With the announcement of Apple’s new iPad, the company announced a new store called the iBooks Store, where users will be able to purchase and download books. Alongside the store comes a new app called iBooks that turns the iPad into an eBook reader.
The iBooks app comes with a virtual bookshelf where users can choose a book to read. Once a book is chosen, the view is akin to an actual book with extraneous items on the side of the book to mimic a real-life experience.
Tapping on the store button on the bookshelf flips over the bookshelf and reveals the store. Here users can view, purchase, and download content. This is similar to iTunes and the App Store, but for books. Once downloaded, the book is placed onto the bookshelf ready for viewing.
Users can navigate the books by skipping chapters, tapping on the right side to flip forward, tapping on the left side to flip back, and using a table of contents. Photos can also be viewed for books that include pictures. The format of the books are ePub, which means that the iPad may be very flexible in allowing users to import their own pre-existing eBooks.
The iBooks Store includes five major book partners, with many more coming soon:
(Images courtesy of Gizmodo)
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
Looks nice.
Oh, why did I get the Sony eReader back in October? The iPad makes it look like junk! 🙁
I was holding off buying the KindleDX until today's announcement from Apple and I am glad I did. I will getting iPad as reader and of course to use for other purposes.
iBooks only available in the US. Check the 'features' page on http://www.apple.com/ipad
For now….
Do you think the iBooks application will be available for the iPhone?
Yes, it will be on the iPhone in OS 4.
They've already filed for the iBooks and iBooks Store trademarks in Canada. I expect it will be coming for us soon, hopefully in time for the release.
Yes, it will be on the iPhone in OS 4.
They've already filed for the iBooks and iBooks Store trademarks in Canada. I expect it will be coming for us soon, hopefully in time for the release.
Thank you for another great article.