Google plans 'buy anywhere, read anywhere' offer

[yagiz]

Google plans 'buy anywhere, read anywhere' offer

A cloud-based system seems nice to me... available to any device from a central location. However it's important to see the terms & conditions and what Google is allowed to do etc.

And one of my first reactions was: "If this goes through: Bad news for Kindle and good news for Sony!" Later in the article it says:

Edmonds said it was "definitely" Google's intention to partner with device manufacturers, but declined to give names. She added she "doubted" Kindle would be on board.

So much going on these days...

[LucasCorso]

Originally Posted by yagiz

A cloud-based system seems nice to me... available to any device from a central location. However it's important to see the terms & conditions and what Google is allowed to do etc.

I believe one of the most beautiful revolutions happened during the 60s, in US, when finally the control was taken from the powerful corporations, governments etc. and given back to the people. I'm talking, of course, about the Personal Computer, when each individual was in charge of the data. Now (after it already failed once during the 90s), "Big Brother" tries again the get that power back (why should you be allowed to control the computers you own?), so it invented an evil concept called cloud-computing. Which I will fight with everything I can, it's just a too important battle to lose...

P.S. If people find my comment too much, maybe I can explain: half of my life I lived in a communist country, and hearing about a "central location" brings back many bad memories. And more... I just like computers too much (and the benefits they bring to humankind) to not care about them.

[=X=]

Great news thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by yagiz

And one of my first reactions was: "If this goes through: Bad news for Kindle and good news for Sony!" Later in the article it says:

Yeah my first reaction was "This is going to force Amazon to open up it's store. Bad for SONY and Amazon, great for the consumer!"

Originally Posted by LucasCorso

I believe one of the most beautiful revolutions happened during the 60s, in US, when finally the control was taken from the powerful corporations, governments etc. and given back to the people. I'm talking, of course, about the Personal Computer, when each individual was in charge of the data. Now (after it already failed once during the 90s), "Big Brother" tries again the get that power back (why should you be allowed to control the computers you own?), so it invented an evil concept called cloud-computing. Which I will fight with everything I can, it's just a too important battle to lose...

P.S. If people find my comment too much, maybe I can explain: half of my life I lived in a communist country, and hearing about a "central location" brings back many bad memories. And more... I just like computers too much (and the benefits they bring to humankind) to not care about them.

I think the culture shows it's differences here I didn't consider the PC a revolution but more of an evolution. It has greatly enhanced out standard of living.

As for "Central Computing"/"Cloud Computing" you raise some good points I'm sure there is a little bit of Big Brother element as you put it, but there is also a great a mount of power returned to the people as this concept bridges cultures and countries.

Great posts.

=X=

[yagiz]

> hearing about a "central location" brings back many bad memories

With all due respect, you're using an online forum, probably using Web-based e-mails, instant messaging, etc. which tell more about you then the books you read...

[LucasCorso]

Originally Posted by yagiz

With all due respect, you're using an online forum, probably using Web-based e-mails, instant messaging, etc. which tell more about you then the books you read...

Hi yagiz. It's only my opinion that cloud computing can't be good for people, that's all. What's happening if somebody "in charge of the cloud" decides that books shall be changed, addapted, to reflect a new situation? Just an example of why I'm against it. I'm not sure if my personal ways of using emails, instant messaging etc., have something to do with this idea.
But anyway, this isn't a forum to discuss stuff like this, and sorry if my post looked too negative.

[kesey]

Not to worry Lucas. As long as there are Irish on the globe, there will be no shortage of anarchy

[calvin-c]

Originally Posted by LucasCorso

Hi yagiz. It's only my opinion that cloud computing can't be good for people, that's all. What's happening if somebody "in charge of the cloud" decides that books shall be changed, addapted, to reflect a new situation? Just an example of why I'm against it. I'm not sure if my personal ways of using emails, instant messaging etc., have something to do with this idea.
But anyway, this isn't a forum to discuss stuff like this, and sorry if my post looked too negative.

I'm not real sure about Google's proposal, but in concept 'cloud computing' would mean nobody has sole control over the 'cloud'.

Of course there are two ways around that, one common to conspiracy theorists that some 'council' or oligarchy has control. Except for the conspiracy part, that's pretty much true-almost all of the 'cloud' is on major corporate, educational, or governmental systems-so if they ever do decide to conspire then cloud computing users are dead meat-but if that were to happen then I suspect most of us would be dead meat anyway. What keeps us free is that they don't conspire (or, most of the time, even cooperate very well).

And the other way around it is what I suspect is the case with Google, but will need to wait until it's implemented to see. That's where PR says 'cloud computing' but actuality is 'computing on hardware we own & control'. (I suppose you could argue that with enough servers Google could own their own cloud-and maybe they do. God knows they've got the money to do that. And if they do then I'll agree with you-don't want access to my library dependent on Google's goodwill.)

[ficbot]

I don't like cloud-based ebooks as an idea. I know when my internet access is flaky sometimes, it drives me crazy. There is just no way right now to assure 100% access on a 'cloud-based' system. I would rather download my books and read them off-line. I have enough in the 'cloud' already (emails, news feeds etc) that I don't need to be throwing my books into the mix.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by ficbot

I would rather download my books and read them off-line.

the article does say:

"Once a book has been accessed on a given device, a cached version will exist, making it possible for readers to access the book offline."

So, that will allow you to read them offline.

BOb

[thechansen]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

the article does say:

"Once a book has been accessed on a given device, a cached version will exist, making it possible for readers to access the book offline."

So, that will allow you to read them offline.

BOb

How many eink ebook readers have the ability to read these cached versions offline?

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by thechansen

How many eink ebook readers have the ability to read these cached versions offline?

That is still up in the air. They said they are working with device makers. I guess my question is, what will be the DRM scheme. Because that is what any device must support.

I'm all for DRM free... but I doubt we will see that with ebook purchases for several years. (Yes, we have had this discussion ad nauseum.)

BOb

[thechansen]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

That is still up in the air. They said they are working with device makers. I guess my question is, what will be the DRM scheme. Because that is what any device must support.

I'm all for DRM free... but I doubt we will see that with ebook purchases for several years. (Yes, we have had this discussion ad nauseum.)

BOb

The DRM I am not overly concerned with, it's the actual caching and having it as a web only service. Most eink devices are sold as such, instead of being loss leaders like game consoles for accessories, licensing, and actual media sold. They are trying to push these devices and services without it being actually feasible or enticing from the consumer end. As it stands without the device support and being tied to an internet connected pc or smartphone, this isn't going to be the catalyst to drive the ebook market.

[Kali Yuga]

Google announced this program awhile ago, though obviously are now releasing some additional details.

I'm not sure how many publishers will be on board with providing new books to this program, though. Right now the wholesale cost for a new ebook is around $10; if Google sells (leases? ) a new ebook at $15.00, the wholesale cost will drop to $6.75. This is exactly the type of price reduction many publishers are trying to avoid.

I'm not too concerned about the "Cloud" aspects, although from a technical perspective I'm not sure how well it will integrate (if at all) with their existing partnerships with Sony and B&N, how it will work with an Internet-connected ebook reader, or if it will require additional software.

[yagiz]

Well... I see the "cloud" concept just as a "library", nothing more. But a library that you can access from any device (supporting the format or one of the available formats).

I go to Shelfari today, and I have my virtual shelves:
- reading
- planning to read
- have read
Obviously there are no physical books behind those icons that I can see. I cannot click on them and open one. I think Google is planning to do this: add the physical book behind the book cover icon that you see on your virtual shelf. Then probably features like: Click on a book in the "planning to read" shelf, then you have the option to buy, read an except, etc.

Additionally, the book is downloaded on your device, so you don't need to be connected to read, I'd assume...

[Daithi]

Here is something I found interesting in the article --

Google Editions has three business models:
1. to allow the consumer to buy the e-book via Google Books. 63/37 split.
2. to buy it from a partner retailer; 45/55 split.
3. or from a publisher's own website. Split undecided.

The first number in the split goes to the publisher (and author) and the second number in the split goes to Google (and a retailer in the case of option 2).

Compare this with Amazon. Small publishers and authors get 35% and Amazon gets 65%. I don't know what larger publishers are able to work out. Retailers (and publishers) can also sell their books through the Amazon Marketplace and keep a larger percentage of the sale. The percent of the cut varies depending on the price of the sale. A $15 book would have a 65/35 split in the sellers favor.

If I am selling books, I'd much rather have the bigger slice of the pie that Google is offering. However, as a book buyer, I would much rather download my book to my device. I'm not a big fan of cloud computing where some other entity actually possesses my data. It would be too easy for them to deny me access to my data. I don't think Google is a bad company, but I'm just not a big fan of this business model. Too bad Google won't let you down load the books. I think this is going to impact sales. Although Amazon is offering sellers a smaller slice of the pie, they may be selling more pies, and as a seller, in the end, I just want more pie.