Will Amazon open the Kindle to developers?

If Amazon allowed third-party developers to make applications for the Kindle, it could turn a device with a single purpose into something much more flexible.
(From The New York Times)

The story "Will Amazon open the Kindle to developers?" published September 26, 2009 at 11:16 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[Shutterstuff]

Get rid of the proprietary format so I can download eBooks from other sources. Then I will buy one for me and one for my wife. I could care less about other apps, but doing email and filing recipes would be nice.

[Earl Benzar]

I will never use a Kindle no matter what Amazon does with it.

[Dude_Angus]

I'm curious how Kindle owners prefer their books? Using Amazon's proprietary format, or PDF? Same question for readers from Sony. Do you prefer EPUB, or is PDF fine? I ask because I just published my book at my website. But I only posted it in PDF. Is this good enough, or do I need to post in other formats as well? It would be nice if all readers just used one format, similar to how mp3 is the de facto standard in music.

Thanks
Dude Angus, Author "Dorthe and the Dwarf"

[shenandoah1865]

I love my Kindle2 and use it every day. I do download ebooks from other sources just fine. The discussion group for Kindles on Amazon is a great source for other ebook sources - rather good of Amazon to allow this.

The DRM is not Amazon's fault - though I hope a compromise will eventually be found. Amazon lists plenty of free ebooks too - public domain as well as some newer indy books. Audio books from Audible.com work too - though I usually use my Ipod or computer for those.

You can also order a Kindle to check it out - they have a 30 day return policy.

Very much worth a look, IMHO.