Just when I thought Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) owned everything with their new Google+ social network site launched last week, I found out that they hadn’t gone after the Kindle yet…until now.
Google’s new e-reader is called iriver Story HD, and is the same price at Kindle Wi-Fi at $139. The device will be available in at Target starting July 17. It looks a lot like the Kindle with the keyboard and is about the same size. The Google e-reader will have access to books in the cloud. Many are free and public domain books, but users can purchase books online as well.
The good part about the books being in the cloud is that they can be accessed from any smartphone or PC without having to move the file itself. Cloud computing is really taking off, with Amazon’s unlimited cloud storage and Apple’s iCloud coming with iOS5.
I really think that Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is way ahead of the game here because the Kindle has been out for four years. Story HD also needs to be available in other places besides Target. The Kindle is available in several retail stores in addition to Amazon’s store. The only real competition for the Kindle so far is the NookColor, which just recently bypassed the Kindle in sales. The Nook and Sony Reader touch are picking up steam, however. But, who knows, the rumored Kindle Tablet might just blow that competition away.
Speaking of tablets, I will say the iPad is a whole different ballgame. It is more like a computer than an e-reader. I just got one, and plan to keep my Kindle for awhile yet.
The other thing is, Amazon’s niche is books, magazines, and other media. So, they have a long running relationship with authors and publishers. Google seems to want to be an umbrella of things. I think that it is better to excel in one area than try to venture into a lot of different markets.
But, Google is doing a good job so far with acknowledging user feedback on its products during their beta stage, particularly for Google+. So, I’m sure they will do the same for the iriver Story HD.
Here’s a video of the iriver Story HD if you want to see it in action.
Hi,
I have not heard of good ereader till now.Really they are after everything..good competition brings good products.
Thanks
Joan
I don’t think they can get $139 unless it has some real value add over Kindle. I don’t really see it yet. If they drop the price below $100, maybe I’ll have a look but I just don’t see ditching my Kindle for this just now.