Microsoft teams up with B&N in new venture to deliver ebooks worldwide

[Literary Ames]

Barnes & Noble press release describes a deal in which Microsoft will own 17.6% of this new joint venture which, among other things, will see Nook apps become part of Windows 8 as standard thereby helping B&N go worldwide on tablets and PCs. Microsoft is investing $420m in total.

The BBC reports that this could threaten bricks and mortar bookstores

Rot & Ruin author Jonathan Maberry thinks this news is “very interesting” (see first comment)

One commenter suggested Google will team up with Amazon next (see comments)

I wonder how this will affect the other big players: Apple, Amazon, Google and Kobo (now owned by e-commerce conglomerate Rakuten)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Wow! Very interesting. Thanks for all the links/info, Ames! I think there will/should always be a place for DTBs in the world.

[Barbara ★]

Interesting indeed! However, I feel ebooks are too expensive and will continue to purchase DTB as long as possible. I hate to say it but when/if this happens, it will definitely curtail my spending on books as I have plenty to get me through for 50 years or so. I refuse to spend more for an ebook than for a print book. That's just ridiculous as most ebooks I've read aren't edited as well as print books and it's downright annoying.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I get most of my DTB cheaper than I could get the same ebooks. Especially here in Aus. If I were to buy from Kobo here I would be paying sometimes 3x what I pay for a DTB.

Space is a problem, though, I must say I really like DTBs.

I'll be interested to see what develops with regards to non US ebook updates.

[Literary Ames]

These days I tend to buy whatever's cheaper, the ebook or DTB.

[Barbara ★]

Usually the only time the ebook is cheaper is when it's free and most of those books are crap though I do scoop them up...but rarely actually read them.

I'd rather have books than furniture so space isn't much of a concern on my end. I already have all the walls in the bedroom and living room lined with bookcases 15 in total so far.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Sandra wrote: "I get most of my DTB cheaper than I could get the same ebooks. Especially here in Aus."

When I lived there, the only DTBs I bought were off the discount shelf @ Big W. I just couldn't get over the price difference between US/AU.

Go, Barbara! Sounds like you've got an amazing library. Sadly, most of my DTBs are in our storage space, hopefully resisting the urge to mold and mildew before I can rescue and display them. Maybe our next place.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I really only read actual books, but do have some free ebooks on the computer. This is interesting news though, a giant like Microsoft will definitely boost B&N