Readwise Books takes aim at Kindle and Kobo

Readwise has launched Readwise Books, a platform for buying, reading and discussing books. It is in beta and available by invitation or to existing Readwise subscribers.

The app combines a book-tracking service with social features. Readers can organize books they want to read, are reading or have finished, rate and review them, and see other users’ comments and recommendations. It can also track reading time, volume and speed, and share that activity with friends. Readwise Books syncs with Kindle accounts, including a way to track Amazon purchases by photographing the first and last pages of a book.

Readwise cofounders Tristan Homsi and Daniel Doyon describe the app as “Strava for reading.” The longer-term aim is to persuade readers to buy books through Readwise instead of Kindle. The company says it has reached deals with all five major US publishers, giving it a book library on terms that bring it close to competing platforms.

The Verge reports that the app can run on an E Ink-friendly version of Android. Doyon said the company could still build its own e-reader. The reviewer found the app visually appealing and liked its customization and reading-tracking features, while noting bugs and a confusing partial Kindle integration. Switching platforms may be difficult for people who already own Kindle devices and books.