Gadzooki

Watch Video on Your Ebook Reader

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ereader video

Is your Kindle or Nook (or any other ebook reader) your constant companion? Have you shelved your “real” books for your ebook reader?

I am a book lover – in any format, really, but the convenience of ebooks make this format my main choice lately. One thing about ebook readers these days – at least those that function mainly as ebook readers – is that they are rather limited in functionality. I am not talking about the iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and other similar tablets. These devices can definitely be used as ebook readers, and they excel at that.

If you get the chance to use ebook readers such as the Kindle and the Nook, though, you will immediately notice just how limited they are. Then again, if all you really want or need is to read books (which is what these things are made for), then there is no issue. On the other hand, if you feel like getting more out of your ebook reader, you’ll be interested in what software developer Mark Longstaff-Tyrrell has created.

He has developed software that will allow you to watch video or animation on your ebook reader. Nook and Kindle owners already know that their devices are not meant for video playback. Knowing that, however, does not mean that one would not want the ability to watch video if at all possible. With Longstaff-Tyrrell’s solution, that ability is within reach of every ebook reader owner.

The premise is simple: to go around the refresh rate limitation of ebook readers. In order to do this, Longstaff-Tyrrell decided to pick out the critical frames in the video. Included in these frames are the ones which have the subtitles. The result? An HTML file or a PDF which you can read as if you were watching the video. There is also an option for an embeddable HTML player if you prefer that format.

Yeah, it is not exactly the same as actually watching the video. In fact, I wouldn’t blame you if the word “lame” is in your head right now. You have stop comparing ebook readers to the iPad, though. For something that totally cannot play videos, this solution is actually a brilliant workaround.

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Cheaper Kindle – “Special Offers” Included

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Kindle with Special Offers
The Kindle has changed the way people read – there is no doubt about that. While there are still a lot of people who prefer to hold real paper in between their fingers and smell the unmistakable aroma of a “real” book (I am included in this group, by the way), the convenience that e-book readers such as the Kindle is undeniable. Ever since e-book readers became readily available in the market, these gadgets have made converts of countless people around the world. Don’t get me wrong – nothing “real” books but when it comes to portability, I like having the option of accessing hundreds and hundreds of book from a single device that weighs less than my thinnest paperback.

Kindle is definitely one of the most popular – if not THE most popular – e-book readers in the market today, and Amazon continues to play on that factor. There have been several versions of the Kindle, each targeted towards specific users. This time, they are laying their cards on the table with the “Kindle with Special Offers”.

Basically, with this version of the Kindle, you get the same old 6-inch Kindle with Wi-Fi and e-ink pearl technology. However, you get some dollars knocked off the price, so instead of $139, you only pay $114. And how is this possible?

The key lies in the “Special Offers”. This term is simply a disclaimer informing us that ads are included in this Kindle.  In other words, the Kindle with Special Offers is subsidized by ads.

What kinds of ads will you see in this Kindle?  Here are some examples:

  • $10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card
  • $6 for 6 Audible Books (normally $68)
  • $1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store (choose from over 1 million albums)
  • $10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop

Personally, I wouldn’t be bothered by such ads.  The main issue bothering people is that the ads will be intrusive and disrupt the pleasure of reading.  Indeed, how would you feel if you were reading a hardbound book with ads in the margin?  The good news is that apparently, the ads will only show up when the screensaver turns on and at the bottom of the home screen.  Basically, you won’t get those pop ups in the middle of a gripping scene.

Given that, I think that having ads on the Kindle should not be an issue at all.  I do think that they ought to give a better discount on the gadget, though.

Get the Kindle with Special Offers here.