, for Certified Refurbished Kindles
Amazon describes these as "pre-owned" Kindles (E-ink and Kindle Fire tablets) that have been "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new.  All Certified Refurbished Kindle devices include a full one-year limited warranty, just like a brand-new Kindle."

  Some consider these a better bet in some ways than a new model, as each has been checked and certified to look and work "like new" and receives the same warranty as a new device, but the price is lower.  They're not large discunts, but it's one way to get a 32G Kindle Fire device for the cost of a 16G model and there's no risk involved.

And, this is one way to get a Kindle Touch, which has double the storage space of a Paperwhite plus audio capability, though it has no built-in light.

  The certified refurbished Paperwhite, at $104, is a good buy.  As with totally new devices that don't have 3G cellular-network capability and which therefore rely on WiFi access, you'd need WiFi in your home to access the 'Cloud' or your personal areas on the Amazon servers that hold your library of books and to access Wikipedia online, which is available via the Kindle 24 hours a day at no added cost for 3G access on the E-Ink Kindles.

  The 3G cellular-network-capable version of the Paperwhite, for Cloud and Wikipedia access without having to find a WiFi hotspot, is $159.

  Here's the blog article on What is 3G? and "WiFi"?

  As with the new models, the Kindle charger is bought separately when needed.  If you already have another Kindle of any type, you'd already have a charger and wouldn't need to buy another one.

  Note that certified refurbished models will be in and out of stock (the 3G refurbished Paperwhite became out of stock while I was typing this entry).


A Kindle Fire update to [x].4.5 has been received 'over the air' by a few.
This is just an alert.  Normally, we want updates, but in this case there seems to be a glitch for those who are using Dolphin browser with its old-Flash-player support.

  I'm hoping Amazon has heard about the glitch and will pause on the update.  The software update pages don't show the update as offered for manual updates as of now.  If you see an upgrade file posted later, for [x].4.5 and you rely on website Flash video via Dolphin or Firefox, I'd hold on manually updating it.
  I'll monitor the situation and will appreciate any input from others.  Thanks.




Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan


Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
If interested, you can also follow my add'l blog-related news at Facebook and Twitter
Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Kindle News: Amazon's 150 Summer Steals" in Kindle books. A Kindle Fire HD 7-inch tablet $40-off Promo Code (as 'Upgrade'?) that may or may not work. 2013's 'Best' in Music and Movies/TV so far. UPDATED

Amazon's "150 Summer Steals"

Amazon's description of this new feature: "From must-read fiction to sci-fi and cookbooks, enjoy a variety of popular titles from $1.99 through July 22."


They've also released a press release for what they consider the Best Music and Movies & TV for 2013, "so far" -- "compiled from best-selling rankings, curated editor picks and spotlight selections" for the first half of 2013.


An e-mailed Offer of $40 off a Kindle Fire HD 7-inch tablet
  I just received a promo notice in email for $40 off a Kindle Fire HD 7" tablet, with a promo code.

  However, while they lead me to the promo page for more information, it's not clear to me whether this offer will work for others.  They mention 'eligible' customers, which probably has something to do with Amazon customer residence and credit card status (but I don't know).  It should be worth a try though, as a similar emailed-offer in the past DID work for others.  I already have this tablet so I have no idea why I would receive the offer.  Whatever Amazon's intentions, The offer ends July 24, and the Code given is FVUK-EVHLUF-4T7CY9.

  UPDATE - I didn't notice that the promo page wording on the tablet promo says "Ready to Upgrade?" -- so it is apparently for those who already own a Kindle...

  You'd enter the code after adding the tablet order to your shopping cart.  Here are the Terms and Conditions:
' The promotion is limited to one per customer. If there is more than one eligible item in your Shopping Cart, the promotion applies to only the lowest priced item.
• The discount is valid until 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) July 24, 2013. Amazon reserves the right to cancel it at any time.
• If you do not purchase a new Kindle Fire HD when the promotion is in effect, the discount will not apply.
• The promotion applies only to new Kindle Fire HD sold and shipped by Amazon.com.  It does not apply to items sold by other merchants on the Amazon.com web site.
• If you return the Kindle Fire HD, we will subtract the value of the promotional code from your return credit.
Does not apply to orders placed with 1-Click.  The offer may not be combined with other offers.
• If you violate any of the Terms and Conditions, the promotion will be invalid, and the promotional code discount will not apply.
• Shipping and handling charges apply to all products.
• Offer good while supplies last.
• Void where prohibited.
• This offer is not transferable and may not be resold.
• Taxes may apply in certain jurisdictions. '

Let us know, in the Comments section, if it does or doesn't work for you.




Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan


Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

Kindle News: J.K. Rowling as author Robert Galbraith. New Kindle Fire rumors and their sources. Amazon Prime gets hundreds of Miramax films.


J.K. Rowling's book under another name gets good reviews but her 'cover' is blown

The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith (nice choice of a last name to get people's attention, at least) was published by Little, Brown's Mulholland Books on April 30, 2013.

Publishers Weekly explains what happened after a short time:
' Rowling was discovered by the Sunday Times in investigating "how a first-time author with a background in the army and the civilian security industry could write such an assured debut novel."

  In a statement, Rowling said:
  "I hoped to keep this secret a little longer because being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience. "It has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation, and pure pleasure to get feedback from publishers and readers under a different name." '

The day after the reveal, the book made #1 on Amazon and was back-ordered for 10-14 days.  Publishers Weekly adds that it was #20 in the Kindle store and #1 overall in print on Barnes & Noble.

  Publishers Weekly's "starred review" had described the book by 'Galbraith' as "complex," "compelling," and "stellar.".


Sourcing rumors of new Kindle Fires by the holidays
For days there've been rumors of this, but here's one that quotes a source in China.  Since the articles have been plentiful, I've wondered if this was "leaked" information, maybe in preparation for what other tablet makers are preparing, but if it is, it might slow sales of its current Kindle Fires so I don't know if that makes sense.
  By the way, as of last night, at least, I saw that the $30 off the Kindle Fire HD 7"
    no longer is in effect.  It had been "for a limited time."

  As with software, revenue is increased only with improvements and updates.
  But quoted reports are from Chinese sources

  From these, Android Authority's Nate Swanner writes that reports suggest they'll be metal and may be announced sometime in late August (though the reports say "or early September").  Last year's were announced in early September.
' According to Chinese site UDN, Amazon has awarded an RFP for one million tablet housings to Compal, the second largest PC manufacturer to Quanta, which got the nod for last year’s Kindle lineup.  The change is said to be a desire for materials, as the report goes on to note the one million orders Amazon placed were for metal housings. '

  Their reports are based on a techkiddy blog report, itself referencing udn.com, which is displayed in Chinese (but if you wait long enough it morphs into Google's automated English translation).

  I'm going to quote SOME of the (very primitive) Google web-translation of the report with the caveat that these are not always translated correctly, but at least you'll get an idea of the basis for the various reports.

From the (not to be considered reliable - and somewhat unfathomable) automated translation from the UDN report:
' Amazon Compal...

['Economic Daily ╱ reporter Xie Yili / Taipei]
2013.07.15 04:36 am

'Amazon (Amazon) is about to launch a new product, it is understood, Compal (2324) won the high Amazon Tablet PC OEM orders, number about one million units, the product casing made of metal, will Compal .. (ren Bao Ju Teng and components plant joint venture) procurement case...Compal tablet shipments in the second half great tonic.
[Note by ab:   I left out incomprehensible portions having something to do with Compal and Bao Ju Teng and some kind of movement from plastic casing to metal chassis...

To SEE the Google translation (which just makes no sense to me, see the FULL translated page.]
'Dow Jones noted that Amazon plans to end shopping season before [that's the translation] the arrival of at least three launch Kindle Fire tablet computer products, the first new tablet product will be an upgraded version of a product before, remained seven-inch screen, but the resolution will be upgrade to the original 1024x600 1280x800, with the current Kindle Fire HD resolution considerably.

'As for the second paragraph of the new product is an upgraded version of Kindle Fire HD, resolution will be pulled up to 1920x1200, as is the 7-inch screen size, but the main higher resolution, third paragraph of new products is the new 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD.

'It is understood that the Amazon for component manufacturers have started up the goods, estimated launch date will fall on August and September.  Legal representation, Amazon tablet shipments in the third quarter will be significantly jump, but this quarter notebook shipments foundry weaker; Amazon supply chain includes connector factory is Wei, touch panel factory F-TPK, Wintek , interfaces and so on... '

 After reading the automated translation of the UDN page, is your head still on?
  I included it for those who want to try to see the basis, although a really good translation by a Chinese person would definitely be more useful.

But, who knows?
  BGR says that they know.  Citing "trusted sources," BGR reports that Amazon is "currently prepping at least three new Kindle Fire tablets that will launch ahead of the holiday shopping season this year."

The first tablet is said to be a replacement for the basic 7-inch Kindle Fire, which currently is NOT HD and is selling for $159.  While the display size will remain the same, BGR's "source" (a single one in this case) says that the new panel will go to a higher resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which is what the current 7" HD model has.  The current non-HD Kindle Fire model uses an IPS display with 1,024 x 600-pixel resolution, so they'd be going to HD for the base model next time and to super-high resolution for the other two models being upgraded (if these reports are true).

  The upgraded 7" HD model's display will have "an improved panel featuring 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution, a substantial upgrade from the 1,280 x 800-pixel screen in the current model.  The new display will still measure 7 inches diagonally, our source said."

  The third upgraded model will be "the current 8.9-inch model, which currently "features a display with a better-than-1080p resolution at 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, but the updated version will bump up the pixel count to 2,560 x 1,600, according to our source."

  "At this resolution, Amazon’s new high-end tablet will pack even more pixels than Apple’s 9.7-inch Retina display into a smaller 8.9-inch screen — the iPad’s 9.7-inch Retina display features 2,048 x 1,536-pixel resolution."

You can read BGR's report to see details for what they describe as a more chiseled form and what the new placement will be for the power and volume buttons.

BGR's request for a comment from an Amazon spokesman was, as usual for rumors, denied, so it seems the "trusted sources" may not be from Amazon insiders.  They generally like to say "Those in the know" but we're not getting even that.  The level of detail matches what is in the Chinese reports though.

  BGR adds that "one source" says that Amazon is trying to keep pricing at the same level as we see with the current trio of tablets.  Suppliers wouldn't have access to that kind of information though.


Today: Amazon Prime Instant Video signs deal for hundreds of Miramar films
AfterDawn's Andre Yoskowitz reports that Amazon has gained "hundreds" of titles to its Prime Instant Video offering (viewable at no extra cost to Prime members)




Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
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Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

DOJ-APPLE LAWSUIT: Clues, on the last day of the trial, that Apple had lost the lawsuit after Eddy Cue had resorted to saying Steve Jobs was "confused" and a key e-mail piece was passed off as an early draft though the judge wasn't fooled


Why Apple's loss of this lawsuit was inevitable

As anyone interested in the e-book pricing wars and the US/DOJ vs Apple lawsuit will have heard on Monday, Apple lost the lawsuit.  Here's Judge Cote's decision ("Opinion & Order").  It's written very clearly for a legal document and she answers each of Apple's points.

  Bear in mind that the DOJ just went for a civil case rather than a criminal one.

Apple took a chance on the trial because, most agree, it didn't want the government oversight (over the type of negotiations with content companies) that the five settling publishers had to accept, some concern over private lawsuits, and because Apple management has a strong faith in their ability to market, even to a judge who, in her denial of Apple's Motion to Dismiss the case, had already explained why the main arguments they would use during the ensuing trial would not be successful.


One general point:
  Apple's defense team pushed the point that they were trying to ensure a healthier, free market atmosphere against a company (Amazon) that dominated it and which would possibly eventually cause competitors to have to leave the arena -- but the Wall St Journal (a fairly conservative site that is itself a publisher with some colorfully-expressed enmity toward Amazon from its owner Robert Murdoch) quoted Herbert Hovenkamp, a law professor at the University of Iowa, who explained, as others have, that:
  "The goal of antitrust policy is to protect consumer prices ... It’s not to protect inefficient firms from having to exit the market."

  and again, from PaidContent's Matthew Ingram on the same point, which Apple lawyers should have known:
' ...antitrust law in the U.S. isn’t designed to help prevent competitors from being squashed by a large player in an industry — even if that player has what amounts to a monopoly position.  The key point is whether that particular company’s behavior alters or damages the marketplace in a way that harms consumers.  And when it comes to that, the DoJ is on rock-solid ground. '

  and Monday, Judge Cote wrote:
'...it is essential to remember that the antitrust laws were enacted for "the protection of competition, not competitors." '

Apple's response yesterday was to restate their role of white knight saving the e-book world from Amazon and "We've done nothing wrong and we will appeal the judge's decision."


Background:
Those new to the case and curious about it can see original news sources in a Timeline and a set of articles that are a news history of the e-mail pricing wars

  The page of articles also provides links to the primary court documents, some of which are fascinating reading, as they consist of private mails between several companies' executives and give insight into the thinking and atmosphere of higher management in those companies.

  They even come with some admonitions from the writers to delete the email received (and most of us know this doesn't mean they are truly deleted).

  So, anyone interested in the nitty gritty of the lawsuit, after being puzzled by news summaries, can get some original-source reading of intrigue-ridden moments.


COURT MOMENTS

1. Apple insisted it was no "ringleader" of the publishers' effort and that Apple was just going along with the publishers who were driving the price hikes.  Well, there is a lot of data there -- but for those not interested in too much detail, there was a whiff of gunsmoke from Simon and Schuster's chief executive, Carolyn Reidy, when the DOJ introduced an email from Reidy to Apple's Eddy Cue (the negotiator) in which she said she "looked forward" to his progress in "herding us cats."

2. Especially for sleuths.  Apple's SVP of Internet Services, apparently tried to mislead the judge after a key DOJ document indicated that Steve Jobs sent an email to Apple's Eddy Cue January 14, 2010, Subject title "Re: Book Prices Thoughts" saying:
' I can live with this, as long as they move Amazon to the agent model too for new releases for the first year.  If they don't, I'm not sure we can be competitive...'

  Does this even matter?  Two Apple execs (Keith Moerer and Kevin Saul) had both testified that Apple was "indifferent" to what kind of agreement the publishers signed with Amazon.  Steve Jobs's email posed a conflict with Moerer and Saul's testimony.

  When Eddy Cue didn't want the email to be evidence that Apple had planned to require that the publishers move Amazon to the agent model too, for new releases, Orin Snyder, Apple's Chief Counsel, came back by asking Moerer:

  "Are you aware that the e-mail was never sent?"

  Judge Cote ordered Snyder's question removed from the record.

  Apple's Snyder came back the next day to introduce a longer version of the email, stamped with the same date, suggesting that the email introduced had been a discarded draft.

  This led to Apple siders in the blogosphere arguing even after the trial ended, that the DOJ had introduced an early, discarded draft, but the people writing this in commenter areas probably never followed up on that story to find out what actually happened when the judge decided to analyze the pieces that were part of an odd sequence.

  The DOJ returned to ask Eddy Cue, on the stand, what the longer email meant and if he'd ever received it, and Cue said he hadn't.
  It's interesting that each email version has a timestamp header line: "Received(Date):" ... with the time filled in.

  Not leaving well-enough alone, Apple Counsel Snyder came back to this on a later date, introducing FIVE different versions of Jobs's email.  The key wording about Amazon did not appear in the other four versions.  CNN Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt wrote that Snyder seemed to be implying that Jobs's thinking had evolved over the first four email versions drafts.

  The problem for Snyder was that the version that the government had introduced was time-stamped LATER than the other four versions.

 Apple's Snyder explains this by saying that's the timestamp that's applied when a computer window is closed. (?)

  DOJ lawyer Buterman pointed out, furthermore, that the DOJ-introduced version not only had the latest time stamp, but it was the ONLY one that was signed in Jobs's usual manner, "Steve"...

Then the sleuthy judge put her analytical ways to work on this -- and noted that the first version's wording appeared on the 2nd version but part of the text was moved down and replaced in the paragraph by other wording, while the original words were left dangling below the body of the message (probably meant for deletion but forgotten) in all subsequent copies.
' Anyway, so it's like hanging down there just sort of riding at the bottom of the e-mail for the rest of the chain, which, to me, is additional confirmation that this is the last in the series. '

That's when Cue tried to explain it all away by saying about Steve Jobs, "He's writing that first one, he's confused about it... This was before the iPad launch, which most of us watched.
(NOTE: See another story, by CNet's Shara Tibken, showing how often Cue had to say Jobs was 'confused' to get away from any idea that they ever thought about insisting that publishers require all retailers to go the Agency Agreement route.

  Tibken writes:
  "Apple's initial proposal sent to publishers on January 4 and 5 of 2010 said publishers working with Apple had to move all retailers to agency..."

 The judge thanked him.  But she has shown a tendency to analyze thoroughly everything submitted to her (not taking at face value declarations from either side) and this was not a good moment for Apple's defense, as it showed clearly a desire on Snyder's part to get this clearly weak set and the idea of the last one as an early draft past the judge (or, even worse, the Defense team had not even taken the time to take a logical look at the 5 versions they submitted).

  At the weakest, it showed some definite intent by Steve Jobs at that time and it contradicted what Moerer and Saul had testified.  While Eddy Cue testified that he changed his mind on this and that explicit language did not make it into the final contract language, the publishers did in fact coincidentally insist that Amazon agree to use the Agency model.

  Judge Cote's Decision describes this in Footnote 24 connected with her statement on Page 50 that "there is no evidence...that Apple ever rescinded its demand that each of [the e-book retailers] move to an agency arrangement with all resellers."

Random House refused to sign up for the change to higher book prices, explaining that they felt retailers best understood selling; their e-books were not allowed in the Apple iBookstore for a year (imagine the media uproar if Amazon had banned Random House from the Amazon store for not agreeing to their wholesaler model with lower pricing for bestsellers), until Random House waved the white flag when Apple withheld permission for an app important to Random House.


Things that stood out, in the Decision - as cited by the PublishersWeekly article by Andrew Albanese
  1. "In the final analysis, the case wasn’t even close.  In its defense, Apple had argued on three main points, and lost soundly on all three." (Details in the article)

  2. "Throughout the opinion Cote made numerous observations on the proceedings in her court. She criticized the publishers and Apple executives not only for what she clearly views as their participation in a conspiracy, but also for their lack of credibility on the stand, calling out Macmillan CEO John Sargent and S&S CEO Carolyn Reidy by name as among the most 'unreliable' witnesses...
...
"The poor performances on the stand helped doom Apple.  Indeed, given the vast amount of documentary evidence, Apple needed its witnesses to strongly rebut the facts, but they did not...
...
"Jobs’s statements offered 'powerful evidence of conspiratorial knowledge and intent...'
...
" 'Apple has struggled mightily to reinterpret Jobs’s statements in a way that will eliminate their bite.  Its efforts have proven fruitless.'


Judge Cote's Decision itself has this interesting footnote in connection with publishers insisting they never talked with the other publishers about their contract talks with Apple.
' On December 15, Hachette’s Young spoke to S&S’s Reidy by telephone prior to his meeting with Cue. On December 16, Reidy called Young just minutes after her meeting with Cue had ended. The next day, the two exchanged three calls. '

What's next? - From the same PublishersWeekly article
Albanese quotes Christopher Sagers, a law professor at Cleveland State University "who has followed the case closely." Apple is appealing to the Second Circuit, and Sagers says "I think it's extremely unlikely, however, that the Second Circuit would do anything except resoundingly affirm in all respects."

  Sagers adds that the judge's "fact rulings" are "essentially unassailable on appeal...it will be exceedingly hard because you’ve got a 160-page opinion that is extraordinarily, meticulously detailed as to the findings of fact.”

  While there are a few ways to handle this, he expects a damages trial but they can put that off until after the appeal, which should take about a year..."

  More at the PW article.


Here's an especially good article by Ars Technica's Jon Brodkin on the history of this e-book-pricing battle and a thorough explanation of the differences between the traditional wholesaler arrangement and the agency model
  "How Apple led an e-book price conspiracy—in the judge’s words"
  and a very good summary by Brian X. Chen and Julie Bosman, for the New York Times.


For side interest: Fortune's Philip Elmer-Dewitt and AllThingsD's Peter Kafka detailed Eddy Cue's day spent talking about Steve Jobs and his loving care to the iPad and its content.  Neither writer understood how any of that had any bearing on the case, but the Judge did allow it all in.  The MacObserver's Bryan Chaffin mentions both these articles asking and himself asking "Why?":
  "Long-term Apple watchers and fans of Steve Jobs will enjoy the added context of knowing some of these things.  The question, however, is why did Apple's attorneys spend its time with Eddy Cue talking about them."

  Re the 'marketing' tactic I mentioned earlier, Chaffin mentions "heartstrings" but then points out that "This isn't a jury trial, though; it's a bench trial...[the Judge]..will be deciding the case on law, not emotion."
  Elmer-Dewitt for Fortune, a business-conservative site, wrote, "Orin Snyder, Apple's chief counsel, did his best to exploit the pathos."  These words are from hardnosed business writers.

  I liked the link to Elizabeth Williams' courtroom drawings, drawn for Bloomberg TV.


Downloadable
Judge Cote's decision - the best read of all on this, and no more difficult to understand than a mystery novel.  The intrigue detailed just before (and because of) the launch of the iPad and iBookstore is fascinating stuff.




Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button
Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Interesting-sounding free Kindle book for next 3 days. Barnes and Noble's CEO resigns. A coming smartphone with LCD -and- eInk screens

A free Kindle book that was recommended to me

For Tuesday through Thursday ONLY,(July 9-11) "
BEAST
- A Slightly Irreverent Tale About Cancer (And Other Assorted Anecdotes)," by James Capuano, is being offered free and has an unusual mixture of reviewers.

Capuano is a Sr. VP for Reuters, and his book about fighting the Beast (the dreaded C) has, so far, 10 customer reviews (including a couple of them by people who know him) and several reviews or blurbs by others.  Here are a few of them.

1. "The funniest book about cancer you will ever read. Capuano manages to humanize his harrowing journey without bathos and yet I still walked away crying, with tears of sadness and laughter.  No mean trick. ... A memoir both tender and hard for the healthy and the sick." - David Duchovny, actor (THE X FILES, CALIFORNICATION)

2. "Nothing about cancer is funny – so why did I laugh so hard at James Capuano’s personal story about his struggles with Stage 4 colon cancer?  Simply put; because it’s hilarious.  Never one to run away from the truth, his in-your-face account tells it like it is, providing valuable insight into how this disease affects not only the body and the mind, but also family and friends.  As he addresses key issues associated with cancer treatment we learn how his life experiences prepared him to face this devastating disease head on, presenting the reader with valuable insight into the human condition in a surprisingly life-affirming tale." - Susan Sarandon, Actress


FROM MONDAY'S NEWS
Barnes and Noble's CEO
William Lynch Jr., the CEO of Barnes and Noble, resigned on Monday.  He'd led the development of the Nook products, which as of Winter 2012 have not been selling well and B&N announced they'd be halting production on those and looking for a partner to take on the costs of manufacturing them.  Several articles mention Microsoft has shown some interest in doing this.

An article at marketintelligencecenter lists and describes what author Michael Fowlkes sees as several bad choices by Microsoft in partnering recently.  It'll be interesting to see what Microsoft decides on the Nook tablet situation.  They've already given support of $600 million there.


Dual-screen YotaPhone announced in Russia (as its first smartphone)

Bloomberg
's Mark Milia reports on the announcement, by Yota Devices, of Russia's first Smartphone, a combination of the usual LCD screen and a separate e-Ink screen (the latter promising less eyestrain in daylight and certainly better battery life plus the ability to hold a desired image on the sleep-screen. However, Milia adds:
' The YotaPhone packs both screens into one, bulkier phone. That could make it a tough sell as companies brag to consumers how thin their smartphones are. The YotaPhone is thicker and heavier than the 3-year-old iPhone 4.
...
The YotaPhone, which runs on Android, is expected to cost between $400 and $500 before any carrier subsidies, Martynov said.
"Initially, we'll go for the Russian market because it's our home," Martynov said. "But we are talking already with several European and North American carriers." '
  More details at Bloomberg's site.




Current Kindle Models for reference.  Note the current KindleFire HD 7" sale.
US:
Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$229 *
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499
Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89
Kindle Touch WiFi - $99
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199
Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web
Kindle DX - $379 $299 (Yes)
UK:
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69
Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd
Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi
£109
Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK
£169
Kindle Fire 2, UK
 £129
Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK
£159/199
Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$
Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $79
Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $129
Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $199
Kindle Fire HD 7" - 214.00
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


*OTHER Int'l pages*
Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89
Kindle Keybd 3G - $189
  Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB
Paperwhite WiFi $139, 3G/Wifi $199
KFire HD 7" $214,  8.9" $284


France Boutique Kindle
Deutschland - Kindle Store
Italia - Kindle Store
Spain - Tienda Kindle
Brazil - Amazon Brazil
China - Amazon China [?]
Japan - Amazon Japan
* $30 off, 6/30/13, for a limited time.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button



Below are ways to Share this post if you'd like others to see it.
-- The Send to Kindle button works well only on Firefox currently.

Send to Kindle


(Older posts have older Kindle model info. For latest models, see CURRENT KINDLES page. )
If interested, you can also follow my add'l blog-related news at Facebook and Twitter
Questions & feedback are welcome in the Comment areas (tho' spam is deleted). Thanks!

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