Think of it as Netflix for intellectuals: Amazon last week introduced Kindle Unlimited, a $9.95 per month service that allows users unlimited access to more than 600,000 books on Kindle devices, as well as via free Kindle reading apps for iOS, Android and more.
In addition to print titles, the service will offer more than 2,000 audio books via Audible with Whispersync for Voice, which allows users to switch between reading and listening.
Amazon is offering prospective users a free 30-day trial of Kindle Unlimited. The service is not limited to Amazon Prime customers, but rather to anyone with a Kindle device or app. Like Netflix, there will not be any due dates on materials accessed through the service.
Pew Research estimated that as of January 2014, some 50% of all Americans owned either a tablet or an e-book reader, or both.
“In addition to offering over 600,000 eBooks, Kindle Unlimited is also by far the most cost-effective way to enjoy audiobooks and eBooks together,” said Russ Grandinetti, Kindle senior vice president. “With thousands of Whispersync for Voice-enabled audiobooks to choose from, you can easily switch between reading and listening to a book, allowing the story to continue even when your eyes are busy.”
