GOOGLE HAS launched a service to make it easy for publishers to sell digital versions of newspapers and magazines. The move undercuts a similar plan launched by Apple, as both technology firms seek to dominate the smartphone and tablet market.

Google announced its plan to woo newspaper and magazine publishers in a blog post on Wednesday, a day after Apple rolled out a subscription platform for digital media sold through iTunes.

Google said its new service, dubbed One Pass, allows publishers to sell content that consumers can view on websites as well as in specialised apps designed for smartphones and tablet PCs. Publishers can charge for content in a variety of ways, including subscriptions, metered access and sales of single articles.

Google is letting publishers keep about 90 per cent of subscription revenue gained through One Pass and is passing along some customer data. “Our intention is to make no money on it,” said Google chief executive Eric Schmidt. “We want the publishers to make all the money.”

Google’s service also lets publishers to provide existing print subscribers with free or discounted access to digital content, Google said.

Newspaper and magazine publishers are looking to reap revenue from online and digital editions in the hope of reviving declining readership and advertising revenue.

“The entire news industry is saying we need digital subscription money and we need it now,” said Ken Doctor, a media analyst with Outsell Research.

Consumers must use Google’s payment system, Checkout, to use One Pass. – (Reuters)