Apple Introduces iBooks Apps -- Stands on Amazon's Shoulders!

As part of their iPad announcement today, Apple introduced a new app called iBooks (hey, there's that old name!) which they said stands on the shoulders of Amazon to go a little further.

The initial GUI looks a lot like the iPhone ebook app Classics [iTunes link]. As rumored, $14.99 for a new "hardcover" book is the selling price.

You can tap to change pages or swipe, and readers can choose their own font and size from a small list including Baskerville, Cochin, Palatino, Times, and Verdana.

It uses standard ePub format, so hopefully it will be cross-compatible with a lot of other stores and existing collections.

[Image via GDGT]

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.