Amazon announces a software development kit (SDK) for developers to create applications and content for its Kindle e-reader platform.
Amazon has announced a software development kit (SDK) for developers to
create applications and content for its Kindle e-reader platform.
In a Jan. 21 news release, Amazon announced that, with its new Kindle
Development Kit (KDK), the company is inviting software developers to build and
upload active content that will be available in the Kindle Store later this
year.
The new Kindle Development Kit gives developers access to programming
interfaces, tools and documentation to build active content for Kindle, the
company said. Amazon will launch a limited beta for its KDK in February.
Amazon officials said the Kindle Development Kit will enable developers to
build active content that leverages Kindle's combination of 3G wireless
delivery over Amazon Whispernet, high-resolution electronic paper display and
long battery life of seven days with wireless activated. For example, Handmark
is building an active Zagat guide featuring its trusted ratings, reviews and
more for restaurants in cities around the world, and Sonic Boom is building
word games and puzzles, Amazon said.
"We've heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited
to build on top of Kindle," said Ian Freed, Amazon's vice president responsible
for the Kindle platform, in a statement. "The Kindle Development Kit opens many
possibilities-we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent."
Participants in the limited beta will be able to download the Kindle
Development Kit, access developer support, test content on Kindle and submit
finished content, Amazon said. And those developers who are waitlisted will be
invited to participate as space becomes available.
The Kindle Development Kit includes sample code, documentation and the
Kindle Simulator, which helps developers build and test their content by
simulating the 6-inch Kindle and 9.7-inch Kindle DX on Mac, PC and Linux
desktops.
"As the leading worldwide publisher of mobile games, EA Mobile has had the
privilege of collaborating with many dynamic and innovative companies in
bringing exciting gaming experiences to new platforms," said Adam Sussman, vice
president of worldwide publishing at EA Mobile, in a statement. "Working with
Amazon, we look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun
games to Kindle and their users."
Developers can learn more about the Kindle Development Kit here and sign up to be notified when the limited beta
begins in February.
Darryl K. Taft covers the development tools and developer-related issues beat from his office in Baltimore. He has more than 10 years of experience in the business and is always looking for the next scoop. Taft is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and was named 'one of the most active middleware reporters in the world' by The Middleware Co. He also has his own card in the 'Who's Who in Enterprise Java' deck.
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