Amazon officially launches 'restricted' Kindle lending
by Steven Mostyn - Jan 4 2011, 11:10
Not as good as it sounds. Image: Amazon.
Online retailer Amazon has this week expanded the appeal of its best-selling Kindle electronic reader by officially enabling users to share content between themselves—and, what’s more, they don’t even need a Kindle.
Specifically, Amazon’s new lending service can be enjoyed by Kindle owners and anyone else equipped with the Kindle software app, which is offered on PC and Mac systems, the iPad tablet, and smartphones equipped with iOS, BlackBerry, or Android software.
Sadly, however, Amazon’s apparent customer generosity has a number of restrictions.
First off, digital books lent through Kindle are only accessible to the recipient for 14 days, after which time they are automatically deleted from the host device.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that rights issues and ongoing wrangling with book publishers means there’s presently a limited number of titles available to the service.
Geographical placement also plays a part insofar as book lending is only open to Kindle reader and Kindle app users located in the United States.
Oh, and the lender cannot access any shared content during the 14-day period.
Amazon has not said whether sharing will extend to other markets.
All share-compatible titles sold through Amazon are clearly highlighted by a 'Loan this book' button posted beside their cover art images.
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