No. 335 - Google Editions

There is little doubt that Google is a dominant force on the Internet. I regularly use the free products and services offered by Google: Mail, Reader, Docs and Calendar. I use iGoogle as my home page, sort my photos using Picasa, and watch videos on YouTube. My smartphone's Android operating system is a Google product, as is this blog.

Today in the Wall Street Journal I read that Google is set to launch a new e-book retailing venture this month called Google Editions. The article says:

Google Editions hopes to upend the existing e-book market by offering an open, "read anywhere" model that is different from many competitors. Users will be able to buy books directly from Google or from multiple online retailers—including independent bookstores—and add them to an online library tied to a Google account. They will be able to access their Google accounts on most devices with a Web browser, including personal computers, smartphones and tablets.

This could be a game changer. I have a Kindle 2 and love it. Even though I still read nine out of ten books in paper form, when I do read a book on the Kindle it is an enjoyable experience. The device is lightweight so you can easily hold it in one hand to read and you can't beat the built-in dictionary. The recent edition of the Kindle now sells for $139. I saw a commercial for the new Color Nook which is a bit more expensive, but uses touchscreen technology like the iPad.

I think all of this is a huge win for readers. Many choices and now much more to come!