Google and Apple to battle in digital newsstand format

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Loading ... Posted on: January 6th, 2011 by Kate Poole

Google Inc and Apple Inc are in a full-fledged war now to win over publishers, as both become dominant distributors of digital magazines and newspapers for tablets and smartphones.

Google has tried to build-up publisher support for a new digital newsstand that it hopes to launch, which would allow Android users to access the publications. With this effort, it will be on the heels of Apple, which has already launched digital versions of most major magazines and newspapers via its iTunes store.

The e-newsstand from Google would encompass apps designed by media companies that would allow tablets or smartphones running Android to download them. Google said, in part, it hopes to launch the service to give media the opportunity to profit from their apps and give Android users a more consistent platform.

Media executives, however, that have spoken to Google about the venture said it remains vague and the timing is still unclear. They also concede the possibility that the venture will never materialise.

Publishers that Google has discussed its intentions with include Time Warner, Condé Nast and Hearst Corp. Thus far, all three publishers have declined comment on the ongoing talks.

Internally, the Google e-newsstand venture is being headed by Stephanie Tilenius, the vice-president of e-commerce. Google said in a statement that it has consistently been speaking to publishers about subscription services, but that it does not have plans to announce a service at this time.