Apple rejects Sony eBook reader app

According to reports, Apple has rejected Sony’s request to enter its own eBook reading app in to the App Store. The reason for this is apparently down to the access to Sony’s own web based book store. Basically meaning that people using the app to purchase eBooks won’t be going through iBooks, therefore Apple won’t be seeing any cut of the profits.

Apple has, in the past, been accused of being over controlling, and dictatorial. It has allowed both Amazon’s Kindle app on to the App Store, as well as Barnes & Noble’s Nook app, both of which use content downloaded from their own sites, and not from Apples iBook store. So, what is the real issue here? Quite frankly, I think it’s snobbish-ness.

Clearly, Apple gains by having a device capable of reading Kindle books, and Nook eBooks. Maybe not gaining in direct profit, but, it could attract more people to buying the iPad if consumers know they can read their Kindle books from a different device. With the Sony eBook reader, I don’t think Apple could care less. Hardly anyone owns one of Sony’s devices, and so not only will Jobs&Co not receive any profit for book sales, but, they’ll also not reap any other benefits for having it on the tablet.

The other side of the coin is that Apple has brought in a new restriction, meaning in-App purchasing has to go through the App Store. Could the company then apply this restriction to Amazon and Barnes&Noble as well? Who knows? All we know for now is that Sony’s plan to stake its claim on the eBook world looks to be failing, badly.

Via: Apple Insider