Book service in doubt for UK iPad
By Stewart Mitchell
Posted on 29 Jan 2010 at 13:26
Electronic book fans could face disappointment when Apple's iPad launches in the UK, with confusion reigning over whether the tablet will include the iBooks ebook reader and its integrated iBookstore.
The company's UK website makes no mention of the iBooks service and Apple has refused to confirm when the potentially popular application will be available in the UK.
To add to the uncertainty, a footnote on the company's Australian website states: "iBooks available in the US only."
However, a spokesperson for Apple told PC Pro that “iBooks will be available in the UK, but the timing of that will not be announced until the iPad goes on sale”.
The iPad is scheduled to go on sale in the UK and the US at the end of March, but experts believe complicated licensing negotiations could rule out an early inclusion of iBooks outside the US.
“To package a book price to the consumer which includes a margin for the connectivity provider and the publisher and Apple takes some doing,” said Kate Adamson, director of Stark Moore Macmillan, a marketing company that specialises in ebooks.
“It also raises the question of whether [Apple boss Steve] Jobs has decided to go with an open content model, or follow Amazon and lock content to the iPad.”
From around the web
here we go again...
Just like Apple, couldn't give a toss for anyone outside the US. Everyone spouting on about how they have the content and the licence agreements in place to make a difference. But, only if you're in the US. I think people in the UK and other European countries should just boycott their products and become more innovative ourselves.
By Steve_Adey on 29 Jan 2010 
Wow, fantastic product.
Even a die-hard Apple fan has got to admit the iPad is a terrible product.
It not even a jack of all trades let alone a master of anything at all.
By JStairmand on 29 Jan 2010
Just another reason...
...for not getting the device. Personally, I saw potential that didn't materialise.
By mviracca on 29 Jan 2010
Just another reason...
...for not getting the device. Personally, I saw potential that didn't materialise.
By mviracca on 29 Jan 2010
patience
surely this is like saying the 3g model won't be available in the UK, because no carriers are yet signed up to it. The product was announced yesterday, with two months before release. its a bit early to make definitive statements. its like the ipad speculators have suddenly got nothing to do and feel the need to start writing non-news stories
By thirdbrother3 on 29 Jan 2010
It's a bit more than that thirdbrother3. The US site shows off all of the iBooks features. No other country's site even mentions iBooks. Any iBook information has been removed
By TimoGunt on 29 Jan 2010
just another reason
keep with proper hard backs,no copying barriers buy from any where. when finished with gift to a nephew or jumble sale.
By invalidscreenname on 29 Jan 2010
Here we go again...
Yesterday this very site was reporting that some Apple European sites had nothing about the iPad on them. Today, they have the information that was 'missing'. Who's betting that, as iBookstore is (currently) tied to the iPad, there will be information about it closer to, or on, the iPad release date?
By lokash20 on 29 Jan 2010
Here we go again...
Yesterday this very site was reporting that some Apple European sites had nothing about the iPad on them. Today, they have the information that was 'missing'. Who's betting that, as iBookstore is (currently) tied to the iPad, there will be information about it closer to, or on, the iPad release date?
By lokash20 on 29 Jan 2010
Oh dear
So, eBooks not available for Mr Magoo's iPod...
..they've done it again Mr Magoo!
By cheysuli on 30 Jan 2010
Just like all Apple products...
...they have their flaws and who would have guessed their success since their launch way back in 2001. Because we don't all live in the same country we can't have all the same toys or the same apps due to licensing agreements and copyright.
It's all too easy these days to sit back and moan about manufacturers but go back 10 years and today's technology will look god like in status.
By milesfinch on 1 Feb 2010
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