More tablet wars

Readying itself for Apple’s unveiling of its tablet this week, Amazon is calling for software developers to create programs like games and puzzles based on real-time weather and current events for its Kindle e-reader.

The Seattle-based online retailer has also promised a 70 percent commission to authors and publishers who put their titles on the Kindle.

Significance: The move is similar to Apple’s pact with programmers who make applications for its iPhone and iPod Touch. Amazon, which holds about 60 percent of the United States market on e-readers (going by research firm Forrester’s figures), is obviously keen to retain its share of the e-reader market.

One wonders if the announcement comes too little, too late. Apple is not just gunning to put out an e-reader: it wants its slate to be the gizmo on which people get bites of news, TV and books quickly, with one tablet in every home.

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