Attention all eReaders...

http://books.google.com/ebooks

Google has recently joined the eReader world by launching an eReader app called Google eBooks as well as launching the new Google eBook Store!  

I haven't used it myself, nor have I spoken to anyone who has (If you have, please share your thoughts!).  But from everything that I've been reading, it is definitely worth checking out.  It seems that it will be THE thing to give Amazon a run for their money.  Which means a lot to us, the consumer, as there is little to no competition for Amazon currently.  Therefore, prices, promotions, service, and product array should only improve all around for everyone.

So what is the premise?  On Google eBooks you can download your digital book (some are free, some cost money).  All of your books are stored in a central online library that is, of course, password protected.   Similar to the Amazon Kindle, the eBooks they sell are functional on a variety of devices.  But what is unique to Google is that you can download an eBook on your home computer and start reading it, then pick up where you left off on your phone or other device.  A Web connection is not necessary to read a book.  Not only is this extremely convenient (no need to carry one device everywhere with you), but, to me, it seems to open up the world of reading.  No one can complain that they left their eReader at home...or worse, on a plane!

So far, the devices Google eBooks are compatible with are web browsers, Androids, iPhones, IPads, IPod touchs, Nook (which is huge!) and other eReader devices.  At this time, it does not support Amazon Kindle, BlackBerry (mine is too small to read on it anyway!), Kobo, or Windows Mobile 7.  But from what I've read so far, Google is in the process of expanding to these devices.  Hopefully, it is only a matter of time...

Below are some links to articles I've found.  Check it out for yourself and send me your feedback.

Google ebookstore site:  http://books.google.com/ebooks

NY Times article:  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/business/media/07ebookstore.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=barnesandnobleinc

betanews article:  http://www.betanews.com/article/Google-launches-eBooks-crossplatform-ebookstore-and-reader/1291654034

American Consumer News article:  http://www.americanconsumernews.com/2010/12/google-nasdaq-goog-launches-ebookstore.html