Kindle e-reader ads get local

Amazon on Thursday said it is getting into the local deals game with a Kindle software update for "Special Offers" versions of its popular Kindle electronic readers. AmazonLocal on Kindle with Special Offers will launch in New York City and spread to other markets through the year. People will be able to purchase local deals through Kindles using the same accounts set up to buy digital books, according to Amazon. Offers can be redeemed by showing merchants digital vouchers on Kindle screens. Kindles with discounted prices subsidized by on-screen ads have become the top selling models since they hit the US market in May, according to the Seattle-based online retail colossus. Kindle with Special Offers e-readers that connect to the Internet at wireless hotspots are priced at $114 each and versions with 3G mobile network connectivity retail for $139 a piece. Ads promoting deals on nearby bike rentals, comedy clubs, yoga classes and more will be added to the major brand advertising that has thus far been streamed to Kindles, according to Amazon. AmazonLocal ads will be displayed as screen-savers when people aren't reading their Kindles. "You can view, purchase, and redeem the deals using only your Kindle -- no computer, no printer, no hassle," Kindle director Jay Marine said in a release. "We think customers are going to be thrilled with this new, convenient way to take advantage of AmazonLocal deals," he added. Software enabling local deals on Kindles will be included in an update to current-generation e-readers in coming weeks, Amazon said.