Google has approached a number of publishing houses to for producing a digital news stand, according to a news report.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the store would offer mags and newspapers for Android-based smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Publishers Time, Conde Nast and Hearst are fingered as having been briefed on Google’s plans, which are described as being at an early stage and somewhat ‘vague’.
“We’ve consistently said we’re talking with publishers about ways we can work together, including whether we can help them with technology for subscription services,” Google tells the WSJ in a statement, while stressing it has “nothing specific to announce” for now.
The report comes amid speculation that Apple is preparing to launch new subscription-based billing for magazine and newspaper apps on its App Store – possibly co-inciding with the launch of News Corporation’s new ‘Daily’ iPad news app.