UPS delivered a box to my door two weeks ago. Inside was something I told myself I didn't need because I already had a phone and tablet.
My spouse and close friend talked about theirs at a level that borders on a unhealthy obsession.
So I opened the box, slapped on a bright orange cover and flicked on the power to my new Kindle Paperwhite. I wasn't sure what to expect. But I can tell you I was expecting more.
Where was the web browser?
Where was the email client?
No Facebook or Twitter? You must be kidding.
Where was the clock when I was in reading mode?
Eventually, I found the Experimental Browser. I tried it, and can promise you I'll never make that mistake again. You might think I'm ready to return my Kindle.
The fact is, I LOVE IT.
I love it because Amazon built a product for people who LOVE to read. You know the types. They read six books at the same time. They look forward to a vacation to get caught up on their reading. Their coffee tables are covered in old books, and they are proud when their fine at the library dips under triple digits.
Amazon reached into the minds of these people, and the result is product that's exactly what they wanted yet nothing more.
Why does the web browser suck? Because you can browse just fine on your phone, or tablet or PC. No email, Twitter or Facebook? Those would distract from the reading experience! Same goes for the lack of clock in reading mode. When you get fully immersed in a great book, the last thing you want is a distraction.
In a world where companies, especially in technology, are convinced that adding more features equals a better experience, I applaud Amazon for taking the opposite approach.
What product are you obsessed with that does more by doing less?