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Google has launched its e-book store, Google eBooks, with more than 3 million books.Unlike competing services like the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook, Google eBooks is cloud-based, meaning you don’t need a dedicated device to read books — virtually any browser will do.

Instead of buying electronic books through an online store just to read only compatible software (ie, books purchased from the Kindle store can only be read on Kindle applications), Google enables consumers to buy books or your store or any other online vendor that sells books in EPUB, PDF, and read on any device with a web browser.

This allows independent bookshops loyal customer base to promote and sell Google e-books through their own sites and take one (as of yet undisclosed) cut in income, the opportunity was not previously possible. It also allows consumers to choose who they buy their books on Google, the AM platform, as consumers can choose among third-party sellers on Amazon. EBooks Google is also launching an affiliate program in place.

In additions to browser-based reading, Google eBooks will feature apps for both iOS and Android devices. Font, type size, and line spacing are all said to be customizable. Since your books are stored online — with unlimited storage — they are automatically synced between all your devices.

When shopping Google eBooks, users will be able to buy directly from Google or from one of its bookseller partners, including Powell’s and Alibris. Wherever you buy, your books are all kept in the same place.

About 4,000 publishers providing content through Google eBooks at launch, including all key players: Random House, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, etc.

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The search giant is certainly an expert on cloud computing, but pricing will obviously be a big factor as well. A cursory look at a few featured launch titles on Google eBooks showed they were similarly priced to their counterparts in the Kindle and Nook stores.

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