Amazon.com Beats Apple Again? Not Exactly
March 29, 2011
First Amazon.com beat Apple in being the first to offer its users a “cloud-based” music locker. Now, the Seattle, Washington-based company says it's helping its Kindle customers avoid The New York Times’ newly-released Paywall. But, is the Kindle plan any better than those for the iPhone/iPod touch or iPad? Well, not exactly.
Beginning March 28, reading The Times on iDevices and through the NYTimes.com website requires paying a monthly fee, which ranges from $15-$35 per month, depending on the package.
Kindle customers, we found out today, who subscribe to The New York Times for Kindle package ($20/month) will also be able to use their subscription to access the NYTimes.com website.
According to Russ Grandinetti, Vice President of Kindle Content:
"Customers love reading The New York Times on their Kindles. Given The Times' transition to a digital subscription model, we're excited to be able to offer Kindle subscribers online access to all the digital content available at NYTimes.com at no additional cost."That quote is deceptive. It makes it sound like Kindle customers are getting something for free, when in fact they are not. In actuality, Kindle customers are paying the same amount per month, as iPad owners do. Here is a breakdown of costs, per option:
- NYTIMES.COM + iPhone/iPod touch app = $15/month
- NYTIMES.COM + KINDLE PACKAGE = $20/month
- NYTIMES.COM + iPad app = $20/month
- ALL DIGITAL ACCESS (NYTIMES.COM + iPhone/iPad) = $35/month
