Kindle Free Samples on iOS
Amazon has updated its Kindle app for iOS devices to give account holders an easier means of purchasing books on the device without the company having to fork over a 30 per cent cut to Apple.
In the new app, launched on Tuesday, the retailer has introduced a cunning, yet convoluted workaround, which, for the first time, enables its users to search for books within the app before downloading a free sample.
Once iPhone or iPad users have completed the sample they'll be offered the opportunity to email themselves a link to the title on the Amazon mobile site, where they can complete the purchase and continue reading the book once its synced back to their device.
Because the initial sample download does not constitute an official in-app purchase, the company is not compelled to give Apple a cut of the proceeds.
Previously the Kindle app for iOS was read only, with purchases made through the Kindle Store or mobile site simply synced back to the app to enable reading on the iOS device.
The workaround, which is sure to get under Apple's skin, is by no means perfect, but it does represent some smart thinking on Amazon's part to open up a purchase option on Apple devices without further splitting its potential profits.
Whether Apple will have a response to the move remains to be seen, but at the moment it doesn't seem as if Amazon has violated any of its terms and conditions. Until then, score one to Amazon.
Via The Next Web
