Google developing books with special effects, patent applications suggest

A drawing provided with Google’s application for a “storytelling device” patent. (Photo courtesy U.S. Patent and Trademark Office/TNS)

One can only shudder at what might pop up with Fifty Shades of Grey. 

But Google appears to be developing technology that would add special-effects imagery and sound to the reading experience. The company has filed for patents for an "interactive book" and associated "storytelling device" that would provide "story enhancement effects," according to the patent applications.