Google opens experimental ebookstore

8 February 2016 Books+Publishing

Google has opened a new ebookstore for ‘mobile-first’ titles, reports the Bookseller. Editions at Play, created by London-based publisher Visual Editions and Google’s Creative Lab in Sydney, is designed to ‘allow writers to create books that cannot be printed’ and to explore the potential of ‘books that change dynamically on your phone or tablet’. All of the titles are commissioned by Visual Editions and include Entrances & Exits by Reif Larsen, a book that ‘travels the world’ through Google Street View; and The Truth about Cats & Dogs by Joe Dunthorne and Sam Riviere, which ‘invites the reader to take sides’. The publisher is also partnering with PRH UK and record label Lex to produce a science-fiction ‘mini-universe’, including a book, music and sound, and essays. Tom Uglow from Google Creative Lab said that while ereader use is declining, phones offer ‘countless new ways’ to construct narrative. ‘These are books that can compete for attention on your phone via incredible, dynamic literature,’ said Uglow.

Category: International news