Rumor: Google set to sell ebooks; is a tablet or ereader on the way?

Android Phones

Rumor: Google set to sell ebooks; is a tablet or ereader on the way?

May 4, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka

Android Devices

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Google sees the writing on the walls and wants to get in on this whole ebook market. According to the WallStreetJournal, Google is prepping to start selling ebooks in a digital bookstore that would rival Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble. Google Books could become a paid venture as soon as next month or July.

The obvious assumption to make is that a Google tablet or e-reader is coming soon. Several weeks ago, Nick Gray from HTC Source theorized that we would see an Android tablet at Google I/O. And while we have also have reason to believe that Google will soon debut Google TV, it seems a tablet has to be on the horizon as well.

If Google enters the book business, it makes sense for them to add their own accompanying device. You probably won’t see much support for the store on an iPad or Nook. Based on previous rumors of Google CEO Eric Schmidt having loose lips, the recent acquisition of BumpTop, and now a book venture, I’m hoping for an Oprah moment at I/O.

ebooks, ereader, Google, Google Books, tablets

5 Comments

Gerald Nunn said: On May 4, 2010

Knowing Google I expect that paid e-books will only be available to purchase in three countries and require Android 3.0 which won't be released until the end of the year. What can I say, I'm cynical about Google's ability to execute internationally and across the range of Android versions in use.

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Max said: On May 4, 2010

I'm amazed at the lack of patience people have with such things. 5 years ago this was unheard of. Relax, it will happen and it will be world-wide if the demand is there.

I, for one, would LOVE to see Google do it's version of an eBook reader. More competition against Apple's price-bloated version and Amazon and Nook's lame attempts. I really hope the go the distance.

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Wendy P said: On May 4, 2010

I'm looking forward to seeing the Kobo ereader in Borders bookstores soon. I hope sometime this month, but alas not much media about the Kobo. More ereaders in the market, the better!

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Jacob said: On May 5, 2010

It would make more sense for them to leverage the "Get this book" section in Google Books. Apply their know-how to detecting which bookstores listed have e-books, then simplifying the purchasing. They could set up percentage deals on purchases. I suspect this is something like what Google's really doing anyway; they've generally only gone their own way if they find the market lacking or not meeting their standards. There are plenty of e-book markets out there, Google just needs to connect them to Books and give incentive to to the retailers.

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Cristin Shibata said: On February 24, 2012

What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable know-how regarding unexpected feelings.

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