The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is seeking to develop a 'digital news-stand' that will offer users a consistent way to access magazines and newspapers, using easier payment methods.
This will see Google taking on Apple in a bid to become the leading distributor of newspapers and magazines on mobile devices. WSJ reports that Google will offer to charge publishers a lower % than Apple, which is itself already working to amend its offer to publishers. With Amazon, and others, also vying for the newspaper/magazine market, it seems likely that increased competition will mirror the ebooks market. Lower pricing will lead to rapid consumer take-up.