Google set to magic up Harry Potter ebooks
Google will sell Harry Potter ebooks via the Google ebooks platform after signing a deal with Sony-owned Pottermore, the JK Rowling-endorsed digital version of the series.
Users will also be able to store Harry Potter ebooks in their Google Books library in the cloud when the Pottermore service launches to the public in the US in October.
Pottermore is also planning to use YouTube for online broadcasts. Larissa Fontaine of Google Books has also hinted that the company is set to integrate Pottermore with more of its products in the coming months.
Free website Pottermore goes live on 31 July to 1 million Harry Potter fans that pass a special online challenge, and then to the general public in October.
JK Rowling’s seven Harry Potter books will be available to buy in a digital format from the site.
Pottermore also includes previously unpublished written material about the Harry Potter characters, places and objects in the story and will feature games that will allow users to interact with the fictional world.
Separately, Google’s Android is partnering with 20th Century Fox to bring movie downloads to its smartphone and tablet platform. The first title available, in October, will be X-Men: First Class.