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Kindle

Amazon's Bezos: Patent suits 'might start to stifle innovation'

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is growing concerned with the patent lawsuits simmering across the mobile industry.

Speaking to U.K. news outlet Metro in an interview published today, Bezos said that he's worried that the patent lawsuits "might start to stifle innovation." He also that suggested governments around the world consider intervening in the suits to protect consumers.

"Governments may need to look at the patent system and see if those laws need to be modified because I don't think some of these battles are healthy for society," Bezos told Metro.

The idea that … Read more

Amazon curtails sales of Kindle DX

Amazon seems to have pulled the plug on its Kindle DX.

A peek at the product's Web site shows that Amazon is no longer directly selling the DX. Only used versions are up for grabs from third-party resellers, at prices ranging from $230 to $350.

The DX also is missing from the Kindle family lineup. The e-book reader's heave-ho comes about a week after Amazon cut its price to $299 from $379, according to blog site The eBook Reader.

There's no indication from Amazon as to whether new supplies are on their way. But it's unlikely. … Read more

Amazon looks to acquire TI mobile chip business, report says

Amazon could be planning to acquire a mobile processor business, a new report claims.

Texas Instruments and Amazon are currently engaged in "advanced talks" over the possibility of the Kindle maker acquiring Texas Instruments' mobile chip business, Israel-based news outlet Calcalist is reporting today (translate), citing sources. The news outlet didn't say how much Amazon hopes to pay in the sale.

If Amazon buys out Texas Instruments' mobile chip business, it would mark a dramatic shift for the e-retail giant. Amazon uses Texas Instruments' processors in its mobile devices, including the latest Kindle Fire HD. Barnes & … Read more

Apple might unwrap iPad Mini on Oct. 23

Friday's CNET Update is scanning for sales:

Best Buy plans to match prices on Amazon this holiday season, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Today's tech news roundup dives into the trend of "showrooming" and how you can use apps to get the best price at the register.

There's a fresh report on the iPad Mini. All Things Digital says Apple will reveal the smaller tablet at a news event on Oct. 23. But of course we won't know for sure until Apple breaks its silence. Pricing will be a big … Read more

Amazon to users: Hey, the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect

How's this for honesty? Amazon took it upon itself to post a note today on its site listing the limitations of its newest e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite has a light-up screen that lets you read in the dark, which previous Kindle e-readers lacked. That light, however, isn't perfect. So to get in front of the complaints, Amazon opted to disclose some of its drawbacks -- plus other design changes -- ahead of time.

For instance, Amazon acknowledged that the built-in light will provide uneven illumination under certain lighting conditions. The uneven lighting occurs in the … Read more

Amazon's Jeff Bezos admits Kindles are sold at cost

Amazon's Jeff Bezos doesn't like to reveal much about the Kindle hardware business. When he was asked in an interview with All Things D whether Amazon made money on the new Kindle hardware, ranging from $69 to $499, introduced September 6, he responded, "We don't disclose the exact bill and materials, so I can't answer that. But we don't want to lose a lot of money on the device because then we'd really hate it if you put it in the desk drawer. On the other hand, if you make a lot of … Read more

Amazon wins FCC approval to sell Kindle Fire HD

Amazon's new Kindle Fire HD 4G tablet has received clearance from the Federal Communications Commission, Amazon told Reuters today.

Although the device was unveiled last month, Amazon had not yet received the commission's approval to sell the device, which is required of all new wireless communications devices to assure device safety and prevent spectrum interference issues.

Amazon Web pages and e-mails promoting the high-end device included a disclaimer indicating it still required regulatory approval. "We will send you an email asking you to confirm your pre-order of Kindle Fire when it is approved for sale by the … Read more

Top 5 iPad Mini competitors

The iPad Mini has yet to be officially announced, but it's kind of the worst-kept secret in tech right now. There's a very good chance it'll be revealed later this month (although what its final name will be remains to be seen) and even if you've no plans to purchase it, you'll likely want to know what it has to offer anyway.

The Mini is rumored to sport a 7.85-inch screen at a price of at least $299. But when and if it debuts, it will not enter a vacuous 7-inch tablet market. Its opponents will compete on price, ecosystem, performance, and features. Each offers something unique, and Apple's new tablet will have to be an amazing piece of kit to answer the challenge.

Without further lollygagging, let's get to the list.… Read more

Episode 17: Kindle-palooza!

Last month Amazon.com's CEO Jeff Besos, unveiled the new Kindle line, complete with new updates to the current Kindles and an 8.9" Fire. Naturally, Molly bought all of the new kindles, including the "revolutionary" Paperwhite!

We unboxed the 7" Kindle Fire a few episodes back, and now it was time to enter it into our torture chamber. That Kindle Fire really took a beating from us, and we were all shocked to see it survive. I personally would be using it right now, but agree with Molly. It's just too WIDE to … Read more

Name your own price for six science-fiction and fantasy e-books

If you like reading, bundles, science fiction, fantasy, and/or supporting charity, today's your lucky day.

The folks at Humble Bundle, who regularly serve up indie games on the cheap, have created the Humble eBook Bundle, a collection of six sci-fi/fantasy e-books for whatever price you want to pay.

That means you can literally drop a penny to get half a dozen DRM-free novels. But you're not that cheap, right? Here's why you should give serious consideration to paying more:

Writers need to eat. I've often railed against e-book prices, but certainly a buck per … Read more