Feb 08

Apple App story continued…

We mentioned a change to Apple Apps that apparently signaled either the end to Kindle for iPad, or a much diminished profit for Amazon.

AppleInsider has Apple’s response to these charges. Apparently, they have made changes to their App policy that got Sony’s Reader App rejected (to start the whole story), but are insisting on an either/or scenario for third-party apps.

Indeed, shoppers on iPad can use Amazon’s Kindle App for iPad to purchase at Amazon, but Apple now requires that there be an option given for the same shopper to purchase through iTunes. (They want the opportunity to make the sale so an “in App” option is required but not exclusive.)

Not nearly as terrifying as the story first sounded. (That’s probably why the news outlets that first picked it up spun it the way they did.) Of course, Apple doesn’t help when these changes are made without giving the marketplace due notice and/or an explanation.

Feb 07

New Apple iPad Apps Eat Third Party Profits

PCWorld reports on Apple’s recent changes to its Apps policy that saw the rejection of  the Sony Reader App, and now might imperil Amazon’s Kindle presence on the iPad. The changes will only allow eReader Apps that support in-App purchases that amount to 30% of the cover price going to Apple. Since the agency model recently adopted by eBook retailers only allows 30% of the book price for the seller, then it appears that Apple wants all of the profits on the sale.

This is an unsustainable business model, so the eBook industry waits and watches as the story develops.

Feb 05

More eBook Revolution News

BBC offers a news story and video that give five arguments for and against libraries in a digital age.

ABC.net.au talks relevance and adaptation for comic books in an interview with David Steinberger – CEO of digital comic site, comiXology.

CultofMac posts on iPad’s impact in Japan where space is a premium so tablets and digital books fit right in.

Feb 04

eBook Revolution Headlines

BetaNews reports Apple’s recent changes to the way they allow third-party eBook Apps to operate on the iPad is creating an unfair business environment for publishers that will stifle the burgeoning eBook market.

BusinessWeek says Indie authors might be held liable if eBook distributors go bankrupt and delete their customers’ accounts. (Tempest in a teapot worth checking out.)

Read more about the Nook eReader at ReviewsofElectronics.com. They’ve declared it a winner.

And MyDigitalFC.com (Financial Chronicle) posts on the alarming levels of eBook Piracy in India with some suggesting the India market is dominated by illegal copies.

Feb 03

10 Reasons eBooks are Better than Books. (According to Shadowlocked.com)

Shadowlocked.com offers a somewhat tongue-in-cheek list of reasons why eBooks are better than their paper equivalents. While I may not agree with all the points, the list does contain some amusing truths about books.

Feb 02

eBook Unit Sales to hit $2.7 Billion in 2013

Online Media Daily at Media Post News reports US eBook unit sales will leap from the estimated $313 million tallied in 2009 to an whopping $2.7-billion in 2013. This Yankee Group prediction also suggest eBook downloads will surpass paid mobile Apps for the same period.

And why do they suggest this change is coming? Lower prices for both eBooks and eBook Readers and a shift away from outmoded business models. Seems pretty simple, right?

I think eBook sales will push past the $2.7-billion mark before 2013. We still haven’t seen the $50 eBook Reader yet. You think the market’s growing now?

Feb 01

Calibre eBook Management Software

Ghacks.net (how do you like that name?) has a post on the FREE Calibre eBook Management Software. The post includes an extensive breakdown of Calibre’s abilities, and should help you streamline your approach to eBook management. Calibre provides lots of flexibility for enjoying your digital library between platforms.

I’ve used this software myself, and found it a snap for eBook conversion to just about any format.

Jan 31

Amazon Kindle Book sales beat Paperbacks!

PCWorld has a post on Amazon’s report that its eBook sales are outpacing paperbacks. (115 eBooks for every 100 paperbacks sold.) While they don’t divulge the actual number of Kindles they’ve sold, the figures are unlikely to correlate anyway.

As the article points out, Amazon’s Free Kindle App is available for purchasing and reading eBooks on various eReaders and mobile devices like iPad and iPhone. Their wide selection of titles is working for them.

Jan 30

Sunday eBook Revolution News

ReviewsofElectronics reviews the popular NookCOLOR eReader. Lots of information about the full-color, $249 iPad threat.

PortClintonNewsHerald has a detailed update on the eBook Revolution.

Examiner.com wonders whether eBooks and Apps represent a golden age for publishing.

OnlineAthens offers more on the move among Public Libraries toward eBooks.

Jan 29

The Notion Ink Adam Reviewed

GoodeReader offers a hands-on review of the Notion Ink Adam. This much anticipated Tablet PC has joined the ranks of devices in the expanding eBook Reader market. Lots of specs and pictures at the link.