In the coming months, Google plans to release a new virtual store that will allow customers to download digital books to their newly acquired hardware (iPad, Nook, Kindle, or just your personal computer). This online store called Google Editions will rival other online stores for virtual literature supremacy.

Google, in the past, has benefited from pioneering into uncharted territory. Because Nook and Kindle have both been out for a while now, several retail establishments have adapted their online services to include digital books. This could prove troublesome for Google Editions, even though its account features and symbiosis with book-selling websites can provide it enough power to clear the atmosphere.

One issue that has plagued many services online is the requirement to have an internet connection to access the books. This has proven troublesome, despite the (often expensive and sometimes slow and unreliable) option of 3G coverage. But perhaps that issue will be addressed upon Google Editions’ release within the next few months.