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Google Set to Launch E-Books Venture

Google Editions expected by end of year

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2010 4:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Google's long-delayed venture into digital book sales has cleared the final few hurdles and execs say Google Editions will be up and running before the end of the year. The service, unlike competitors, won't be tied to an online bookstore or a particular device, and many expect it will upend the e-book market, the Wall Street Journal reports. Google hasn't revealed how many partners it has in the venture, although independent booksellers are expected to play a major role.

Google's "read anywhere" model will allow users to buy books from Google or online retailers and store them in a library linked to a Google account. Millions of titles will be available for free. "Google is going to turn every Internet space that talks about a book into a place where you can buy that book," said the owner of independent publisher Sourcebook . "The Google model is going to drive a lot of sales. We think they could get 20% of the e-book market very fast."

Because of the complexity of this project, we didn't want to come out with something that wasn't thorough, a Google exec says.
"Because of the complexity of this project, we didn't want to come out with something that wasn't thorough," a Google exec says.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
paul123
Dec 1, 2010 1:40 PM CST
You don't need a device for Kindle books either. Just install the software and you're ready to go on your pc or moblie device.
Janniel
Dec 1, 2010 10:18 AM CST
I'll buy that, if they lower the price of ebooks to reflect the actual costs involved. I think abt. $3 would be fair.
UncleCoffee
Dec 1, 2010 7:51 AM CST
Google does not want to sell you books. Google wants to know what you read. As always, what Google wants to sell, is YOU. Adding your reading interests to your profile lets them start the bidding at a higher price.

 
Google • publishing • online book • ebooks • e-readers • Google Editions • Google eBooks

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