In the growing market of ebook readers, Amazon fights back for its market-share by allowing readers to read their books on a PC instead of the handheld Kindle device. Amazon has released software for buying and reading ebooks on a PC that enables users to sync their downloads with other devices – such as the Kindle, Kindle DX, iPhone and iPod Touch. Amazon’s software is currently not available for Apple Mac owners, but developers promise to have a Mac version soon.  

The PC version doesn’t require that the owner purchase a Amazon Kindle to read and use ebooks like those who do. Even notes made on the book from the PC can be read on handheld devices.  

The PC version brings colour to what has been otherwise a very paltry read. The software displays books in full colour and makes use of Windows 7’s  touch screen capabilities, such as zooming in with a pinch of the fingers. Soon users will be able to turn a page with swipe of the finger instead of a click of the mouse.  

Amazon currently makes available 360,000 titles in ebook form as opposed to Barnes and Noble’s 120,000 titles. Perhaps, after Nook’s release, the Amazon software will be upgraded to enable owners of Barnes & Noble’s Nook to sync with their device, making the additional 240,000 titles available to non-Kindle users. A unique way to earn back their market.