Amazon today announced that it will bring local deals to the Wi-Fi and 3G version of its Kindle with Special Offers. The new program is called AmazonLocal, and will serve local Groupon-style deals to users of the Kindle with Special Offers.
Amazon’s ad-supported Kindle with Special Offers sells for $114 (Wi-Fi only) and $139 (with 3G). The company says the response to the discounted eReaders has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
Today’s announcement is an expansion on the types of offers Kindle with Special Offers will see.
“Customers tell us they love the new lower price for Kindle and the money-saving special offers that display when they aren’t reading,” said Jay Marine, director for Amazon Kindle, in a statement. “We think customers are going to be thrilled with this new, convenient way to take advantage of AmazonLocal deals – you can view, purchase and redeem the deals using only your Kindle – no computer, no printer, no hassle.”
The company presents a few upcoming AmazonLocal deals for New York City Kindle customers as an example of how the new offers will work. For instance, users can take advantage of a $7, one-hour bike rental in Central Park ($15 value), or $5 for $10 at Dangerfield’s Comedy club.
Customers can view their city’s AmazonLocal deals and purchase the deal directly from their Kindle, without re-entering account or credit card information. Once a customer purchases a deal, they will receive a voucher directly on their Kindle’s home screen. The voucher can be redeemed by showing it to the local merchant or by bringing in a printed copy.
The functionality for receiving AmazonLocal deals on Kindle with Special Offers will be delivered as part of a software update for latest generation Kindles in the coming weeks.