Whispernet

Some Amazon Kindle devices include a cell-phone-type data service that Amazon calls Whispernet. There are some recent version that have "Wi-Fi" only models. The newest units supports only the 3G service but Whispernet itself can work with older units using EVDO as well. International sites use 3G service and include VAT in the price of the book but the download is still free. If you are using Roaming such as visiting Europe with your US based product you will be charged $1.99 to download a book.

Older Whispernet

This service was available on Amazon Kindle 1 and Amazon Kindle 2. It used EVDO facilities from Sprint but the user does not need to sign up for the service. It provides free download of purchased eBooks and free browsing of the Wikipedia encyclopedia. This is a wireless service and may be turned off independently from the device itself. Note that the International version first available on the Kindle 2 and later the Kindle DX had both Sprint and AT&T 3G service. In January 2010 they announced 3G wireless with fallback to EDGE/GPRS coverage (lower speed).

User content conversion

Some other formats can be converted to Kindle format by sending them to Amazon's web site. This user converted content can also be optionally be downloaded via Whispernet for USD$.15 per Megabyte in the US and USD$.99 per megabyte internationally. User content conversion is free if you don't use Whispernet.

Formats that can be converted include:

• Microsoft Word (.DOC)
• Structured HTML (.HTML, .HTM)
• JPEG (.JPEG, .JPG)
• GIF (.GIF)
• PNG (.PNG)
• BMP (.BMP)
• PDF (.PDF) (No longer needed but if the Subject line of the email contains 'Convert' the PDF will be converted)

Costs

Note that the cost is per MB (rounded upwards) and by email. In other words, two emails with 400KB each, costs USD$1.98 in total. But a single email with two attachments of 400KB each, for a total of 800KB for that mail still costs USD$0.99.

Note that it is possible to convert .ePub and .PDF files on the Kindle 2 itself using a program called Savory. The files can be downloaded via the built-in Kindle browser and are then converted on the fly.

Whispersync

Whispersync technology will automatically sync your library, last page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across your Kindle devices and Kindle software readers. On Kindle Fire, Whispersync extends to video. Start streaming a movie on Kindle Fire, then pick up right where you left off on your TV - avoid the frustration of having to find your spot.

Whispersync can work over Whispernet or Wi-Fi.

Whispersync for Voice

Amazon now owns Audible and has a feature for some of their Kindle apps called Whispersync for Voice. It is designed to allow you to read in an eBook and then switch to an audiobook or vice versa without losing your place in the book.

You must own both versions of the book for this to work. However, they need not exist on the same device. You can sync between different devices and then switch device to continue reading or listening. It is also described at Whispersync devices where a list up supported devices and apps is shown. Amazon will sometimes discount the audible version for people who already own the eBook version.