Google to launch device-agnostic ebook service

Google announced it will begin selling digital books in late June or July, pitting the search giant against rival ebook efforts from Apple, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Unlike proprietary, device-specific initiatives such as Apple's iBookstore and Amazon's Kindle, the browser-based Google Editions will enable consumers to access ebooks across a range of websites and devices--in addition to selling digital titles from its own Book Search service, Google will allow other book retailers to offer ebooks through their own websites, awarding partners 63 percent of resulting revenues while retaining the other 37 percent. Speaking Tuesday at a publishing industry panel in New York City, Google manager for strategic partner development Chris Palma said the company has yet to decide whether to set its own prices or to instead allow publishers to call the shots on pricing. According to Palma, Google may also create dedicated mobile applications optimized for devices like Apple's iPhone and iPad, but has not yet announced specific plans.

The Wall Street Journal notes Google Editions is separate from Google's battle to win distribution rights to millions of out-of-print books via its digital book settlement with authors and publishers. U.S. District Court Judge Denny Chin is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter sometime in the near future.

For more on Google Editions:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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