The rumors are true: Barnes and Noble is getting back into the e-book business. In an interesting move, the company is not only partnering with Plastic Logic but also adopting an “every device” strategy that will allow them to target multiple devices with the same book offerings. The company is kicking off this effort with B&N eReader software, which the company is making available for the iPhone, as well as a number of other platforms (including the Mac, PC, and BlackBerry).
The company has also released a B&N Bookstore iPhone App, which allows users to find additional store and book information. Of particular interest is the feature that allows a user to find more information on a book by simply taking a photo of the cover – a feature that is eerily similar to that offered by SnapTell. The same SnapTell that Amazon.com recently bought.
But the comparisons don’t end there: the availability of the eReader software mirrors Amazon.com’s strategy with its Kindle for iPhone application, as well its acquisition of Lexcycle, makers of Stanza (a popular iPhone and desktop e-book reader application). And all of Barnes and Noble’s bestseller e-book titles will be priced at $9.99 to compete head-to-head with Amazon (and thus add to the downward price pressure Amazon.com has exerted on publishers).
Clearly, the rush to dominate the e-book market is afoot. The only question is: who’s next to join the party?
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