By using a tactic which is no longer new, Amazon are incorporating ads as their latest step in e-commerce transition, leading to the assumption that they are building the foundations so that they can one day sell tablet computers that could compete with the likes of Apple and Google Android.
Kindle leads the Ereader Wars
By giving users an opinion in what ads they will see, Kindle has created a device that will be cheaper as they will be gaining their revenues from the ads displayed on the ereader. The Kindle itself already has many benefits to shout about, but with this new model, it will also be able to be a tough competitor in price wars too.
The device is known as Kindle with Special Offers and still preaches the same hardware, (for example, lightweight, long life battery, Wi-Fi and so on), but where the Kindle before displayed artistically rendered screensavers of well known and historical authors, now it will show brand name ads. In addition the ads will also appear on the homescreen but not within the content or borders of the ebooks.
Kindle owners will have the option to cast their vote on which ads they would like to see more of too, catering it to the Kindle user rather than being bombarded with ads that are both annoying and irrelevant.
A more affordable Kindle
Amazon have stated that their motivation behind this release is to give people "a more affordable Kindle" and it sounds exactly that being $114 (£69.77). This also makes it $35 cheaper than Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and $66 less than the most expensive Sony’s Reader. One can also compare this to the iPad (even though that is not specifically an ereader), where the difference is several hundred dollars/pounds.
In addition there are also several other discounts available to readers. Much like discount code websites, Amazon will be selling special offers similar to the likes of Groupon and other deal sites. Whilst they are not officially connected to them, they will be able to offer their readers further discounts without invading reading space.
The method of using ads on a device such as this is new, but using them on websites has been in use for longer. Numerous websites from personal to commercial, use affiliate sites to display links that earns the owner money when they are clicked upon – however there has not been a mention of Amazon’s Affiliate Program or why this was not used.
In any event, Amazon have shown not only with their larger screen version, but now with their cheaper option, that they are keeping an eye on the market, and are prepared to create adaptable innovative devices that are catered for their customers rather than to reap extravagant profits (or so it seems).
Sources:
- Amazon Kindle with Special Offers Reader
Kelly Foxhall - Kelly by trade is an IT Training Manager at a London law firm. She is also an Internet Journalist that writes about technology, law and ...
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