The Future of ebooks: can Apple use the iPod to change the book industry?

Posted by Lima Al-Azzeh Sep 22, 2008

The iPod has certainly changed the way music lovers enjoy their passion, and as newer versions are released it seems that Apple is expanding this to video lovers as well. The question that remains is will Apple attempt to explore the market of digital books?

While some wireless reading devices have indeed been released with much interest, namely Amazon Kindle and Sony ebook Reader, it is difficult to find sales stats that prove that these devices are truly reshaping the future of books. Each device boasts new technologies that will supposedly enhance the reader’s experience of the book: the most popular advent being the use of electronic-paper display that mimics the look and feel of real paper, thus enabling easy readability. But with each device being priced at around $300, consumers may well find it simpler to just buy or borrow an actual book.

So, why does Apple have a greater opportunity to succeed with digital books? As Peter Kafka, Managing Editor of Silicon Alley Insider, remarks the reason why iPod changed the music industry is because “iPod improved the way you listened to music,” thus Apple was able to corner the market on mp3 players by creating applications, like iTunes, that made it easier for music lovers to buy, share, and ultimately enjoy their music. Currently, there seems to be no easy way to download books onto your iPod; however some sites, like ebookhood.com, do tell iPod loyalists how to convert ebook texts into notes and subsequently download those notes straight onto your iPod. Yet, for those who are less technically inclined, this may prove to be a daunting task.

All in all, if Apple were to apply the same principles to the digitalization of books as they did to music, they would undoubtedly meet with great success.