Amazon Invites Devs to Write Programs for Kindle

Somewhat surprisingly, the Kindle is now an applications platform.
Amazon.com unexpectedly announced the Kindle Development Kit Thursday morning, which will allow developers to develop "active content" for the Kindle platform, to take advantage of the e-reader's electronic ink display, Whispernet 3G technology, and days-long battery life.
The beta of the development kit will be released in February, Amazon said, although there may be a wait list. The kit will include sample code, documentation, and the Kindle Simulator, which helps developers build and test their content by simulating the 6-inch Kindle and 9.7-inch Kindle DX on Mac, PC, and Linux desktops, Amazon said.


Two companies are building apps for the device: Handmark, which is building an active Zagat guide, and Sonic Boom, which will build word games and puzzles. In a statement, Ian Freed vice president of the Amazon Kindle, said the company would "look forward to being surprised by what developers invent".
Amazon may be hesitant to use the term "app" because developers may be constrained by the hardware in a way in which developers for the Apple iPhone, for example, are not. That platform allows developers to take advantage of an accelerometer, touch screen, and color display, among others.
With that said, EA Mobile issued a statement supporting Amazon's effort.
As the leading worldwide publisher of mobile games, EA Mobile has had the privilege of collaborating with many dynamic and innovative companies in bringing exciting gaming experiences to new platforms," said Adam Sussman, vice president of worldwide publishing for EA Mobile, in a statement. "Working with Amazon, we look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun games to Kindle and their users."