Mobile Ministry Magazine

For many people, the subject of ebooks and their usefulness is a moot point. Unfortunately, with all of the diverse formats that range for ebooks, not too many people or companies have expressed any confidence in ebooks becoming any more than a niche kinda of thing.

That is until now. According to a recent report at Mobile Read, its coming to fruition that there will soon be an industry-wide adapted ebook standard. Now, while this will still mean that content publishers and distributors will have control of the market, for once, we now see that there is an opportunity for ebooks to get a solid ground and then be able to move from there. Having just one format (no matter how advanced or not advanced than other formats), allows for a more level playing field for small and large publishers. And then forces those who make devices and reader software to enhance their software rather than tieing the user into their particular format (that is if you name is not Apple - see iPod/iTunes/AAC - or Microsoft - see DOC/XLS/and Internet Explorer before the coming version 7).

So what does this mean for Christian publishers? For one, a common file format means that Biblical literature (bibles, commentaries, lexicons, etc.) will be able to more easily be sold in ebook stores next to other literature, making their visability and vitality to the consumer all that more evident. As more and more Christian software developers observe this format, it will also open the door to more competition in areas such as mobile application development and online services.

As a whole, a new light will shine in the area of electronic reading media and the Christian world, and this will make for an enlightening experience for those who are into ebooks now, and those who will be into ebooks in the near future.