Amazon Could Be Offering Prime Members eBook Loans

Dave the Mobile Sage informed me that Amazon, probably next week at their Kindle tablet event (9/28), may unveil a new service for Prime members, an ebook loaning program like what Netflix offers for video.

There is the link from eBook Reader blog.

Here's my initial thought on this in my email to the Sage:

I like it better if they offer similar services like audible.com. Music and books I like to buy and keep, not borrow.

However, media like video (movies) I don't mind renting.

But I keep an open mind for now. I'd like Prime services includes videos, books, and music. Then it would be a bad deal.

To succeed, they need to offer this to all Prime users, not just those who buy Kindle hardware. I suppose they'll offer it only to Kindle hardware users first and expanded them to others later.

--

That much said, how will Apple, Google, and Microsoft respond. This is an interesting study and ripe for speculation.

Any ideas?


- Posted using BlogPress

Amazon Will Unveil Kindle Tablet On September 28th

It looks like Amazon will be unveiling its Kindle tablet on September 28th in a media event at 7 am PST or 10 am EST.

This could be the Nook competitor that everyone's been talking about.  Also, some might way, the iPad killer as well.  The thing Amazon does have going for it is that it has a pretty massive ecosystem like Apple's.

It'll be interesting to see what this new 7" tablet can do and how Amazon plan on enticing us to pick one up.  Also, we know that the Amazon tablet will run a variant of the Android OS - it has already launched its own app store.

More than anything, Amazon, like Barnes and Noble with its Nook, could be more successful than the likes of Samsung, HTC, and others in the tablet market because of their radically different business model.  While these tech giants are competing with Apple's iPad - making money through selling hardware, Amazon and Barnes and Noble are offering more simple devices to help them sell digital contents.

And the advantage will go to Amazon over Barnes and Noble in that regard.

We'll just have to see what we get and how Apple and Barnes and Noble will respond.  Apple is widely expected to have an event the week of October 3rd to unveil its next generation iPhone and iPod touch.  I've always suspected that Apple could unveil a bigger sized iPod touch.  No word from Barnes and Noble on its Nook Color upgrade plans.

Source: 9to5Mac.

Running Update On Dish Network Block Buster's Netflix Killer Service

I'm gonna provide you with an update as I get them on Blockbuster's Netflix killer.  Hope it's not a dud.

The media event is on going now.  There's chatter that this service might be for Dish customers only.  In which case, this update will end pretty abruptly.

• So far, a whole lot of thing....
• New service called Blockbuster Movie Pass - lots of movies, games, and streaming video - no word on cost or who can get access to it. Sounds like it's not for everyone.
• Another package called America's Top 200 - more content but so far nothing Netflix needs to worry about.  Sorry, looks lame so far. No wonder Netflix's stock is up.
• Waiting to see if this service will be available to non-Dish customers but not hopeful.
• So far, it's an add-on to existing services - unfortunately, most of us have already cut the cord and this isn't going to stem the tide of people who wants to cancel their paid TV services because they would be paying for something they already have as Dish customers in the first place.
• This should be free to customers.  Lame.
• I think Dish did Netflix a favor today - after looking at their deal, people will probably go "Netflix is an ass but it is still an option for cord-cutters".

Wow!  Q&A session revealed plan for non-Dish subscribers.  Saving details for that announcement. Could this be about Google TV?  Maybe With Apple or Microsoft?!

Apple Friendly Blogs Panicking Over Samsung's Use of FRAND Patents

Samsung's use of its FRAND patents against Apple has Apple friendly blog sites in a panic it seems.  Or maybe I'm the one who should panic  Or be elated that Samsung is fight back.  Either way, it doesn't matter much.  Again, Samsung is using what's called FRAND patents 

FRAND stands for "fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory" (FOSS Patents).  What set off this new round of patent blog posts is a couple of posts from a Korean newspaper and Reuters that Samsung will become more aggressive in its litigation against Apple. 

As best as I can tell, Samsung is using patents that are "essential to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Standard ('UMTS')" and has to offer Apple equitable licensing terms.  This is similar to the suit between Apple and Nokia.  And that was settle with money that Apple had previous set aside.

In the latest move by Samsung, it filed a suit in Netherlands seeking injunctions against Apple's devices.  However, the court there is going to go over the FRAND issues before moving forward.  (Macworld)

So, the world will go on, Apple will pay Samsung money due to FRAND patents that it has probably set aside and hopefully, Apple will stop suing over designs.

So, there's nothing to worry about, for Android or iPhone fans.

Apple Leads In Consumer Satisfaction And Stickiness By Playing With Different Rules (And Probably A Different Game Altogether)

A couple of interesting data shows just where Apple’s iOS devices are headed – up, up, and up.  One of the things you have keep in mind is that Apple’s iOS ecosystem is like no other.  It’s closed without a doubt.  It has its limitations, obviously.  And yet, when it comes to satisfaction and retention, Apple literally has no peer.

Here are some stats that market share does not say.

Google's Webapp Now Support Multiple Accounts

Google Webapp now support multiple accounts.  A step closer to mobile nirvana if you ask me.

I have four different Google accounts.  A personal one, a work one, another one for work, and a public one which gets bombarded with spam.  And from time to time, I have to access them and I hate having to sign out of one account, sign into another, and then, if needed, sign out again so I can sign back into another.

I just tried it but it has not shown up on my browser yet.  Well, I did some checking.  You'll have to go to settings and enable multiple accounts use.  After that, it should be just fine.

The account that you sign in first will be your default account.  So, your Google+ or Reader will be directed to your default account.

Also, you can set up a separate URL for each account for easy access.  On the iPhone, you can set up an icon to your home screen for easy access.  Brilliant if you ask me.

Source:  TUAW, Google.

Apple Should Give Each Apple Employee An iPad

Apple is trying out a program that would allow employees to take home an iPad for a week so they can try it out in a setting that most iPad owners are in and prospective buyers would be in.  It's an interesting idea.  But I think Apple should go a step further.

Back in 2007, Apple gave each employee an iPhone.  It was a gesture that has yet to be repeated since.

Perhaps, Apple should give each employee an iPad, stock level permitting.  Obviously.  Maybe in January or February when demand tapers off just after the Christmas rush and anticipation of the iPad 3.

I have been to the Apple store many times in the last year.  And at not time have the stores that I've been to have Apple employees just standing around waiting for customers.  The customers were stacked shoulder to shoulder, hardly enough time for a breather.

They've worked hard to make Apple's retail a success.  I'm sure the rest of the Apple employees, in corporate and satellite offices around the world also worked really hard to help Apple become the largest company by market cap.

Certainly, now more than ever, Apple can afford to be a little more generous with its $80 billion in cash.  Supposedly, when Steve Jobs gave Apple employees iPhones, it only cost $12 million.

Source:  TIPB.