Amazon announced Tuesday morning the first chapter of Kindle books can now be embedded and viewed on web sites. “Kindle for the Web” also allows the initial chapter to be shared on Twitter, Facebook and e-mail.
“With Kindle for the Web, it’s easier than ever for customers to sample Kindle books — there’s no downloading or installation required,” Amazon Kindle Director Dorothy Nicholls said. Along with allowing authors to provide a sample of their books, the new Web application permits bloggers and website owners to earn money when visitors purchase a Kindle title on their websites.
The effort appears to be the first shot by Amazon to compete against Google Books, Scribd and other services where people can read books online.
Already, Amazon offers a Kindle app for the iPad. However, in August, one author said he was selling many more copies through Amazon’s Kindle than from Apple’s iBookstore.
Amazon’s venture into the Web may also be the Kindle-maker’s response to a flurry of announcements surrounding the iPad’s increasing push into retailers. The tablet device has inked deals with electronics superstore Best Buy, office supplier Staples and retailer Target.
