Ability to watch embedded video also included in version 2.1.1

Jun 28, 2010 13:36 GMT  ·  By

A new update to the Kindle application for iOS now offers customers the ability to instantly lookup words via the included dictionary with 250,000 entries and definitions, as well as in Google and Wikipedia, the ability to search inside the book on iPad, and optimizations for the iPhone 4 Retina display.

The new update to Kindle for iPad and Kindle for iPhone and iPod touch also allows readers to enjoy watching embedded video and audio clips in Kindle books, the giant online retailer announced yesterday. Titles offering such content include Rick Steves’ London by Rick Steves and Together We Cannot Fail by Terry Golway, both available from the Kindle Store.

“We are excited to add this functionality to Kindle for iPad and Kindle for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Dorothy Nicholls, director, Amazon Kindle. “Readers will already find some Kindle Editions with audio/video clips in the Kindle Store today—from Rose’s Heavenly Cakes with video tips on preparing the perfect cake to Bird Songs with audio clips that relate the songs and calls to the birds’ appearances. This is just the beginning—we look forward to seeing what authors and publishers create for Kindle customers using the new functionality of the Kindle apps.”

“In the new Kindle Edition with audio/video of Rick Steves’ London, the embedded walking tours allow customers to listen to Rick as they explore the sites of London,” said Bill Newlin, publisher, Avalon Travel. “Rick's narration adds depth to the reader's experience, while listeners can follow the routes more easily with the text.”

Peter Balis, Director, Digital Content Sales, Wiley, is also quoted in Amazon’s June 27 report as saying, “We are truly excited to have collaborated with Amazon to launch Kindle Editions with audio/video. Innovations like these represent the advantages that digital can offer. Advancing our content in this manner is important for our authors and our readers and it will raise the bar on what digital reading can offer for years to come.” Amazon encourages customers to visit the company here for more information on its Kindle apps.

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