WHSmith ebook customers see more changes

In the past few days, WHSmith ebook customers have seen further changes to the retailer’s ebook operation.

In October WHSmith announced plans to move its ebook service to the Canadian-based Kobo platform.

Shortly afterwards, sales via the firm’s website were redirected to Kobo’s site.

At the time customers were promised details of how their existing books would be transferred to the new service.

Last week affected shoppers were sent an email asking that they click a link to confirm they wanted their WHSmith purchases transferring to Kobo.

However that email also warned that: “We have been unable to make all your eBooks purchased from WHSmith.co.uk available in a Kobo account. This is may be because the titles are no longer available or Kobo have not yet established a relationship with the publisher.”

This means some customers may find some books are lost as part of the transfer. In addition, any eAudiobooks purchased will also be unavailable via Kobo and users are urged to download them before the end of December 28th.

Separately, customers who purchased books via the Samsung E60/E65 eReader and WHS iPad apps have been contacted by Mobcast which is taking over responsibility for those platforms.

Co-founded by author Andy McNab, Mobcast powered the WHSmith ebook app store.

In an email sent last week, McNab revealed that the service would be rebranded Uncuva and promised “a whole range of improved features and services, including an Uncuva desktop site to make browsing, buying and managing your books a lot easier.”

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