Thursday May 25, 2006

AmazonOnlineReader

Looks like Amazon.com is provided a new interface (very similar to Google Book Search) for viewing books online called AmazonOnlineReader (example).  This is a dedicated page turner application, and does provide an easier to use interface for browsing their large page scans.  Additional features include the ability to search for text in the book, and the ability to add highlights/notes/tags to sections of text.

Perhaps of greater significance is that Amazon is offering full text online access to already purchased books with a feature called "Amazon Upgrade".  Apparently I only have two books in my account that are eligible for this service (despite having purchased dozens of books on Amazon).  The reason is that they are getting publisher approval to put these books in the upgrade program.  I think the two books in my account are out of print.

In one case the online access price is 1/3 Amazon's print copy retail price.  In the other case Amazon does not sell the hardcover new directly so charging for the scanned copy of the book is a new non-cannabilized revenue source. 

For those interested in the gory details, check out the Amazon Upgrade FAQ.

Hmmm, I wonder if/when Google will charge for online access to scanned library books.  I suppose scanning the books now gives them the option to work out a deal with the publishers later.