Kindle Technology Helps the World Read

Worldreader.org can be compared to One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), an organization that created less expensive computers that was meant for children in developing countries. Worldreader.org has the same idea; however, they want to send eBook readers to these countries instead to encourage young people to develop a love for reading.

As of now, the organization has picked the ever popular Amazon Kindle as the eReader to send out. In fact, one of the co-founders of the organization is a former vice president of product and platform development for Amazon. Nice to know, but really this is a positive way to utilize electronic readers.

Here is Worldreader.org's working hypotheses:

eReaders will increase access to books due to lower distribution costs and immediate visibility of millions of books available online.This will result in a larger number and greater variety of books read, and increased excitement and exchange of ideas around these books.The result will be a higher value placed on reading within the classroom, family, and community.The results will be specific and measurable, and will, in the long term, increase literacy and opportunity for those involved.

Worldreader.org currently maintains partnerships with Amazon, Rassak Experience, and OrphanAid Africa. And speaking of Amazon, the Kindle was chosen because for one, it is so simple to use, and secondly, the Kindle store offers thousands of eBooks. This eBook reader also offers global wireless support. As the program evolves, the organization says that they may consider other gadgets depending on the needs of the developing communities.

Note however, that Worldreader.org doesn't give the eReaders to the countries; they assist with subsidizing the devices, so the devices are affordable for the local governments to purchase. They do this through fundraising. A trial run started on March 15th in the village of Ayenyah, Ghana.

Worldreader.org hopes that they see results of improved reading frequency and a higher demand for books. Additionally, the organization hopes that it will create a "sustainable business ecosystem" in these communities

The organization is also working diligently to problem-solve power problems, solar cell, and satellite internet access. In some remote areas around the world, these facilities aren't readily available. For example, in Ayenyah, Ghana, the trial school had unreliable power.

Once the students get their hands on the Kindle, they will find pre-loaded books. Worldreader.org lets the community pick the books based on their interests and needs.

As we get caught up in eBook prices wars thanks to the new agency model, competition stories between the Kindle and iPad, we sometimes really forget that eReader technology is awesome. Worldreader.org is using it to help the world change the way it reads.

The Kindle technology isn't only bring reading pleasure to new heights, it's also contributing to the education of less fortunate children. Find out why the Kindle is the ebook reader of choice of Worldreader.org and of million of book lovers worldwide!

Kindle Shows Evolution Of Technology

Years ago the newspaper industry saw a shift from readers picking up the morning newspaper during coffee and breakfast to reading the latest headlines on the Internet, and now to scanning the latest Twitter updates from multiple news organizations. While the shift to technology continues to emerge, many did not know whether reading a book on an electronic device would become the next big hit.

While scrolling through pages on an electronic device isn't the same as snuggling up on the couch flipping the paper pages of your favorite classic novel, this has not stopped the evolution of technology creeping into all aspects of our lives. Instead, Amazon's Kindle has shown a large increase in sales since its launch in November 2007.

After such a successful launch, Amazon then followed up with two more generations of the Kindle. On December 27, 2010, just 4 months after the launch of the Kindle 3, Amazon announced the Kindle 3 had already become Amazon's bestselling product in history.

Due to the high nature of e-book buying, Amazon has introduced the Kindle Million Club. The Kindle Million Club is for authors who have reached 1 million paid book copies in the Kindle Store. Currently three authors are on the list which includes James Patterson, Stieg Larsson and the newest member, Nora Roberts.

Just like any shift away from the normal habits of everyday life, the evolution towards the kindle e-book hasn't been without its own issues. Many established publishers have worried the increased sales and popularity of e-book readers, including the Kindle, will undercut sales in the hardcover and paperback market. Also Amazon's agreement, which was announced in October, gives self-publishing authors through the Kindle store a higher royalty. This has evoked anger and fear within publishing houses. Amazon has agreed to a 70 percent royalty instead of the standard publishing contract's 25 percent.

In 2007, the Kindle may have seemed like a joke to some individuals, but three years later the view has shifted. The Kindle is not the next fad that comes and goes after a year of two. Instead, it seems that it is here to stay and is ever-expanding. This can best be seen by looking at the amount of other e-book readers that have been developed and are now being sold in the market. The next question is, how long will bookstores continue to stay in business or will they face the same downsizing that print newspaper has seen.

We have a great review of some of the best kindle dx covers at our kindle site!