When you just look back

My latest toy is something I thought about buying more than a year ago, and I eventually decided to go for an iPad; a device called “Kindle” from Amazon. I was sure they would release something before the Christmas, and when I heard the news (or rumor) that newest Kindle would be Android-based and full-color (meaning it’d not be an e-ink based), I thought I could live with the current version (widely known as Kindle 3), rather than waiting for a new version which I would most likely not use.

The tragedy happened shortly after it arrived in my apartment. Amazon announced yet another e-ink based model called “Kindle Touch” one day after it got to my table. It was smaller and lighter than the one in my hand, and I would most likely have decided to take this one if I had a choice.

Soon the sorrow was replaced by disappointment. Those new models were not available outside the United States. I had to contrast with the path Apple is taking; offering newest model, iPhone 4G, in many countries at the same date as in U.S (although it would be available slightly later in Austria). Is Amazon seriously thinking about opening the “Japanese” Kindle store? Given the number of people who read Japanese and (sort of) craze for those people in reading, I always thought potential market was huge (and yes, I am one of those who are waiting so much for the day when Amazon announces Kindle store for Japanese market). Unfortunately, the path they’re taking seems to be pointing completely opposite direction.

As for the Kindle 3, which is now called “Kindle Keyboard”, I feel happy on hardware level, perhaps except that there is only one font available for Japanese text by default. The UI is very limited, compared to iPad, but it would be better-off, given that the device itself is designed for reading, not surfing.

I don’t think many people would complain about the number of available contents in Amazon. Although some (English) titles are still not on the Kindle store, I see no reason Amazon is not making effort to enlarge this number. Last year, I thought it would take few years for them to open Kindle store for Japanese readers, and I’m still hoping I was right, or even wishing I was wrong in estimated too long for them to set it up.