Google added some new features to the Google Play Books app for Android. Google's update will see some new features, through which it hopes to integrate various web functions. The update also introduces Google maps into the e-reader.
Google Play Books was previously known as Google eBooks.
The new update has a handful of features like in-text definitions, translations, highlighting and Google Maps integration. These features sync automatically across all devices.
The e-books can now translate words, phrases and passages by highlighting and choosing a language from the action bar. Technology website The Verge says that definitions are direct and just one tap will display the meaning.
Like Kindle Fire, users can highlight text and take notes, which get stored on the cloud.
The integration of Google maps makes reading better. A feature called "info card" answers highlighted queries about unfamiliar locations. It also offers an option of finding more information on Wikipedia or Google search.
In addition to these features, there are a few more, like being able to read in sepia mode, a new page-turn animation and a vertical, left-to-right text layout for Japanese books.
Android's official blog said these features are available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Korea and Japan.
There are about four million titles available at Google, most of them on the public domain. For an ardent reader, Amazon still feels like a better option. It has a better selection to choose from and books can be read on multiple devices, including a non-Android one. Amazon has connections with the publisher and authors. Tech website Android Authority says that Amazon has all the features that Google has announced.
