Google Play Books updated with textbook rentals just in time for school

About a month before most college kids get ready to start making book purchases and head into class, Google has flipped the switch on digital textbook rentals in Google Play. Announced back in July alongside Android 4.3 and the new Nexus 7, rental textbooks in Google Play Books will be a great way for tech-savvy students to save money every year.

Google has penned deals with major textbook publishing houses to offer both textbook purchases and rentals at deeply discounted rates when compared to traditional paper books. Textbooks rented in Google Play will be available on any device with a Google Play Books app — such as an Android or iOS device — as well as on the web through Google Play, which is a nice touch.

Great tools for students include bookmarking, annotating and global book search, which can be a lifesaver when you're studying. You can head to the Play Store and start checking out books now, with many titles offering free samples.

More: Official Android Blog

Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.