Will Amazon see a drastic drop in Kindle sales in the next 5 years? Credit Suisse analyst Spencer Wang says the Kindle could relinquish its hold on the market from 90% to just 35%. With Apple's iPad recently entering the market and the hot disputes over the agency pricing model for ebooks, Amazon's dominance in the ereader industry may be in danger.
It could happen right? Anything is possible, although at present, Amazon is still the top ebook reader manufacturer. The ever-growing popularity of the Kindle has created a large following, and the Kindle ebook store is just as popular. The agency model of pricing ebooks has caused quite a ruckus, forcing Amazon to raise the price of some ebooks, but it is truly out of Amazon's hands. It looks as though publishers are following the leader when it comes to changing over to the mode.
Never fear though, Amazon's much used apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch can still be used. The apps enable owners to compare product prices, perform searches, read reviews and purchase Amazon stuff. Additionally, Amazon owns Stanza, another iPhone app that allows the consumer to browse over 100,000 books.
Competition is getting tough, and the ereader technology is evolving fast too. There are so many options for Amazon to make the Kindle at par with newer ereaders. In fact, Amazon purchased Touchco, a company specializing in touchscreens, recently which shows that Amazon is moving forward in creating the next great Kindle model. Another company, Qualcomm, recently released information about the Mirasol technology that could eventually eliminate the use of e-ink technology. Perhaps down the road a Kindle Kolor will be available.
Drastic changes would need to occur in order for the Kindle market drop. Amazon dominates the ereader market in many channels, and holds it tight with loyal customers. They obtained this status by offering one of the first generation ereaders.
On the other hand, the iPad is a multi-tasking gadget that is going to put a dent in the ereader market with its devout Apple cult. Consumers will buy the iPad because of the many things it can do, but a market of consumers that want a simple ereader still exists.
Competition pushes companies to be the best and find the best technology to improve their products. Why? Because as consumers we want the next best thing. Kindle has a hold on the market, and will continue to do so with a hard-core following, especially, with new Kindle model releases.
Some analysts may predict a drastic drop in Kindle sales but for now, it remains as the leader of the ebook reader industry. Visit us at http://ebookreadersresource.com and find out why the best-selling Amazon Kindle is in a class of its own.
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