Kindle Review – Kindle Fire Review, Kindle 4 Review

There have been some big developments related to Android since my post about the impact Android might have on Reading.

Two of them are very, very recent and let’s look at them first -

Mike Arrington says Google Phone is a reality

According to Michael Arrington – Not only is the Google Phone real, it’s arriving in early 2010.

Google is building their own branded phone that they’ll sell directly and through retailers.

They were long planning to have the phone be available by the holidays, but it has now slipped to early 2010.

What would this mean?

1. Google can leverage its brand to push the Google phone.  
2. Google will commit a LOT of money and marketing space on its properties for the Google Phone. TechCrunch think the advertising push will be in Jan 2010.
3. Google Phone will be custom-made for Android and be more open than other Android phones. 
4. It’s yet another Android based phone.

Death by a Thousand Cuts

Google seem to feel that they can’t beat the iPhone – so they are releasing Android via lots of manufacturers and also their own Google Phone to eat up as many chunks as they can.

1. Become the top option on non-AT&T carriers. 
2. Grab as many slices of the market as Android can.  
3. Release the Google Phone to fight Apple’s strong brand head-on.
4. Get Android on as many mobile devices as possible.  

It’s almost as if Google feel it’s OK to lose the #1 spot as long as they can get 5 of the top 10 spots.

What do all these Android channels need? eBook content – and it’s arrived.

B&N’s eReader.com launches eReader for Android

That means any Android device will be able to access eReader.com’s ebook range.

• eReader for Android is a clear sign that Barnes & Noble and Google have pretty much tied the knot.
• Blogs are already writing how the Droid’s big screen makes it perfect for reading books and bestowing other platitudes.
• The comments seem to indicate that the software is in 1.0/almost Beta state (only font and size support). However, getting it out there is a big step.

Will Amazon be forced to release Kindle for Android at some point?

Perhaps. However, they are unlikely to do it willingly.

If Android devices start numbering in the millions then Amazon have no choice but to release something to prevent B&N from scooping up all the readers of good intent on Android.

How significant is eReader for Android?

If the Droid really has sold 200,000 units (discussed below) and the Google Phone is on its way then it becomes significant.

1. Android based phones would become an important channel.
2. eReader for Android would have the widest availability of titles.
3. It could force Amazon to release Kindle for Android.
4. It will spur other developers to release reading apps and book apps.

This is a big vote of confidence and while it has more to do with B&N and Google’s relationship than eReader.com’s belief in Android it will greatly help Android.

Other Android impacts Reading developments.

The Droid has sold 200,000 Units

Lots of speculation about Android numbers including -

1. 100,000 sold in the first weekend according to Mark McKechnie (analyst at Broadpoint AmTech).
2. There are also claims that 200,000 or so in total have been sold since release.

While Droid sales pale in comparison to the iPhone they are still respectable. 

Google doesn’t need Droid to sell as much as the iPhone because it has Android phones from HTC, LG, etc. and its own Google Phone.

200,000 Droid sales is a nice bonus.

Google has added free turn based navigation for Android

This is a big item and will indirectly impact reading on Android.  

Basically, Android now has the advantage of having free turn by turn driving instructions. That means a lot more people will choose Android and Android will be more important of a channel for reading than it would otherwise be.

Google had pretty much decided they’ll do whatever it takes to win mobile search and Android is one of their main plays.

That means there area lot more bonus features in store. Which means more Android users and that means more of a market for eBooks on Android.

Closing Thoughts

Android seemed to be an important channel for reading at the end of October.

In just two to three weeks there have been enough developments to confirm this. Think about what’s happened in 20 days -

1. Droid has sold around 200,000 units adding a big channel for reading on Android.
2. Google have made Android very attractive by adding free turn by turn navigation.
3. The Google Phone has been confirmed (well, almost) – adding a dangerous new channel.
4. eReader have released eReader for Android and brought probably over a hundred thousand ebooks to it. 

If this pace of developments and improvements continues Android could become a top 5 channel for reading by end 2010.

Filed under: eBook Reader Devices Tagged: | android ereader