Amazon enables users to grant access to ebooks to others
In a move that's been eagerly anticipated by many, Amazon has launched a new ebook sharing program for its Kindle devices. This feature is similar to Barnes & Noble's Nook "LendMe" but with some key differences.
Michael Kozlowski, a writer specializing in audiobooks and e-readers for the past twelve years, reports that the new program allows Kindle users to share their entire library with other Amazon Family members. This can be done by enabling "Books" sharing in the Family settings, making your purchased Kindle ebooks available on their devices automatically or by managing sharing on a per-book basis within your household.
Unlike Barnes & Noble's Nook "LendMe" feature, which enables the direct lending of eligible ebook titles to another user for a limited loan period, Amazon's new program offers the flexibility to share your entire library with family members. The shared ebook will likely disappear from the lender's Kindle during the 14-day lending period.
The new program is available on all versions of the Kindle, including the Kindle 2, Kindle Graphite WIFI/3G, and Kindle DX. To share an ebook, the recipient's email address associated with their Amazon and Kindle account is required.
The key differences between the two programs are outlined below:
| Feature | Amazon Kindle Family Sharing | Barnes & Noble Nook LendMe | |--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Sharing method | Share entire shared library with Amazon Family members, or select books per household member | Lend individual eligible ebooks to another user for a fixed loan period | | Sharing recipients | Up to one other adult and up to four children in a household | Any Nook user with a compatible device or app | | Duration of loan | Unlimited as long as shared within the Household Library | Limited loan period (usually 14 days) | | Control over shared books | Can add or remove specific books per household member | Loan expires and book automatically returns | | Restrictions | Shared only within your Amazon Household Family | Book lender cannot use the book during loan | | Setup complexity | Requires Amazon Family setup and enabling sharing options | Simple lending through device or app |
In summary, Amazon Kindle's new sharing is more focused on sharing your entire library within a controlled household group indefinitely, while Nook's LendMe is a temporary lending feature allowing single-book loans to any other user. This makes Kindle sharing more suitable for family library use, while Nook LendMe resembles a traditional loan between individuals for a short term.
[1] Source: Amazon.com [3] Source: BarnesandNoble.com
Note: Michael Kozlowski resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- The new Amazon Kindle Family Sharing program allows users to share their entire library of ebooks with other Amazon Family members, making it a potentially valuable addition to households filled with gadgets and technology enthusiasts.
- As opposed to Barnes & Noble's Nook "LendMe" feature, Amazon's program facilitates the indefinite sharing of an entire library within a controlled household group, highlighting the unique ways in which e-reader technology is reshaping book-sharing practices.
