Amazon inviting developers for Kindle

SEATTLE, US: Amazon today announced that it is inviting software developers to build and upload active content that will be available in the Kindle Store later this year. For the past two years, Amazon has welcomed authors and publishers to directly upload and sell content in the Kindle Store through the self-service Kindle publishing platform.  

The new Kindle Development Kit gives developers access to programming interfaces, tools and documentation to build active content for Kindle, said a press release.

It enables developers to build active content that leverages the combination of seamless and invisible 3G wireless delivery over Amazon Whispernet, high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper.

"We've heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited to build on top of Kindle," said Ian Freed, vice president, Amazon Kindle. "The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities--we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent."

The Development Kit includes sample code, documentation, and the Kindle Simulator, which helps developers build and test their content by simulating the 6-inch Kindle and 9.7-inch Kindle DX on Mac, PC, and Linux desktops

"As the leading worldwide publisher of mobile games, EA Mobile has had the privilege of collaborating with many dynamic and innovative companies in bringing exciting gaming experiences to new platforms," says Adam Sussman, Vice President of Worldwide Publishing, EA Mobile. "Working with Amazon, we look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun games to Kindle and their users."

Starting next month, participants in the limited beta would be able to download the Kindle Development Kit, access developer support, test content on Kindle, and submit finished content. Those wait-listed would be invited to participate as space becomes available, the release said.

To learn more about the kit, developers can visit, http://www.amazon.com/kdk/ and sign up to be notified when the limited beta starts next month.