When comparing Books on Google Play vs WHSmith, the Slant community recommends Books on Google Play for most people. In the question“What are the best eBook stores?” Books on Google Play is ranked 4th while WHSmith is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Books on Google Play is:
All eBooks for sale on Books on Google Play are Adobe Digital editions compatible. Google provides an option to download an .acsm file for all eBook purchased on their site. This .acsm file can then be imported into Adobe Digital editions where it can be read as an .epub inside of the application or transferred to any Adobe Digital Editions compliant .epub eReader, such as a Kobo.
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Pros
Pro Adobe Digital Editions compatible
All eBooks for sale on Books on Google Play are Adobe Digital editions compatible. Google provides an option to download an .acsm file for all eBook purchased on their site. This .acsm file can then be imported into Adobe Digital editions where it can be read as an .epub inside of the application or transferred to any Adobe Digital Editions compliant .epub eReader, such as a Kobo.
Pro Users can upload their own DRM free .epubs or PDFs
Goolge has built in a function to allow users to upload their own eBooks. Up to 1,000 files can be stored using this function as long as each title is below 50MB.
Pro Accessible
It is the most accessible platform for an Android phone user. Convenient.
Pro Instant quality with Kobo eReaders, apps and eBooks store
Instead of developing their own eBook store, eReaders or reading apps WHSmith has the instant gratification of offering quality products with an established brand.
Pro WHSmith and Kobo partnership create competition
A good thing about the WHSmith eBook store and its Kobo partnership is that it creates competition in the UK for eBook stores and devices. WIth competition comes better prices and innovation.
Cons
Con Does not actually follow .css and HTML guidelines when displaying user uploaded .epubs
Upon close inspection Books on Google Play does not actually follow the normal standards when displaying user uploaded .epubs but rather has it's own secret method of how it handles the internal .css and HTML. This can result in display problems for user uploaded content.
Con Some titles not available on the store
While most mainstream books can be found easily, there are a few smaller titles that are just not on the store at all.
Con Just a re-branded Kobo eBook store
WHSmith has entered a contract to where they are now partnered with Kobo. With this deal WHSmith has replaced their old eBook store with a Kobo powered alternative. Basically it is just a WHSmith skin over the Kobo eBook store.
Con UK only store
eBooks are only priced in GBP.