Kindle For iPad Pictured, Won't Be Left Behind

What with all this iPad iBooks mumbo jumbo, everyone's favorite e-reader is getting left behind in the dust. Truthfully, that'll never be the case for me, because I can't imagine reading on a backlit screen, but that's not what we're talking about here. We're talking about Amazon's screenshots of their upcoming Kindle for iPad app. Utilizing the color screen and screaming fast processor on the iPad, the Kindle app is sporting full color, and some flashy features like animated backgrounds, adjustable backgrounds for reading, and flashy page turning animations that look quite a bit like Apple's in the iBooks app.

Barnes and Noble is also working on an app for the iPad, but hasn't formally announced anything just yet. Maybe it's because no one has any idea how Apple will react to third party eBook sales on a platform they just announced their own eBook store for. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple didn't let either Amazon's nor Barnes and Noble's apps into the store for fear of competition. Hey, they've done it before, and they might do it again.

Hit the jump for 1 more photo.

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Nook Gets A Much-Needed Software Update

Nook users, you've got a software update coming your way. Nook software 1.2 clames to fix many of the issues that have plagued the device since launch:

• Enhanced in-store seamless connectivity to enjoy free Wi-Fi, with More In Store content promotions exclusively for Nook owners
• Improved opening of eBooks and ePeriodicals
• Improved response to Reading Now and Settings buttons
• Current reading page and bookmarks on all eBooks are properly saved when you power your Nook off
• Eligible LendMe eBooks in your library have LendMe flags
• Easier navigation of daily subscriptions with issues rolled into one folder
• Improved "back" button functionality for navigating eBooks and ePeriodicals
• Personal files downloaded and displayed in My Documents can be sorted by author and title
• Overall system improvements and battery optimization.

I was skeptical before I saw the hands-on from ZDNet running through the OS. The changes are not just cosmetic, and seem to actually have fixed the (mostly speed-related) issues that have been present from the get-go. 

The update is being pushed OTA right now, and most users should have it within about a week of Feb 5. If you simply can't wait, you can always head over to the Nook's support page and install it manually. Of course, you should check out the hands-on after the jump before you do so, though.

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