Google has acquired eBook Technologies, which provides a complete electronic reading platform, from e-reader devices to an online bookstore and content distribution system.
Google has
purchased eBook Technologies to ensure its own
eBookstore titles are accessible via
any mobile device.
The buy was first
reported by TechCrunch. Google confirmed the deal in an e-mail to
eWEEK:
"We are happy to
welcome eBook Technologies' team to Google," a Google spokesperson
said. "Together, we hope to deliver richer reading experiences on
tablets, electronic readers and other portable devices."
Google Dec. 6
launched its online bookstore eBookstore, offering 3 million free and paid
titles. While rival Amazon offers
readers a dedicated electronic reader device in the Kindle, Google adopted a device-agnostic
approach.
The search engine allows users
to consume titles via a Web reader application, and via applications for Android
smartphones and tablets and Apple iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad and
iPod touch.
Google, which has done little to market eBooks outside some press briefings ahead of the launch, declined to
provide an update on how its service is faring.
Still, it's clear the company wants
to improve its delivery of book titles on all computing devices, which was the impetus
behind acquiring eBook Technologies.
eBook has a complete
electronic book service, including electronic reading devices with their
associated user interface technology, an "Online Bookshelf," a Web-based
content sales and delivery system, and eBook content conversion and publication
tools.
Key among these tools is the ability to purchase or access content "anywhere
and at any time."
Given that context, it
seems Google could use any and all of eBook's hardware and software to bolster
its eBooks offering. Perhaps Google feels its eBooks service is rough around
the edges as it seeks to challege Amazon and Apple in the lucrative eBook
market.
eBook Technologies
provides few clues itself how it's technology will be used, echoing Google's statement in a brief note on its
Website.
"eBook Technologies,
Inc. is excited to announce that we have been acquired by Google. Working
together with Google will further our commitment to providing a first-class
reading experience on emerging tablets, e-readers and other portable devices."
It's unclear when Google
purchased eBook Technologies, though it could have been acquired late last year.
If
not, the pick-up marks Google's first purchase of 2011 and indicates the company is picking
up right where it left off after snapping up more than 40 companies in 2010.
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