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Google Editions E-Book Service Launching Soon

by Terrence O'Brien on December 1, 2010 at 12:50 PM

Google Editions on iPad The launch of Google Editions, the search giant's foray into the world of e-book retailing, is finally set to go live, according to the Wall Street Journal. Originally announced last year, and scheduled to launch this summer, Google Editions has faced a number of technical and legal hurdles (which, we would like to point out, aren't quite vanquished yet). The service, which would be linked to your Google account in order to track purchases, would allow access to a library of e-books, both free and paid, on almost any device. The books will presumably be provided in a downloadable format (likely EPUB), but they will also be accessible through a Web browser on computers, smartphones and tablets.

Google Editions is also differentiating itself by offering its wares not only directly to the consumer, but also through other retailers. Independent book shops and publishers will be able to connect with Google Editions to sell e-books that are then synced to a Google account. This could prove to be a boon for smaller book outlets that can't afford to launch their own e-book stores. As reading becomes an increasingly digital pastime, tiny book sellers are dying out faster than ever. Signing up for a revenue-sharing program with Google could help keep at least some of them afloat.

There are, however, still some hurdles to overcome. Though sources say Google Editions will launch in the U.S. before the year is out (and overseas by early next year), many publishers warn that the service could still see further delays. The late start and drastically different distribution may also hurt Google Editions' success with consumers who are used to the closed system modeled after iTunes and provided by apps and devices like the Kindle. There's also the issue of revenue, which would be split three ways when a third-party retailer is involved. Still, the service will likely find fans amongst those frustrated with a Kindle model that excludes users from transferring their purchases to, say, a NOOK, should they decide to change e-readers.

Tags: e-reader, eBook, google, GoogleEditions, top, web

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