Oyster is to Reading what Netflix is to Movies

oyster_iphone_app_iconIt’s one of those, “Why in the world didn’t I think of that?” sort of apps.

Oyster Books offers you the opportunity to read all the books you want for just $9.95 a month. In other words, what Netflix did for movies and Spotify did for music, Oyster hopes to do for books. The company touts over 100,000 titles at launch.

The Oyster app is free to download but you’ll have to enter your credit card info before you can get access to actual books. Currently, the app is available for iPhone and iPod Touch only, but Oyster says it will be coming to the iPad soon. No word yet on when an Android tablet or phone version might be available.

Oyster App Screen Shots

Before you can try out Oyster, you’ll need to first procure an invitation – a technique many startups employ to help build anticipation. To get in line, you’ll need to enter your e-mail address by visiting the Oyster Books site.

In my experience, the wait didn’t prove long. I received an invite within a couple days of making the request, though I’ve yet to officially enter my credit card info (I’m holding out for the iPad version as I loathe reading on such a small screen).

How it Works

At the outset, you’re prompted to select five books to get started. You’ll be able to swap those books with others at any time, but Oyster will use those picks to determine other titles to suggest. You can also share what you’re reading by linking your Oyster account to your Facebook and Twitter profiles. However, you can also make certain reads private if you like.

The app also gives you the option of changing the font as well as the size of the text, while you maneuver around a book with various gestures.

I for one think the app looks very promising. What about  you?

Are you currently an Oyster Books subscriber? If so, what are your thoughts thus far? If you’re not yet a subscriber, does the service sound intriguing to you? Let us know in the comments.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

2 thoughts on “Oyster is to Reading what Netflix is to Movies

  1. I
    perused it on my iPhone for a few minutes. App is very solid, smooth,
    easy to navigate. Actual book selection…well…I don’t know. The jury
    will be out on that one for a while. Four of the five writers I searched
    for weren’t available (including a recent Read to Lead guest. 🙂 And the one who was only had one title from 10
    years ago listed. Even so, I saw enough other books while browsing that
    I’ll be kept busy for a while.

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