Will Kindle Popularize the eBook?
Ben Preiss — November 20, 2007 — Marketing
The much talked about Amazon Kindle eBook reader is finally here! The 10.3 ounce is about the size of a paperback book and doesn't even require a PC to download content. It connects to the Web via Amazon's " Whispernet," a free high-speed cellular wireless network (Sprint EVDO).
Books cost $10 with the first chapter of most books previewed for free. Subscriptions to newspapers ($6 to $15 a month), magazines ($1.25 to $3.49), and blogs (at least $1 a month) are available as well, but since most of this content is available free online this is a harder sell than the books. Kindle uses an electronic paper screen that uses minimal power, since the display is readable with the power off, theis results in long battery life. Will this be the device that brings eBooks to the masses, at close to $400 and $10 per book, not likely.
Books cost $10 with the first chapter of most books previewed for free. Subscriptions to newspapers ($6 to $15 a month), magazines ($1.25 to $3.49), and blogs (at least $1 a month) are available as well, but since most of this content is available free online this is a harder sell than the books. Kindle uses an electronic paper screen that uses minimal power, since the display is readable with the power off, theis results in long battery life. Will this be the device that brings eBooks to the masses, at close to $400 and $10 per book, not likely.
Trend Themes
1. Ebook Readers - The rise of eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the publishing industry, as new ways of consuming books and other written content are explored.
2. Wireless Connectivity - The integration of high-speed wireless connectivity in devices like the Amazon Kindle opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the telecommunications industry, as improved methods of accessing and distributing digital content are developed.
3. Subscription-based Content - The emergence of subscription-based content models, as seen in the availability of newspaper, magazine, and blog subscriptions on the Amazon Kindle, creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the media industry, as new revenue streams and content delivery methods are explored.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by embracing the rise of eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle, thereby transforming their business models and reaching a wider audience.
2. Telecommunications - The telecommunications industry can take advantage of the integration of high-speed wireless connectivity in devices like the Amazon Kindle to develop disruptive innovations in terms of improved network infrastructure and services.
3. Media - The media industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by embracing subscription-based content models, similar to the availability of newspaper, magazine, and blog subscriptions on the Amazon Kindle, to enhance revenue streams and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
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