eBook readers continue slide toward tablethood: Social Networking on the Kindle

Devices with e-Ink displays that take a second or two to refresh are never going to replace full color screens capable of handling video playback and dynamic web content. But while smartphones and tablets like the Apple iPad are becoming serviceable eBook readers thanks to software such as iBooks and the Amazon Kindle Reader, dedicated eBook devices are sliding toward tablethood.

Last week the Barnes & Noble Nook received a firmware update that adds a web browser and support for a few third party apps. And a hacker figured out how to root the Spring Designs Alex eBook reader, providing access to the core settings and file system that run the device.

Today, Amazon has started rolling out a firmware update for the Kindle eBook reader which adds support for Twitter and Facebook, allowing you to share book passages with your contacts on the social networking sites.

The Kindle 2.5 software also adds the ability to organize your books and other documents into collections, pan and zoom functionality for PDF files, the ability to lock your Kindle with a password when it’s not in use, and more font sizes and sharper fonts. You can also see “popular highlights,” which show you what other Kindle users think are the most highlight-worthy passages in the book you’re reading.

via SlashGear

Posted on Thursday, April 29th, 2010, 11:01 am by Brad Linder

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Scott

I have a real strong dislike for gadgets that are made to do one thing basically. I couldn't figure out why this was until I remembered, that stupid pda. Why do I want something I have to hook up to another computer to make work. Why does that propitiatory gadget cost as much as a full fledged computer? I know a lot of people loved the pda, not me. A waste of money. I love gadgets. I am embarrassed to say how many computers I own. I especially like the small and low powered stuff. They will all read an ebook (with the right app) and thousands of other things if I want. Sorry I just don't get it. Can someone explain it to me? I am tempted to delete this post so I don't sound like a madman. But I really don't get. Plus when you buy it the company you buy it from (like apple and the ipad) basically still own own it. They can delete files if they choose. They can brick it if they choose. But maybe you can't change the things you don't like or want to change. More ram, faster video- wifi etc.
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Rom

An e-ink display allows to actually read comfortably for hours, which is just plain impossible on a computer screen (LCD or whatever) without having my eyes burning after like 1 hour. e-ink readers (like the Nook and the Kindle) have the same level of comfort for reading as a real book. LCD screens don't.
Rom

An e-ink display allows to actually read comfortably for hours, which is just plain impossible on a computer screen (LCD or whatever) without having my eyes burning after like 1 hour. e-ink readers (like the Nook and the Kindle) have the same level of comfort for reading as a real book. LCD screens don't.
Scott

Thanks Rom, I guess that makes sense,there would have to some kind of advantage like that for it to be popular. I live in a remote area and don't get to see these gadgets which is probably a good thing for me.
maline

Thanks for very good post

eBook readers continue slide toward tablethood: Social Networking on the Kindle

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