Amazon launches Kindle reader for PCs

 

Gallery

By Barry Collins

Posted on 23 Oct 2009 at 08:19

Amazon is launching a free application that lets users read eBooks bought via its Kindle store on their PCs.

The software will let users buy and read eBooks from Amazon's store without having to pay hundreds of pounds for a dedicated Kindle reader.

There are advantages for those who've already invested in a Kindle device, however. The PC app will synchronise with Kindle devices, automatically saving the last read page in the book. That means you can start reading a book on the Kindle, for example, and pick up where you left off on the PC.

Kindle for PC is multitouch-enabled on Windows 7 PCs, allowing users to turn a page with the flick of a finger, or zoom in and out of text with a pinching motion.

PC users won't have to worry about transferring eBooks from one computer to the next, as Amazon claims owners can access their entire library of purchased books from the company's servers.

The free PC software might turn out to be a better option than the International version of the Kindle Amazon is bringing to the UK this week. Yesterday, PC Pro revealed how Amazon had hobbled the UK Kindle by stripping photos out of newspapers, disabling the web browser and charging Brits 40% more than the US for the latest eBooks.

Kindle for PC will be available for free download from next month from the Amazon website.