Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Amazon delivers SDK for Kindle

news
Jan 21, 20102 mins

Kit enables developers to build and upload 'active content' for Amazon's e-reader wireless device

Amazon on Thursday announced its Kindle Development Kit, which enables software developers to build and upload “active content” for the Kindle wireless-reader device.

The kit offers access to programming interfaces, tools, and documentation to build content for Kindle. The kit also features sample code and Kindle Simulator, for building and testing content by simulating the Kindle device on Mac, PC, and Linux desktops.

Content possibilities could include travel books that suggest activities based on real-time weather and current events, cookbooks that recommend menus based on the size of the party and guests’ allergies, and word games and puzzles. Developers can build content to be available in the Kindle Store later this year.

“The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities — we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent,” said Ian Freed, vice president for Amazon Kindle, in a statement.

Developers can build content leveraging the Kindle 3G wireless delivery system over Amazon Whispernet networking and the high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper, the company said. Kindle features a battery life of seven days with wireless activated.

Participants in a limited beta program next month will be able to download the development kit, access developer support, test content on Kindle, and submit finished content. A wait list will be offered as well.

Kindle and Kindle DX are portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, blogs, and personal documents to an electronic ink display.

This story, “Amazon delivers SDK for Kindle,” was originally published at InfoWorld.com.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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