Google launched the sale of the iriver Story HD, the first e-reader integrated with the open Google eBooks platform, through which users can buy and read Google eBooksover Wi-Fi. On July 17, the iriver Story HD e-reader became available for sale in the U.S. Target stores and on Target.com.

The iriver Story HD, which costs only $139.99, is slim and lightweight with a high-resolution E Ink screen and a QWERTY keyboard for easy searching, says Google on its official blog.

The book provides over-the-air access to hundreds of Google eBooks for sale and more than 3 million for free. Google fans and its ebook library users now can transfer ebooks with one click.

In December, Google eBooks presented the option to read Google eBooks on any device with a modern browser, on Android and iOS devices using the Google Books mobile apps, through our Chrome Web Store app and on compatible ereaders. Since then, the technology giant added more retailers and made Google eBooks available in Android Market.

Manufacturers interested in integrating their next device with the Google eBooks e-commerce platform, are welcome to contact Google at books-devices-request@google.com.

Another good news from the company is Google News badges for users to easily find articles on their favorite topics. The more users read, the higher level badge they receive, starting with Bronze, then moving up the ladder to Silver, Gold, Platinum and Ultimate.

Google has recently created the Cosmic Panda for YouTube as well.