Amazon has updated its Kindle app for iOS to version 3.9, adding a feature that allows users to search for book samples using the app's existing Library Search tool.
Rather than simply searching through a user's library, the app now searches through Amazon's entire catalog of books and brings up samples that can be downloaded directly within the app.
Though users can download in-app book samples to read, ebooks are still unable to be purchased within the app. While the Kindle app used to include a link that directed users to the Kindle Store for purchases, Amazon was forced to remove the feature two years ago when Apple implemented new In-App subscription rules that barred links to third party web stores.
All Kindle purchases are still required to be made outside of the Kindle app, but the availability of sample books is a welcome perk for regular Kindle users.
When a sample book has been read, instead of directing users to the Amazon website to purchase the book, the app sends an email with a link to the Kindle Store, allowing the company to skirt Apple's rules while directing traffic to the Amazon site. Amazon also recommends similar books, offering a wishlist, another sample, or an e-mail about the recommendation.
In addition to offering sample downloads, the newest version of the Amazon app for iOS also allows customers to import and use previously purchased dictionaries and it includes an accessibility quick reference guide along with both bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Kindle for iOS is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
How is that reading books in the browser working out for you?
I prefer iBooks... but I'll stick to Kindle: Kindle supports library lending, and iBooks does not.
Interesting if you're right--we'll see what happens!
Perhaps Apple's rules have changed and those apps who had to remove in-app stores that displayed sample / preview content can now add that back in?