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It seems like google is always trying to get into the latest and greatest markets - why don't they just spend more time developing their core technology - there is still a ton of room for improvement in search.
5 commentsMonday, June 1, 2009
By Mike Sachoff
Google has announced plans it will start selling eBooks by the end of the year.
The move will put Google in direct competition with Amazon.com and it is also part of its strategy to promote an open platform for reading and accessing books.
Unlike Amazon, Google will allow users to read its ebooks on any Web enabled device including a PC, mobile phone and an eBook reader.
"Eventually, we hope to extend this functionality to retailers who embed Google Previews on their website," the company said in a statement.
eBooks purchased from Amazon's Kindle Store can only be read on its own reader Kindle, and Apple's iPhone and iPod touch using Kindle software.
Google also is planning to allow publishers to set their own prices for its eBook service. Amazon has angered many publishers by selling ebooks at below cost, hurting sales of hardbacks. New titles from Amazon sell for as little as $9.99, while new hardbacks cost about $26.
Google's Book Search service is facing regulatory scrutiny in both the U.S. and Europe. The company plans to scan millions of "orphan works" that are still under copyright but have no clear owner. Regulators are investigating the legality of the plan.
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Why not...
...they're into everything else on the internet. I guess ebooks will be next.