Readwise takes on Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads with its new app for book lovers
News Source
β’Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:49:41 +0000
π° What Happened
Readwise has launched a new app called Readwise Books. It is an ebook store and a reading tracker in one place, a mix of Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads. The store sells millions of ebooks from major publishers, starting in the US.
The app also shows detailed reading stats, such as words read, reading speed and session length. Readwise compares it to Strava, the running app that tracks workouts. The company says measuring reading helps people read more without pressure.
The app is free for now and still in beta, so you need an invite unless you already pay for Readwise.
π The Backstory
Amazon's Kindle store controls about 83 percent of the ebook market when its subscription service is counted. That makes it very hard for small companies to compete. Many startups have built book trackers instead, hoping to take users from Goodreads.
Readwise started as a tool that saved highlights from articles and books. It is a small, self-funded company. It is also offering an open API and letting AI assistants plug in, which Kindle does not allow.
π― Why It Matters
Choice in ebook stores matters because one company sets prices and formats. A new option could give readers more control over the books they buy and keep.
Readwise has launched a new app called Readwise Books. It is an ebook store and a reading tracker in one place, a mix of Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads. The store sells millions of ebooks from major publishers, starting in the US.
The app also shows detailed reading stats, such as words read, reading speed and session length. Readwise compares it to Strava, the running app that tracks workouts. The company says measuring reading helps people read more without pressure.
The app is free for now and still in beta, so you need an invite unless you already pay for Readwise.
Amazon's Kindle store controls about 83 percent of the ebook market when its subscription service is counted. That makes it very hard for small companies to compete. Many startups have built book trackers instead, hoping to take users from Goodreads.
Readwise started as a tool that saved highlights from articles and books. It is a small, self-funded company. It is also offering an open API and letting AI assistants plug in, which Kindle does not allow.
Choice in ebook stores matters because one company sets prices and formats. A new option could give readers more control over the books they buy and keep.