Roger @ CAFz

Google Inc. is bringing its digital bookstore to Canada, in an effort to write the next chapter of the digital publishing evolution north of the border.

On Tuesday, Google announced it was launching the Google eBookstore in Canada, which will enable Canadian book lovers to download digital books which can then be read on tablets, e-readers and PCs.

The new online storefront for digital books went live Tuesday.

Google also plans to offer independent Canadian book sellers the opportunity to sell their books online and the Mountain View, Calif., company has partnered with several independent retailers to launch the project.

"Google believes Canadians should have access to the books they want, should be able to read books on the device they want, and should be able to buy books from the bookstore they want," the company said in a press release.

Google's entry into the Canadian marketplace will present a challenge to established e-publishing heavyweights, including Amazon. com Inc. and Toronto's Kobo Inc. - which counts Indigo Books & Music Ltd. as its primary shareholder.

At launch, the Google eBookstore in Canada will boast a library of "thousands" of digital books for sale, as well as more than 2 million public domain books, which will be offered for free

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/...#ixzz1cYV9twyR