Readwise has previously released two products: Readwise, which stores and organizes Kindle highlights to help readers remember what they have read, and Readwise Reader, an app for reading newsletters, PDFs, and saved web articles. Now, with Readwise Books, the company aims to become a direct competitor to established ebook platforms like Kindle and Kobo. The Verge's David Pierce tested the app and described it as a significant expansion for the company. The beta is open to existing subscribers and via invitation.
Readwise launches Readwise Books beta, taking on Kindle and Kobo
The reading-tool company expands into ebook buying and reading
Readwise, the company behind tools for power readers, has launched a beta version of Readwise Books, a full-fledged platform for buying, reading, and discussing ebooks. The beta is currently available by invitation or to existing Readwise subscribers.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- Readwise Books directly competes with Amazon's Kindle and Rakuten's Kobo, offering an alternative for buying and reading ebooks.
- The platform integrates with Readwise's existing highlight and reading tools, potentially creating a seamless workflow for serious readers.
- The move signals a growing market for specialized reading platforms beyond the dominant retailers.
Background
Readwise started as a tool for syncing and reviewing Kindle highlights, later adding a general reading app for newsletters and articles. Readwise Books completes the ecosystem, letting users purchase and read ebooks within the same platform.
What to Watch
- How the beta evolves and when a public launch occurs.
- Whether Readwise Books can secure publisher partnerships for a broad ebook catalog.
- The response from Kindle and Kobo users who may consider switching.
Sources
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedReadwise has launched a beta version of Readwise Books.The Verge: “And now there’s Readwise Books, a full-fledged platform for buying, reading, and talking about books. Readwise Books is currently in beta”
- SupportedReadwise Books is taking on Kindle and Kobo for ebook supremacy.The Verge: “Readwise is taking on Kindle and Kobo for ebook supremacy.”
- SupportedReadwise is expanding into ebook buying and reading.The Verge: “a full-fledged platform for buying, reading, and talking about books.”
- SupportedReadwise has been building tools for power readers.The Verge: “For the last several years, Readwise has been building tools for power readers.”
- SupportedReadwise Books is a platform for buying, reading, and discussing ebooks.The Verge: “a full-fledged platform for buying, reading, and talking about books.”
- SupportedThe beta is available by invitation or to existing Readwise subscribers.The Verge: “Readwise Books is currently in beta, available through invite or to existing Readwise subscribers.”
- Partly supportedBefore Readwise Books, Readwise had released two products: Readwise and Readwise Reader.The Verge: “There’s the eponymous product, Readwise, which stores and categorizes your Kindle highlights to help you remember what you’ve read. There’s Readwise Reader, an app for reading newsletters, PDFs, and web articles you’ve saved for later. And now there’s Readwise Books”
- SupportedReadwise stores and categorizes Kindle highlights to help readers remember what they have read.The Verge: “Readwise, which stores and categorizes your Kindle highlights to help you remember what you’ve read.”
- SupportedReadwise Reader is an app for newsletters, PDFs, and saved web articles.The Verge: “Readwise Reader, an app for reading newsletters, PDFs, and web articles you’ve saved for later.”
- Partly supportedThe Verge’s David Pierce tested the app.The Verge: “I’ve been testing the app for a few days”
- Partly supportedThe tester described the app as a significant expansion for Readwise.The Verge: “I’ve been testing the app for a few days, and it’s a much bigger take on reading than most.”