Google Play Books
Intuitive but a bit simplistic interface
The UI is truly sleek and lightweight, but it seems a bit simplistic. It resembles that of Play Store for apps, only the color differs. The side menu offers you access to several Google accounts that you can shift through and use for saving books and browsing.
There are some settings that you can make, have the app download content only via WiFi or use volume keys to turn pages. PDF uploading can also be enabled if you wish to add books to your library.
Browse through various books
The shop section includes the option of browsing and searching for books, divided into various categories including business, fiction and romance. You'll find everything from classical novels to experimental writing, and all items are rated and reviewed by readers.
You can check out the list of top selling books, new releases and top free. You'll need to provide credit card information even if you wish to download a free app. Samples can be provided for free without having to sign in. There's also a search button you can use if you're looking for a specific book or magazine.
Read all sorts of books
Each volume comes with a title and the reading mode has some features that you can use. Page transition is done with a neat effect that resembles the way pages of actual books are turned. Tap in the middle to jump to a certain page or on the top right corner to add a bookmark.
You can adjust screen brightness, enlarge text or change the font. Turn the screen dark or yellow to make it easier to read or enable read aloud function, but it's a computer generated voice and not that of a real person and the intonation might bother you.
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0/5
Hits & Misses
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misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI9
The interface is lightweight and resembles that of Play Store, but it could use more options and page transition effects. |
Function9
It does offer a great variety of books and free samples, and the reader is packed with features including the option of translating words within the app. |
Security9
It won't access areas that it doesn't need and keeps you credit card information pretty safe, but there's always a risk. |
Battery8
Consumption is quite normal for such an app, however the voice feature may take up more battery than the regular reading mode. |
Price9
Completely free of charge, but you'll have to buy books after you read samples. |
Compatibility8
The developer didn't mention Android versions compatible with this app. |
It's one of the top apps in its category and offers a wide variety of books and magazines.
Specifications
- price:
- 100% Free
- current version:
- Varies with device
- reviewed version:
- Varies with device
- developer:
- Google Inc.
- category:
- PRODUCTIVITY
- os version req.:
- Varies with device
- age rating:
- N/A
- in-app purchases:
- No
- hits:
- 352