Publishers Weekly offers a new survey on eBook trends here. These surveys are going to become more meaningful, the longer the eBook Revolution has been rolling. It is so explosive right now that it’s hard to bank on any particular trend in eBook title or format, let alone the ever-changing landscape of eBook reading technology.
Dec 09
All Aboard… well, except Amazon Kindle.
This is when playing well with others pays off. A story at Reviews of Electronics highlights the perils of proprietary formats. Google Editions titles are now available on pretty much every eBook Reader on the market other than Amazon’s Kindle.
While it hardly leaves Amazon out in the cold, since Kindle eBooks are available through Apps on most of the eBook Readers mentioned, it does mean that Amazon Kindle users won’t be able to take advantage of Google Edition’s mammoth library that contains hundreds of thousands of eBook titles for purchase and millions for free.
As the article suggests, it’s just a matter of time before Amazon works a deal with Google Editions.
Dec 08
Borders Bids for Barnes and Noble
Now this is an interesting post at GottaBeMobile.com where we’re told that American book giant Borders has filed notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission stating its intent to buy American book giant Barnes and Noble.
This is seen as Borders’ attempt to acquire Barnes and Noble’s good eBook Mojo. B&N has made enormous strides since late 2009 catching up to Amazon.com by adding an eBook store then releasing their E Ink Nook and more recently their NookColor full color eBook Reader.
This union would create mammoth competition for Amazon and build a powerful foundation in the bricks and mortar arena with B&N’s many retail outlets’ in-store deals and off the shelf convenience.
Full details of the rumored deal at the link. If you can’t beat them, buy them.
Dec 07
Early Google Editions Review at CNN
Google has already said that its new eBook store Google Editions would take some time to roll out, but it doesn’t hurt to get an early peek at it. CNN has a story on it here. Up to now, the biggest complaints from eBook adopters have been about DRM and proprietary formats used by Amazon’s Kindle and other industry leaders, but I’m not sure that Google Editions’ ‘cloud-based’ reading is the answer. People want to own their eBooks, and being able to access them everywhere, on any reader as the cloud allows is not true ownership.
Again, the consumer will have the final say.
Interesting note: Here’s a link to a list of eBook Readers that will ‘read’ Google Editions eBooks.
Dec 06
View Quest Bookbox eBook Reviewed
The View Quest Bookbox eBook is reviewed at ComputerActive. Looks like the budget color eBook reader gets a passing grade as an economy video player but its low-resolution screen comes up short for eBook reading. Who knows, it might still be a nice option for anyone who’s curious about digital publishing or tablets.
Dec 04
Sony Reader Touch Edition (PRS-650) Reviewed at PCMAG.com
PCMag.com reviews the Sony Reader Touch Edition (PRS-650) ($229.99). This is Sony’s answer to Nook and Kindle and hits the market with the (unfortunate) higher price and USB-only connectivity. Despite the lack of wireless there have been several improvements including screen contrast and a drop in actual weight.
Read the review, and before you pass on it as too expensive, pop into your local Sony or technology store to handle the device. Its solid construction and no-nonsense technology will appeal to the bibliophile or technophile in your life. The things are made to last.
Dec 03
More on Google Editions
The Guardian.co.uk that takes a deeper look at the technology behind Google Editions’ secure eBook delivery system. It goes on to explain how the anticipated eBook store will be good for independent bricks and mortar stores.
Dec 02
Google Editions set to Rock the eBook Revolution!
And Google Editions is bound to cause some major waves in the eBook Revolution when it arrives later this month as it’s described in TechCrunch’s post. The actual ‘shape’ of this new net-wide eBook Store is still nebulous but we’re told it will decentralize eBook sales and make any eBook-related site an eBook store.
We’re also told to go ahead with holiday eReader purchases, as Google Editions is rumored to be an omnivorous creature that will sell titles in formats to suit your device.
More will be known as the month progresses. It’s exciting, isn’t it?
Dec 01
Barnes and Noble evens the Gap.
Here’s a link to an AP story about Barnes and Noble’s bricks and mortar effort to remain competitive in a digital world. The statistics suggest that while they have not taken the lead their leap into the eBook Revolution has certainly paid off by evening the gap in lost earnings. It bodes well for them, and for the consumer. We need competition out there. (Certainly Amazon does…) It is the only way we’ll ever see a drop in the price of eBook titles.
Good Reads
SPECIAL OFFER!
