Despite the promise of the iPad as a replacement for dead-tree magazines, the lack of subscription options and the high price of single issues have kept it from really taking off for publishers. And Google clearly sees that as an opportunity.

According to reports, Google is in talks with major publishers to bring a digital newsstand to Android phones and tablets. It would provide a consistent way for users to subscribe to digital periodicals, with Google taking a smaller cut of the cash than Apple's 30%.

Will they get it out soon? Will it make much of a difference to users, who will in all likelihood not see competing digital subscription services as a deciding factor in what device to get? Time will tell.

Via WSJ