Google launches online store for books that can't be printed

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google rolled out its new Editions at Play initiative, the Verge reports.

It's a simple manifesto that marks an interesting foray into the digital arts for Google. Editions at Play is all about exploring the idea of "digital books" — not just ebooks, but books that simply can't exist on static, printed paper. The project launched last week with a pair of new titles: Entrances & Exits by Reif Larsen, and The Truth About Cats & Dogs by Sam Riviere and Joe Dunthorne. The first is essentially a point-and-click adventure game in Google Street View, while the second is a "failed collaboration" consisting of Riviere's and Dunthorne's diaries which readers can switch back and forth between.

Both books are designed to be read on a smartphone (but also work on the web), and are short reads — around 30 minutes for Cats & Dogs, and about an hour for Entrances & Exits. This length combined with the books' slick presentation makes them seem accessible, but both are fun, engaging reads.