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Google Launches eBooks for Just About Every Device, And We Don't Hate It

by Terrence O'Brien on December 6, 2010 at 12:10 PM

Google ebookstore
The rumors were true. Google eBooks has officially launched here in the U.S., and just about everything you've heard about the service, originally said to be called Google Editions, has turned out to be spot-on. Largely cloud-based and able to be synced across devices via your Google account, eBookstore claims to offer the largest selection of any electronic reading outlet, largely thanks to Google's database of over three million free and public domain books. You can add books to your collection through the Google eBookstore, which offers plenty of ways to filter and browse content, including quick lists like "New York Times Best Sellers." Once you've purchased a book, you'll be able to read it via your PC's Web browser, on your iPhone, iPad or Android device using the installable apps, or by downloading an EPUB file to load onto your NOOK, Sony Reader or other reading device.

The interfaces of both the Web site and Android app are simple and clean, and we imagine the iOS app will be similar. (It's not showing up in the App Store just yet.) You won't find any advanced features like note-taking, dictionary look-up or even bookmarking, but your current page will be synced across devices, just as it is with the Kindle and NOOK apps. As with any other decent reading app, you can change the font and text size, and, in the mobile apps, switch to "night" mode for reading in more dimly lit environments. One unique feature, available for some books, is the ability to switch from the "flowing text" view of the EPUB document to the original scanned pages. As expected, Google is also working with independent booksellers like Powell's and Alibris to offer eBooks through third parties.

Google is getting a late start in the eBook market, but its name recognition and vast library of public domain books give it a leg up on some other sellers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Ultimately though, what Google will need to make a dent in the consumer market is a great reading experience that is seamless across all devices. While getting downloaded books onto your NOOK or Sony device seems a little cumbersome at the moment, the Android app (check out our hands on here) and browser-based reader are rather impressive. Regardless of what fate awaits Google eBooks, it's clear that Google took its time developing a high-quality product. It's just a question of whether or not it's too little, too late.

Tags: android, apps, ebooks, ebookstore, ereaders, google, GoogleEbookstore, ios, top, web

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