Amazon.de Officially Launches Kindle Cloud Reader for German Users
“Now available for German customers,” headlines the press release from Amazon.de about the official launch of the Kindle Cloud Platform in Germany. Technically speaking, however, the HTML5 based reading app has been available since August 2011. German customers could already access their own eBook collection back then, although localization was absent.
But now the cloud app has officially arrived in Germany. Under the URL “lesen.amazon.de” (as the counterpart to “read.amazon.com” on the US homepage), the HTML5 program can be accessed in all common browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari for iPad and Desktop, as well as Internet Explorer (Version 10 and up) are supported. A minor detail: The URL was apparently changed at the last minute because, according to the press release, the German version was also supposed to be available at “read.amazon.de”. However, this currently leads nowhere.
Cloud Reader as a Response to Apple
Kindle Cloud Reader originally designed primarily for the Apple iPad, now available for all modern browsers
Amazon is, as usual, exuberant about the official launch of the reading app: “The Kindle Cloud Reader is yet another milestone in our ‘Buy Once, Read Anywhere’ mission. (…) With the Kindle Cloud Reader, reading enjoyment begins immediately—no download and installation required. We are confident that our customers will be thrilled with this new Kindle app.”
Looking at the latest survey results on eBook usage, Amazon’s strategy to cover the widest possible range of devices is evidently a smart move.
In fact, the Cloud Reader was initially a reaction to a change in Apple’s business terms, stipulating that the tech giant would receive a 30 percent cut from all in-app sales. While app developers listed in the App Store must comply with Apple’s terms, this is not necessary for browser-based HTML5 applications. Thus, Amazon’s goal was to continue providing iPad customers with a means to purchase and read eBooks directly without incurring additional charges to Apple.
Following the acquisition of ComiXology, Amazon also removed in-app purchases with the latest iOS version. The company’s stance on this matter hasn’t changed.
Since the launch of the Kindle Cloud Reader in 2011, the web app’s functionality has been further expanded, adding options for bookmarks, notes, and highlights, as well as font adjustments. The Cloud Reader now seamlessly integrates into the rest of the Kindle app suite. If desired, eBooks can also be downloaded directly in the browser, allowing reading to continue even when the internet connection is lost.
Image source: Amazon.de
