Internet giant Google has launched the world's largest electronics books store that will boast of more than three million titles including free books.

The Google foray into the booming 'e-book sector will put it head-to -head with Amazon, which links its Kindle device to its own store, and Apple with its iBookstore.

The Google e-books will be readable on any open-format e-readers, including the Nook, a development that publishers said would give consumers greater freedom.

The company described today's launch as 'a page-turning experience with flowing text.'