It's been a while coming, but Google Books has finally made it to UK shores after a spell of US exclusivity. So that means you can now get your hands on millions of titles, some for free, right on your phone. Not too shabby, we think you'll agree.
You'll need a handset with Android 2.1 or later to take advantage of the app that's launched alongside the browser-based store.
A statement from Google reads: "Readers in the UK now have access to the world's largest ebooks collection, with hundreds of thousands of ebooks for sale -- from major UK publishers like Hachette, Random House and Penguin -- as well as more than two million public domain ebooks for free."
With the latest Kindle costing just £89, Google might have been prompted to try and cash in by launching its literary app at a moment when lots of readers are likely to turn digital. Or perhaps its late release has been held up by regional copyright issues. Of course, it could have just been ironing out some bugs while in its US-only incarnation.
A Books section has also been added to the Android Marketplace, to go with the usual Apps and Games. As well as phones, the ebooks will work on tablets, laptops and ebook readers.
Google has had some controversy in the literary field before. It was accused by publishers, groups and individuals of infringing copyright for its Google Print service. Google entered into a settlement with the Authors Guild in 2008, bringing to an end the lawsuit alleging copyright infringement.
So, will you be taking a leaf out of Google's book and catching up on some reading on your phone? Or maybe you prefer to get your literary fix on a dedicated ebook reader like the Kindle? Let us know on our Facebook page
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