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.

kindle1
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.

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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

alent1234 Avatar
alent1234
104 months ago
Thanks, but I'll stick to iBooks.

How is that reading books in the browser working out for you?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
needfx Avatar
needfx
104 months ago
I just downloaded kindle for ios yesterday and the first book I bought, is fellow forum user's book, roadbloc (https://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=353762), "vending machine lunch (http://www.amazon.com/Vending-Machine-Lunch-ebook/dp/B00AGJRGH0/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1375218551&sr=8-1&keywords=vending+machine+lunch)"
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thefourthpope Avatar
thefourthpope
104 months ago
This is a welcome addition! I rarely read off of my Kindle, but this should be a nice help.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nagromme Avatar
nagromme
104 months ago
Thanks, but I'll stick to iBooks.

I prefer iBooks... but I'll stick to Kindle: Kindle supports library lending, and iBooks does not.


That's an interesting addition, as far as I'm aware, unless you are using In App Purchase, you are pretty much prevented - by way of your app being rejected, - from providing samples / previews of content in any way, shape, or form.

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?

Interesting if you're right--we'll see what happens!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sharkus Avatar
Sharkus
104 months ago
That's an interesting addition, as far as I'm aware, unless you are using In App Purchase, you are pretty much prevented - by way of your app being rejected, - from providing samples / previews of content in any way, shape, or form.

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?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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