Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Amazon’s Kindle Convert Can Turn Your Paper Library Into E-Books – TechCrunch

If you’ve been hanging on a paper Those books because the idea of ​​having to repurchase them all as Kindle titles is daunting, Amazon has a new option for you: Kindle Convert, a program for Windows That turns print books into digital versions fully compatible with Amazon’s Kindle software, Including adjustable font, Whispersync for making sure you’ll be able to go to the furthest read position on any device, and backup in Amazon’s cloud for free, providing access across devices .

There’s a price to pay, however, beyond even the initial $ 19 That the software download costs (it’s also listed as being $ 49 at full price): In order to get your books into digital format, you’ll have to actually scan them using a standard flatbed or other type of computer scanner, Which Means doing things two pages at a time at most. The Ebook Reader as a notebook, it’s also a limited US customers for now.

Luckily the Hardware Requirements are not that steep, as the Kindle Convert Should work with any scanner than can produce a .jpeg, .tiff or target .pdf file with 300-600 dpi, and either 24-bit depth for color or 8-bit grayscale or for black and white. That basically covers any scanner included in modern all-in-one printers at virtually every price point.

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Most people will probably not take the time required is a convert Their entire Kindle library is format using this method, Regardless of how much it will save them small in terms of monetary cost, or unless you’re a monk in an abbot tasked with digital conversion of an entire archive and you basically have all the time in the world.

Kindle Convert is still probably useful for a lot of people, because it can help convert special out-of-print books That small; generally not be available, as well as documents and books with personal value small That not exist anywhere else . It also preserves elements dry as images, which is great for archival purposes. Plus, it’s a way to add more control over your own isnt content, and a way to make it much Easier to take digital notes on archival material.

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Sales of Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet have been decimated – Business Insider

Apple and Samsung dominate the tablet market, but for the first time ever the number of tablets shipped has Decreased. That’s bad news for all tablet manufacturers, but Amazon’s line of Kindle tablets is getting hit more than most.

A new report published by IDC shows That worldwide tablet shipments have shrunk for the first time since 2010.

That IDC says Q4 tablet shipments were at 76.1 million units, a drop of 3.2% on 2013.

This chart from IDC shows the breakdown of tablet manufacturers:

IDC tablet market IDC

Amazon is not just the smallest tablet manufacturer on That chart, it’s also been the hardest hit. It saw a drop of 69.9% in shipments from the previous year. That’s a far larger drop than its rivals. Apple’s shipments shrunk by 17.8%, and Samsung shipments were down 18.4%.

What this chart does not show is sales of standard book-reader Kindles. Instead, it Measures tablet sales – so Amazon’s Kindle Fire range of Android tablets.

It’s difficult to say exactly why Amazon took a huge hit dry on tablets. It’s not like it did not launch any new products in 2014: Amazon launched an updated Kindle Fire tablet in October that was lighter, faster, and had a better camera. Judging by the figures published by IDC, it does not look like the refreshed Kindle tablets have been a hit.

Amazon has not been having much luck with the hardware. Sales of the Fire Phone, Amazon’s first foray into the smartphone market, have been weak. Third-party sales figures published in 2014 suggested That Amazon had only sold 35,000 Fire phones. Since then, Amazon has dropped the price Repeatedly of the phone, Eventually bringing it to just 99 cents (down from $ 199.)

Disclosure: Jeff Bezos is an investor in Business Insider through his personal investment company Bezos Expeditions.

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Though Apple’s iPad sales shrank, Amazon’s Kindle Fire took 70% nosedive last … – Apple Insider

The worldwide tablet market saw its first-ever year-over-year decline in the holiday quarter, but the biggest losses were seen to the Amazon, Which saw shipments of its budget-priced Kindle Fire series plummet 70 percent.

The latest quarterly estimates from IDC were published on Monday, revealing That tablet shipments in the December quarter were down 3.2 percent year over year.

Apple’s numbers are already known – the company reported last week sales of iPads That were down 17.4 percent is 21.4 million units. But competitors dry as Amazon, Samsung and the like do not report actual unit sales for Their tablets, leaving industry watchers Relying on estimates from firms like IDC.

IDC projects That Apple continued to hold the lion’s share of the Tablet market, shipping more than the next four closest competitors combined. Samsung was in second place with 11 million units, an 18.4 percent decline.

The only company among the top five of you to post gains Lenovo, Which Grew Estimated its shipments 9.1 percent is just 3.7 million units. It was followed my to Asus, Which saw its budget-priced tablets plummet 24.9 percent to 3 million units.

The worst, however, was seen by Amazon, Kindle Fire lineup Whose saw a freefall of 69.9 percent in shipments , According To IDC. Amazon is Estimated to have shipped just 1.7 million tablets in the quarter, good for a 2.3 percent market share.

Though the market is seeing sales decline, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has said he remains bullish on the future of tablets. In his company’s quarterly earnings call last week, Cook said he sees great potential in the company’s upcoming hardware pipeline.

Though he cautioned That he does not expect to see tablet sales improve in the short term, he said he sees the space as a long-term viable market. He noted That tablet users tend to be upgrading on a more PC-like timeframe, keeping Their device for many years before replacing it, unlike the typical two-year upgrade cycle with smartphones.

One potential catalyst is believed be on the horizon for Apple is a rumored 12-inch tablet has been dubbed That the “iPad Pro.” It’s been suggested That Apple could use a larger and more powerful iPad model to cater to business customers.

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Monday, February 2, 2015

Get a Kindle Fire HD 6 for $ 84 – CNET

It’s not quite Black Friday pricing, but it’s still a $ 15 saving on the best small tablet you can buy. Plus two bonus deals!

Sarah Tew

It’s not quite Tablet Tuesday, but sometimes deals just do not align with the calendar.

For a limited time (this first Appeared yesterday, so it small well be ending sometime today), Amazon has the Kindle Fire HD 6 Tablet for $ 84 shipped. Regular price: $ 99.

What? C’mon! That’s a killer deal on the cutest little slab of tablet you’ll ever see – provided you choose a color other than black boring, that is. The HD 6 also comes in white, pink, blue and yellow.

This really is the ideal tablet for kids, who can literally do anything and everything under the sun Amazon-ecosystem: games, educational apps, books , music, movies and so on. Plus, Amazon has a bunch of family-friendly features not found in the iCosystem (see what I did there?), Including Amazon FreeTime, Family Library, and individual user profiles.

Another nice perk: the HD 6 features dual cameras and unlimited cloud storage for photos. This Means the kids can go nuts taking pictures without adversely impacting the tablet’s storage – Which, admittedly, is limited. It’s just 8GB, or 16GB if you pony up another $ 20, and unfortunately there’s no expansion slot. A few small tweaks users decry the low-ish screen resolution (1,280 x 800), but I say that’s fine for a 6-inch screen. And remember your audience: kids do not care about screen resolution.

This is not to say the HD 6 it will appeal only kids. There’s a ton of bang for the buck here Tablet (read CNET’s review for more insight), to the point where I frequently Referred as this is the best deal of 2014. I honestly do not know what Amazon could do to make it any better in 2015 – except perhaps that Increase the storage. Your thoughts?

Bonus deal: In honor of National Change Your Password Day (Earlier comes every year, does not it?), Siber Systems RoboForm Everywhere is offering free for one year. This hugely popular password manager normally costs $ 19.95 per year, and that’s what it’ll cost you once this extended trial is up. Alas, if you’re already a user RoboForm, move along – this deal is for new users only.

Bonus deal No. 2: Calling all Android-using fans of Cartoon Network! (Easy, there, no shoving.) Starting at 11 am PT today, the Humble Bundle Cartoon Network Mobile will feature – well, it Should Be pretty obvious. Pay what you want for four games (Adventure Time: Treasure Fetch, Regular Show: Ride ‘Em Rigby, Regular Show: Ghost Toasters and Regular Show: The Best Park in the Universe). Beat the average price to add Ski Safari: Adventure Time, CN Superstar Soccer, Adventure Time: Jumping Finn Turbo and Regular Show: The Great Prank War. Or pay $ 8 for all of the above plus The Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville, Adventure Time: Time Tangle, and Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake. Plus help charity!

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Good Samaritan gives homeless man in Las Vegas and Kindle – Daily Mail

  • The San Diego man was on a business trip in Las Vegas When he saw Paul
  • He struck up a conversation about books and found he only had one
  • He reached With into his bag and gave him his Kindle with over 300 books on it

A good Samaritan did a good deed for a homeless man by giving him a Kindle Pursue his love of reading.

The San Diego man, who wishes to remain anonymous, would take frequent business trips to Las Vegas When he’d often do see a homeless man reading book Repeatedly they.

During his last visit, he Decided to strike up a conversation with the man, called Paul, about his book and soon found out That he loved to read, but only had one book.

Reading: Paul told the man he loved That to read books, but unfortunately he only had one book to read

The man told The Huffington Post: ‘I just asked him if he liked to read. He said he loved it but That he had been reading these That book over and over for a while now. “

In a kind gesture, the man remembered That he was carrying his bag in his Kindle, and Decided to give it to Paul and teach him how to use it.

It was soon clear how much Paul enjoyed using the device – Which is an e-reader to Amazon.

He Decided to take a picture of Paul and his new Kindle, and shared it on Reddit on Thursday under the username, mjuad.

The photograph quickly went viral, receiving nearly two million views on Imgur – Which describes itself as the Internet’s visual storytelling community the where people post pictures.

He said: ‘It brought me a lot of joy to see someone getting so much from something that I gave them. It feels so good to see someone get so much for something I took for granted. ‘

Luckily, Paul does not need it download books. The Kindle is already stocked with around 300 books.

In another grand gesture, the man gave Paul an address the where he could send The device, cash on delivery, Should he need more reading material.

He told the website: “If I can keep someone from going hungry for a day or brighten Their day / life up in any way, I always try to do my best.

‘I’m also hoping that sharing this That I Will Encourage others that do something kind as well. ‘

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Sunday, February 1, 2015

Good Samaritan gives a homeless man Kindle – Daily Mail

  • The San Diego man was on a business trip in Las Vegas When he saw Paul
  • He struck up a conversation about books and found he only had one
  • He reached With into his bag and gave him his Kindle with over 300 books on it

A good Samaritan did a good deed for a homeless man by giving him a Kindle Pursue his love of reading.

The San Diego man, who wishes to remain anonymous, would take frequent business trips to Las Vegas When he’d often do see a homeless man reading book Repeatedly they.

During his last visit, he Decided to strike up a conversation with the man, called Paul, about his book and soon found out That he loved to read, but only had one book.

Reading: Paul told the man he loved That to read books, but unfortunately he only had one book to read

The man told The Huffington Post: ‘I just asked him if he liked to read. He said he loved it but That he had been reading these That book over and over for a while now. “

In a kind gesture, the man remembered That he was carrying his bag in his Kindle, and Decided to give it to Paul and teach him how to use it.

It was soon clear how much Paul enjoyed using the device – Which is an e-reader to Amazon.

He Decided to take a picture of Paul and his new Kindle, and shared it on Reddit on Thursday under the username, mjuad.

The photograph quickly went viral, receiving nearly two million views on Imgur – Which describes itself as the Internet’s visual storytelling community the where people post pictures.

He said: ‘It brought me a lot of joy to see someone getting so much from something that I gave them. It feels so good to see someone get so much for something I took for granted. ‘

Luckily, Paul does not need it download books. The Kindle is already stocked with around 300 books.

In another grand gesture, the man gave Paul an address the where he could send The device, cash on delivery, Should he need more reading material.

He told the website: “If I can keep someone from going hungry for a day or brighten Their day / life up in any way, I always try to do my best.

‘I’m also hoping that sharing this That I Will Encourage others that do something kind as well. ‘

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Saratoga Springs Sage Hills Elementary Kindle suspects use tablets for archery … – Daily Herald

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Police were able this IDENTIFY two juveniles who are Suspected of burglarizing and vandalizing Sage Hills Elementary School multiple times in Saratoga Springs.

The two boys, 14 and 15 years old, were arrested and booked on Suspicion of burglary, vandalism and other charges connected to the case That Remains under police investigation.

“Those of the school district appreciate the work of the Saratoga Springs Police Department who really worked tirelessly on this case and brought it to a quick resolution, “said John Patten, Alpine School District Spokesman.

The first school break-in It was the night of Jan.5-6, the second on the night of Jan. 25-26 and the last on the night of Jan. Us Help 26-27.

Officers found That When The boys broke in the second time there were acts of vandalism, theft and graffiti. Items taken included the Kindle Fire tablets and the graffiti included the words “7 days down,” which was not seen as a threat but as a possible gang tag.

The last time the suspects broke into the school this commit acts of vandalism, theft and graffiti; the items taken included speakers and the graffiti included the words “6 days down.”

The countdown with the second mark was interpreted as a threat and Brad Rowley, the principal of Sage Hills Elementary, emailed to parents making them aware of the situation and the Increased security at the school.

After arresting the suspects, Investigators discovered the graffiti countdown That was Intended as the kids’ signature and is not a threat the school.

“They were able DETERMINE That is, it was not a threat to anyone, rather a marker or signature That they were leaving rather than a threat against the school,” said Owen Jackson, Saratoga Springs Spokesman.

evidently, the vandals got the countdown idea from a horror movie they had watched, Jackson said.

“They claimed they did not use it to threaten or anything just to goad them to ‘catch me,’ “Patten said.

Why they targeted Sage Hills Elementary is still a mystery.

” There was not anything in Particular that I heard, ” Jackson said. “One of the juveniles did go to the school Previously, but That is all I know.”

They had been getting into the school by breaking windows. Currently, damages at the school stand at $ 4,200, but the sum Will Likely Increase during the Alpine School District’s cost assessment to repair the facility and replace the stolen items.

“They did recover the tablets, however, they were destroyed using a bow and arrow, “Jackson said.

Saratoga Springs police detectives worked closely with the Alpine School District to provide your additional surveillance at the school. Measures were taken That included installing surveillance cameras and additional lighting, providing additional patrols and posting a school resource officer at the school.

“We’re grateful That it’s resolved and it does Provide students and parents with an added measure of safety, just that feeling of peace knowing it’s been taken care of, “Patten said.

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