This move sets the iPad up as a Kindle-killer. "Amazon’s done a great job of pioneering this functionality with the Kindle," said Steve Jobs of the digital book market earlier this year. "We’re going to stand on their shoulders and go a little further.”
iBooks is a beautifully designed digital bookshelf that allows users to download and read books from the iBookstore, from popular bestsellers to classics. The store is launching with a complimentary digital version of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, and users will be able to preview a sample of a book before electing to purchase it. iBooks will have built-in search, navigation, bookmarking and highlighting features as well.
Only iPad users will be able to use iBooks and take advantage of the iBookstore. While this works well for Apple -- a company that needs to position their newest product as a multiuse tool, not just an enlarged iPhone -- it might not go over so well with users who want to turn their laptops or desktops into functional e-readers.
For now, the wares in the iBookstore will only be available to U.S. users, likely due to copyright restrictions.