Google Editions... by the end of this year

Google Editions is apparently poised to become available "by the end of this year, for sure", per an article in this week's Wall Street Journal which says:

"Google Editions hopes to upend the existing e-book market by offering an open, "read anywhere" model that is different from many competitors. Users will be able to buy books directly from Google or from multiple online retailers—including independent bookstores—and add them to an online library tied to a Google account. They will be able to access their Google accounts on most devices with a Web browser, including personal computers, smartphones and tablets."