Universal book reading app

Question

I read a lot and presently have three ebook apps. I need to jump between Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iBooks to select a book. I would like there to be one repository for all downloaded books so I can select what to read. Is there such an application?

Answer 1

I would like there to be one repository for all downloaded books so I can select what to read.
Wouldn't we all. Unfortunately, as Tamara indicated, this is not likely to happen in the near future. Basically, there are two problems--a common book format and device DRM sharing between devices/readers. Amazon, of course, uses its own proprietary AZW format for most/all items available in its store while Apple, B&N, Sony, and a host of others support the ePUP format. PFD's appear to be about the only format common to both groups and it is supported differently by the two camps--where one side treats the content as images and the other as text with limited "reflow" capabilities. Even then, the content usually has to be exported for a limited target dimension range to achieve optimum quality. Even if this worked better, there is still the problem the DRM (assuming you are not limiting your reading exclusively to public domain, your own writings, and/or the use of "archived/back-up" of personally owned intellectual content for private use. Basically, purchased files are DRM'd for a specific device/reader or a limited number of "authorized" devices/readers associated with your purchase account from whichever source you chose to use. Until or unless these sellers begin to allow the "cross-registration" of such devices/readers, it is unlikely you will ever find a "universal" device/reader app.