Amazon Debuts Kindle Cloud Reader Web Browser App
Amazon.com has launched a new Kindle Cloud Reader Web application, which allows eBook enthusiasts to access over 950,000 volumes from the Kindle eReader right from their Internet browser, sans download or installation.
An expansion on existing apps for the Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, BlackBerry and Android smartphones, the HTML5-powered program lets fans of bestsellers and periodicals instantly read manuscripts from within their Web browser. Accessible via Safari and Chrome on desktop and laptop computers or tablet PCs like the iPad, it additionally offers iOS users a direct link to shop at the Kindle Store. Viewed by many as means of circumventing Apple’s ever-tightening in-app buying rules, which require purchases and subscriptions to be processed through its own services, it offers Amazon a potential chance to retain reader eyeballs.
Providing offline access to current or saved books, and online access to additional volumes, the app also synchronizes bookmarks, notes, highlights, last pages read and contents with your master Kindle library. The software’s interface is additionally optimized to take advantage of the iPad’s sizable display and touchscreen.
While no official release dates have been announced, future support for additional Web browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer and the BlackBerry PlayBook browser is planned.