Amazon.com Looking For iOS Developers To Create Apps For Its Kindle Device
March 28, 2011
Amazon.com is actively soliciting iOS developers to bring their apps to its Kindle platform. In particular, the Seattle, Washington-based company is seeking out educational app developers, in news first reported by Apple Insider.
Others have tried to poach iOS developers in the past. However, this is the first time such as proposal could actually work.
Microsoft has tried to bring on iOS developers with its Windows Mobile, Zune, and WP7 platforms, but has largely failed despite “reports of having paid developers to bring their apps over.”
Likewise, Google has also attempted to recruit iOS developers for its Android platform. Again, for the most part, this hasn’t been a success.
So what makes Amazon.com different?
For one, Amazon.com’s move has more to do with competing with Barnes & Noble’s Nook e-reader, than it does about competing directly with Apple and its iPad. Therefore, these developers aren’t being asked to compete against the hand that feeds them, but to expand their brand to a different type of device.
In addition, the Kindle has become quite popular in educational environments, and the inclusion of these types of apps would benefit these consumers and Amazon.com alike.
Besides, Amazon.com’s timing on this isn’t very surprising.
According to Apple Insider:
Barnes & Noble recently announced through the Home Shopping Network it would be pushing out a Nook Color update in April that would essentially upgrade the $250 ebook reader into a basic 7 inch Android tablet similar to Samsung's Galaxy Tab.So, iOS developers: Are you interested in creating apps for the Kindle platform too? Let us know by using the comments below.
