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Readwise takes on Amazon’s Kindle and Goodreads with its new app for book lovers

By · Via TechCrunch · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Readwise has rolled out Readwise Books, an integrated reading and purchasing platform that positions itself as a "Strava for reading." The application tracks granular session analytics, sells both print and digital formats, and allows users to import outside content like DRM-free EPUBs. While the core reading app remains free, advanced publisher-backed artificial intelligence features will eventually require a paid subscription.

Key points

  • Readwise Books combines book purchasing, digital reading, and detailed habit tracking int…: Readwise Books combines book purchasing, digital reading, and detailed habit tracking into one service.
  • HarperCollins is currently the sole publisher to officially approve the platform's embedd…: HarperCollins is currently the sole publisher to officially approve the platform's embedded artificial intelligence tools.
  • The new platform is operating in an invite-only beta with instant access for existing sub…: The new platform is operating in an invite-only beta with instant access for existing subscribers.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Readwise, the maker of a read-it-later app and digital reading companion that keeps track of your highlights across services, is now taking on Amazon’s e-book empire with its latest app, Readwise Books. The app is an e-book store also helps you track what you’ve read, similar to Amazon’s Goodreads.

The bootstrapped startup described the new app as “a cross between Kindle and the Goodreads apps,” as it offers a single place to buy, read, and track books. However, Readwise Books aims to offer more detailed reading stats, than the dates you read a book and whether you finished it. It lets readers visualize richer reading data like words read, pace, depth, immersion, and sessions.

Meanwhile, its new store offers “millions” of ebooks from the big five publishers and others, initially in the U.S., with more countries to come. Print books (fulfilled by Bookshop.org’s distributor) and some audiobooks are available as well, the company notes.

The launch comes at a time when there’s been an explosion of new reading apps and book trackers, all hoping to challenge Goodreads by introducing new…

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