I like Google Books...

[kevinp]

I usually store my books in Calibre and convert them to both epub and mobi. Used to be, my Amazon account would 'Whisper Sync' my book no matter what device I was using, even if it was a sideloaded book. That quit working for me quite a while ago, but I still continued to use the Kindle app on all my devices just because I liked it best.

I saw an article on CNet last week that mentioned Google Books, so I thought I'd give it a try. I can upload any book I want to my Google account and it will sync between whatever device I'm using without a flaw. It doesn't have all the features of the Kindle app (like the note at the bottom that tells me how much longer it will take to finish the chapter. Yes, I like that!), but if it syncs, I'm going to use it.

One thing that bothers me though... I can press on a link on a page that will take me to glossary or something, but there's no way to get back to the page I was reading. If I press the back button, it takes me to the front of the book or someplace else.

Are there other reader apps out there that will sync? If so, would they use my existing Box account?

[kevinp]

Apparently, nobody else uses Google Books. Glad Google made it just for me!

[RZetlin]

I use Google Books as a secondary source to get books for my Kobo reader.

One of Google Books main strengths is its options to down an epub or PDF of the book.

But there are some weaknesses with Google Books as well
- Lacking selection of books
- Search engine and categories are poor
- For comics, epub or PDF may not be offered

[din155]

This is good news. I should give google books one more try. However, I am bit sceptical of using non-essential Google apps because of their habit of dropping applications.

[conan50]

I doubt Google will ever drop books as it is integrated into their Play store. I like the app on my tablet, simple interface and nice page turns. I also like that they allow you to upload 1,000 ebooks for free. The one thing I do not like is that they will not tell you if an ebook you purchase is drm-free or not, otherwise they would be a serious contender for where I purchase my ebooks. Nevertheless, it's a useful tablet reading app.

[Difflugia]

I only buy from Google Books if nobody else has the ebook available. Their epubs have added markup (like a kepub, but not quite as bad) and they recompress images in ways that not all ereader software can handle.

[Dhevi]

My biggest issue with using Google Books is the lack of sorting or filtering for your library, uploaded or purchased.

[peachiekene]

Originally Posted by RZetlin

I use Google Books as a secondary source to get books for my Kobo reader.

One of Google Books main strengths is its options to down an epub or PDF of the book.

Same.
Some strengths (for me) are that they price match Amazon consistently (no other ebook store in the US does this that I know of) and their gift cards are everywhere. (I've never even seen a Kobo gift card.)

It's definitely nice to have more options.

[afv011]

Originally Posted by kevinp

Apparently, nobody else uses Google Books. Glad Google made it just for me!

I read mostly on my nook glowlight, but on the odd occasion I don't have it with me, I use Google Play Books on my phone. It does not have many bells and whistles, but gets the job done.

[gabby98]

Originally Posted by RZetlin

I use Google Books as a secondary source to get books for my Kobo reader.

One of Google Books main strengths is its options to down an epub or PDF of the book.....

I would love to do that, but can never get the epub to download. Reported it to them and haven't seen any progress on it even though they stated they were working on it.

Originally Posted by Dhevi

My biggest issue with using Google Books is the lack of sorting or filtering for your library, uploaded or purchased.

I agree with you on this as well.

[Yapyap]

My biggest issue with Google Books and the reason why I'm not using it (and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one):

Spoiler:

That said, I certainly wouldn't mind having an extra option next to Amazon and Kobo (the only two realistic options there are for me these days). Perhaps some day in the future.

[Ninjalawyer]

I use Google Books as my primary app. Being able to easily upload books, and the syncing between devices, makes up for the terrible interface for me.

[Barty]

Cloud sync is definitely their strength, but their app is way too bare bone.

Do they use adobe drm or roll their own?

[peachiekene]

Adobe.

[din155]

Thanks Kevinp. It takes a little longer to upload the books but once once done it works really nice. I explored the read out aloud feature. It's no competetion to kindle and audible integration but nice to have a backup.