Vodafone have just announced a deal that will let you download blockbuster ebook titles from all major UK publishers direct to your handset.
Using GoSpoken.com content you’ll be able to choose audio, text and even old-school paper varieties (although these will be delivered to your home). You’ll also be able to search an impressive online library and read sample chapters before you buy.
The big reads are expected to cost between £5 and £15, similar to the rest of the eMarket, but it’s unclear yet if Vodafone will be throwing in free magnifying glasses with the first purchase to read tiny print on your mobile phone screen!
The deal with GoSpoken.com won’t go down well with Sony or Amazon who are both pushing their pricey plastic paperbacks this week…although at least their screens can display more than a paragraph.
There’s definitely potential here and we love the audio book idea – Tolstoy on the tube anyone? But is there a chance in hell you’re prepared to read an entire book on a 2.5” LCD screen? Let us know in the comments section below.
Out TBC | £TBC | Vodafone (via Vodafone)
As an audio book seller and enthusiast, I welcome another format for downloading and listening to them, although I suspect storage capacity, download rate, and the fact that you probably can’t use your phone for anything else while you’re downloading will be a problem. Also, the current range of books on offer is very small.
As far as books are concerned, speed readers will also need to become scrollers!