Reading mobile books yet?

Despite success elsewhere, reading books on mobile phones is not on the priority list in India.

It may be creating waves in Japan and Europe but the concept of reading full-length books on mobile phones is certainly not on the priority list of cellphone users in India.

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No need to worry, though. Industry experts feel that the convenience of reading one's favourite novels on the move is a trend just waiting to hit desi shores.

"It's a question of 'when' rather than 'how'. Earlier, the problem was whether mobile handsets were equipped with the software needed and whether books were available in the required format," says Jay Vikram, Head, Corporate Communications, Nokia (India).

"In fact, there are a few phones in the country right now, which do support this technology," adds Vikram, who has management books like 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' stored on his cell.

But then such mobiles are expensive and are limited to top-end customers. However, others feel users in India are not yet ready for such services, even if all mobile handsets start featuring them.

"Mobile communication in India is still voice-centric and not data-centric. I don't see this concept of 'books on mobiles' becoming a trend in India, at least not soon," says Arvind R Vohra, GSM Product Group Head, LG (India).

Some feel that the challenge lies in popularising the concept in India, since most Indians seem to be unaware of it.