Amazon launches Mac version of its Kindle e-reader

Amazon today released Kindle for Mac, a version of its e-reader software for Apple hardware.

The firm said the free application, which is available in some 100 countries, will give users access to a database of almost half a million books.

Kindle books can now be read on Amazon's own Kindle and Kindle DX hardware, as well as the iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC and Mac. Amazon also plans to release a version of its e-reader for Apple's new iPad device.

"Kindle for Mac is the perfect companion application for customers who own a Kindle or Kindle DX," said Jay Marine, director at Amazon Kindle. "For those customers around the world who don't yet have a Kindle, Kindle for Mac is a great way to instantly access and read the most popular new releases as well as their old favourites."

Amazon recently reported strong Kindle sales as contributing to a 42 percent increase in overall sales over the fourth quarter of 2009 to US$9.5bn (A$10.33 bn).

In the firm's latest financial report, chief executive Jeff Bezos said, "Millions of people now own Kindles. And Kindle owners read. A lot. When we have both editions, we sell six Kindle books for every 10 physical books."