With a few days to go for the expected release of the Apple tablet device, Amazon has announced its first-ever software developers’ kit – the Kindle Development Kit – to enable the creation of “active content” for its popular Kindle e-readers.

Since it is being rumored that the supposedly-forthcoming Apple tablet will offer competition to the Kindle e-readers as a platform for the distribution of e-books, the Amazon decision to open application programs for the Kindle will expand the usage-range of the devices.

Some of the expected “active content” that will likely make its way to the Kindle will include word games and puzzles; travel books featuring real-time weather updates and current events; cookbooks with menus for allergy-prone people or for different types of parties.

The software developers who build programs for the Kindle will be assisted by Amazon in uploading the programs to be put up for sale in the Kindle store later this year. Furthermore, Amazon will facilitate the “active content” building process by providing the developers the access to requisite tools and technology.

Noting that Kindle is “capable of offering readers a broad range of content that goes beyond what the book is today,” Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said that the enhanced content for the e- readers will potentially move beyond games and live-updated information to encompass newer book content, like interactive academic textbooks.