Brad Stone of The New York Times has a great article today on opening up the Kindle to developers. This has been talked about for a while, but there is nothing concrete on whether or not this will happen.
Here's Brad's article: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/will-amazon-open-the-kindle-to-developers/
Brad does a great job describing what could happen if Amazon would allow developers to create applications for their e-book reader. There could be games, social networking possibilities, and educational programs including everything from flash cards to reading comprehension exercises for kids.
Well, all that appears to be on the backburner at this time. Kindle loyalists are still pining for folders to organize their content, or simply the ability to read other formats on their Kindle. (See the comments to Brad's column).
Brad is also on Len Edgerly's Kindle Chronicles Podcast this week, where he gives more details on what he covers in his current column.
Amazon is always secretive about what is ahead for the Kindle, and comparisons with Apple keep popping up. I don't think this is all bad. Apple's cult following has helped get media exposure and fans hang on every rumor site trying to catch a glimpse of what is coming soom from Cupertino. If Amazon sticks to their plan, the Kindle will continue to be the leader in e-book readers for years to come.
