Amazon Releases Kindle For Mac App
March 18, 2010
Amazon.com has released its free Kindle for Mac application that allows users to read books from the Kindle Store on their Mac computers.
Kindle for Mac is Amazon's latest application aimed at expanding Kindle content to a wider range of devices. Kindle books can now be read on the iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC and Mac. Amazon said it also plans a Kindle app for Apple's upcoming iPad tablet. Also look for Amazon to possibly release a Kindle app for Android somewhere down the road.
"Kindle for Mac is the perfect companion application for customers who own a Kindle or Kindle DX," said Jay Marine, director, Amazon Kindle.
"For those customers around the world who don't yet have a Kindle, Kindle for Mac is a great way to instantly access and read the most popular new releases as well as their old favorites."
Kindle for Mac features Amazon's Whispersync technology that automatically saves and synchronizes bookmarks and last page read across devices. Kindle for Mac allows users to read some on their Mac and some on a Kindle, while saving their place.
Amazon says several new features will be added to the Kindle for Map app in the near future, including full text search and the ability to create and edit notes and highlights.
Expedia Launches New iPhone App For Travelers
February 27, 2010
Expedia has launched a new free iPhone application, TripAssist, that links to its mobile website to allow users to mange their travel itineraries.
TripAssist allows users to research flights, destinations, hotels, cars and activities. Once they make a reservation, they can manage and update their itineraries, find an alternative flight, research their seats and access real-time flight information. The app also offers real-time SMS and email updates for free.
"Travel, by definition, is a mobile endeavor - you get up and go. Now, Expedia can travel with you," said Tim MacDonald, senior vice president and general manager, Expedia.com.
"TripAssist is the latest example of how Expedia.com is the easiest place to book your travel."
TripAssist allows users to view and update travel plans no matter where they were booked. Users can automatically sync an itinerary from their Expedia account or create a new itinerary. When travelers land at their destination, the app will automatically provide access to their hotel information.
Expedia says it has optimized its site for most mobile phone browsers, including BlackBerry, Android and Windows phones. The company says 55,000 trips were booked on smartphone browsers on its site in 2009, and it expects that number to increase.
Which Smartphones Emit The Most Radiation?
February 21, 2010
Motorola Droid, BlackBerry Bold 9700, LG Chocolate Touch and HTC Nexus One are pushing the limits of radiofrequency radiation safety limits set by the Federal Communications Commission, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
The EWG says the ads and good ratings for those smartphones do not reveal they are some of the highest radiation emitters among the phones currently on the market.
The report found there are three new phones that emit significantly less radiation including Motorola Brute, Pantech Impact and Samsung Mythic.
"A number of health agencies around the world advise people to reduce exposures to cell phone radiation, driven by recent studies raising questions about the safety of this radiation, particularly for children," said Jane Houlihan, senior vice president for research at Environmental Working Group.
"That's why it's essential for consumers to have radiation output information before they purchase phones for themselves and their families."
EWG has updated its online consumer guide to cell phone radiation, launched last year, to cover the latest mobile devices. The guide contains information on more than 1,000 cell phones and smartphones available in the U.S.
Amazon Rolls Out Kindle App For BlackBerry
February 18, 2010
Amazon.com has launched "Kindle for BlackBerry," a new free application that can be downloaded from the retailer's website.
Kindle for BlackBerry offers access to over 420,000 books and is available on variety of BlackBerry devices. Kindle for BlackBerry allows users to save and synch bookmarks on their Kindle devices, iPhone, iPod touch, PC and BlackBerry. Amazon said it has plans to do the same for Mac and iPad soon.
"Since the launch of our popular Kindle for iPhone app last year, customers have been asking us to bring a similar experience to the BlackBerry," said Ian Freed, Vice President, Amazon Kindle.
"Kindle for BlackBerry is a great way for customers to continue reading their current book wherever they are - in between meetings, at the grocery store or waiting in the doctor's office. We think customers are going to love how easy and fun it is to read their Kindle books on their BlackBerry."
Customers using BlackBerry devices on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and other U.S. carriers can get wireless access to Kindle books, most for $9.99.
Key features of Kindle for BlackBerry app include:
*Automatically synchronize the last page read between their Kindle-compatible devices
*Create bookmarks and view annotations they created on their Kindle, Kindle DX, or Kindle for iPhone and iPod touch
*Adjust the text size of books
*Read books in full color
