Google turns a page on book downloads

Google is reportedly working on a plan that would allow consumers to download books to their computers to be read online or on mobile devices like BlackBerrys.

The Times of London reports that the program would be part of Google's Book Search project, which involves scanning and digitizing thousands of texts at libraries across the world. That project has had its share of controversy, as publishers and authors have charged it violates their copyrights.

The new program may be a sign that Google is willing to work with, instead of against publishers. According to the paper, after searching for and finding a snippet of text from a book online, consumers would be able to download the entire book.

"You may just want to rent a travel guide for the holiday or buy a chapter of a book. Ultimately, it will be the readers who decide how books are read," said Jens Redmer, director of Google Book Search in Europe.

E-books have yet to take off in any significant way so far. Will Google be the magic elixir?

Blog community response:

"I'm sure Google's move into the book downloading business will put e-books into the spotlight but don't expect e-books to suddenly become all the rage. Google may be great at search but e-books will be a very, very tough nut to crack."
--Mark Evans

"In the grand scheme of things, a big Google e-book push in the retail area just might be far, far more significant than the advent of E Ink readers. The real markets will remain for now on PDAs and cellphones and desktops."
--TeleRead

"Google took lots of flack for their desire to make every book in print searchable. The problems came from those who were concerned over copyright issues and theft. Fascinating that some publishers reported an increase in sales with Google's system in place. Second, anything would be better than the crippled DRM schemes we have for e-Books currently. I say go Google!"
--GottaBeMobile