Inside these posts: E-books

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Amazon offers $139 Kindle for mass appeal

Amazon.com launched a cheaper, wireless-only Kindle Wednesday, betting that the $139 price will turn its latest electronic reader into a mass-appeal device as Apple Inc’s iPad gains ground.

The world’s largest online retailer and leading e-reader seller also revealed its third generation Kindle, some 21 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than the previous version, but still priced at $189.

Amazon does not give sales figures for the Kindle, but said last week that its growth rate tripled after it cut its price on the device from $259 and said e-books were outselling hardcover books. Apple has said it sold more than 3 million iPads, starting at $499, since the product was introduced in April. Get the full story »

Sony slashes e-reader prices to keep up with Kindle

Sony  has cut the prices on its electronic-book readers in an effort to keep up with stiff competition from Amazon.com  and Barnes & Noble, which both recently slashed prices on their own e-readers.

Borders launches online e-book store

Borders Group Inc. has launched its e-bookstore as it tries to catch up to competitors who have a head-start in a small but growing market that’s seen as the future of the book industry.

The company said Wednesday its goal with the new store and e-reader is to take 17 percent of the electronic book market by next July. Amazon has the Kindle e-reader and Barnes & Noble Inc. has the Nook, and all the players are cutting prices to woo buyers.

Amazon cuts price on Kindle DX

Online retailer Amazon.com Inc. said Thursday it is introducing a new version of its higher-end Kindle at a lower price as competition among electric-book readers intensifies. The large-screen reader with free 3G Wireless will be sold for $379. That’s down more than 22 percent from $489 than the price on the previous high-end version. Get the full story »

Amazon raises royalties offer for Kindle books

Amazon.com said Wednesday it is now offering do-it-yourself authors and publishers royalties of about 70 percent on their e-books. The online retailer in January had announced plans to offer users of its e-book self-publishing program, the Kindle Digital Text Platform, book sale royalties of 70 percent after delivery costs. Get the full story »

Amazon downgraded with crowded e-book market

Despite its early lead in the fast-growing e-book market, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) faces growing competition from tech giants Google Inc. (GOOG) and Apple Inc. (AAPL), according to one analyst.

Marianne Wolk of Susquehanna downgraded Amazon to a neutral rating on Monday. In a note to clients, the analyst cited “intensifying competition” in the e-book market, which is creating more uncertainty around the company’s Kindle business. Get the full story »

Barnes & Noble cuts price on Nook e-reader

Barnes & Noble is offering a lower-price Nook electronic reader with a Wi-Fi connection and it’s cutting the price on the original Nook reader, the bookseller said Monday. The Nook Wi-Fi is available now for $149 online at nook.com and bestbuy.com. Get the full story »