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Nook alternatives
Explore millions of choices, including over 1 million free titles. The free and easy way to access over 3 million titles across your favorite devices. Lend books to friends and family, sample them for free & more! The best Nook alternatives are: Kindle, Kobo
Here are the latest news about Nook:
20.06.24. Nook eReaders and Apps Can Sync Sideloaded eBooks Now
Some users on the Nook subreddit have discovered that Nook ereaders and apps can now sync sideloaded ebooks between devices and apps, although it's unclear how long this feature has been available or which models support it. Given Barnes & Noble's history with sideloading, this capability is surprising and might even seem like an unintended bug. There’s no mention of this feature for non-B&N content on the Barnes & Noble website or in their help section. To use it, simply sideload the same ebook file on your Nook devices and apps and your reading position will sync automatically. It works with EPUBs and possibly PDFs, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
2023. NOOK Reading App for Windows is discontinued
Barnes and Noble has officially discontinued the NOOK reading app for the Microsoft Windows Store, with the app's listing removed and new downloads no longer permitted. While existing users can still utilize the app for the time being, the company has not clarified whether they will ultimately terminate the service altogether. Encouraging a more expansive reading experience, Barnes and Noble suggests users explore their suite of NOOK Reading Apps available for Android and iOS devices, along with NOOK for Web, facilitating online reading. This decision to discontinue services extends beyond the Windows app, as Barnes and Noble previously announced the impending closure of all services for the Nook Simple Touch, Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and the Nook Glowlight a month ago. Starting in April of the following year, customers will lose access to the Nook Store and won't be able to sync additional digital content.
2023. Nook iOS app adds Trends to track reading progress
Barnes and Noble's latest enhancement to their Nook reading app for iPhones and iPads involves a novel aspect. They are infusing an element of gamification into the act of reading ebooks through the introduction of an innovative feature labeled as "Trends." Within this fresh section named Trends, users can effectively monitor their monthly reading and listening advancements. The section encompasses a dynamic wheel dedicated to tracking the consecutive days during which individuals engage with digital content or partake in audiobooks. The bookselling company has expressed its intention to introduce forthcoming attributes and incentives tied to the Trends concept. Parallels can be drawn between Barnes and Noble's Trends and the Kindle system for iOS, both of which monitor the uninterrupted streaks of digital reading days. The Kindle's reading progress has spawned a substantial community, with enthusiasts readily sharing their achievements on social media platforms—instances of individuals boasting multi-year streaks of daily reading are not uncommon. Barnes and Noble aspires to leverage this notion of progress in reading. An added personal wish is for this feature to extend beyond the Nook app and encompass their ebook readers as well.
2021. Nook released a new cheap Tablet for e-Reading
Barnes & Noble has launched a new Nook Tablet created by Lenovo. It’s another budget ($129) model similar to the previous Nook Tablet, featuring an even lower resolution screen (1280 x 800). On the positive side, the new Nook Tablet operates on Android 10 and includes Google Play support for installing Android apps. It is equipped with an octa-core CPU, a USB-C port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM radio, 32GB of storage and a microSD card slot. It also has an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera and is slightly lighter than other 10-inch tablets at 420 grams.
2020. Barnes and Noble improved author sorting in Nooks
Barnes and Noble has released a firmware update for many of their Nook e-readers. Software update 52.0.78 is being rolled out and includes several bug fixes and improvements. One of the most notable changes is that author names now consistently display as their first and last names. This feature is helpful if you enjoy reading ebooks by the same author, making it easier to organize them in your library. Additionally, a progress bar has been added to your library, indicating how far you are through various ebooks. There are likely other aspects of this update, but Barnes and Noble no longer publishes detailed changelogs.
2019. Barnes and Noble will continue to support the Nook e-Reader
The new CEO of Barnes and Noble, James Daunt, has announced that the bookseller will continue to back the Nook e-Reader. He emphasized that his primary focus will be on enhancing B&N’s physical stores. “If you enhance the stores, everything else will improve,” he said. However, we can anticipate new Nook models being released every year or two for the foreseeable future.
2018. Barnes and Noble releases Nook Tablet 7 2018 Edition
Barnes & Noble has introduced a second-generation NOOK 7 tablet with increased storage to accommodate your digital library and an enhanced reading experience, just in time for holiday shopping. It is available today in stores and online for $49.99. The NOOK 7 provides twice the storage capacity of the previous model at 16GB (expandable up to 128GB), along with front and rear cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, a headphone jack, a speaker and a microphone. The new NOOK is a fully-equipped tablet featuring a stunning LCD screen, access to the Google Play Store, a soft-touch finish and upgraded NOOK software for a better reading and browsing experience.
2018. Barnes & Noble released new Nook tablet
Barnes & Noble introduced a new Nook 10.1 tablet priced at $130. Aside from the screen size (a modest 224 ppi), there isn’t much to highlight about what will likely be a standard budget Android tablet with 32GB of storage, two cameras and a headphone jack—though this does count as a feature in 2018. The soft-touch finish and lightweight build make it an ideal holiday present for readers who want to immerse themselves in their favorite books for extended periods. Barnes & Noble is dubbing it a “game changer.” This is the first Nook since 2016, when the once-popular bookseller offered an extremely affordable $50 model.
2018. Barnes and Noble launched book social discovery app
Barnes & Noble has introduced a new Android app named Browsery. This app serves as a social network for readers to discuss books. Drawing on the fundamental aspects of the Barnes & Noble store experience—exploring, community and dialogue—it assists you in discovering your next favorite book through the insights and passion of other readers. Examples of popular questions include: What is a compelling biography to read after watching *The Crown*? Are there any stories that will make you cry? What’s your favorite book about books?
2017. Nook for Android gets Search by Voice
Barnes and Noble updated their Nook for Android e-reading app and introduced a range of new features. The latest version includes several significant improvements such as voice search, which allows you to search both your e-reader and the store for e-books. Simply tap the microphone in the search bar and tell NOOK what you're looking to read. Additionally, you can now create custom Quote Cards from your favorite highlights, select a background and share them via social media, email, or text message.
2016. Barnes and Noble launched a new website
Barnes and Noble has completely revamped their online website and it looks impressive. The new site prioritizes reading over items like pillows, scented candles and toys. The entire homepage is filled with great books, including the B&N Top 100 Books and reviews featured on their blog. Additionally, there are several image carousels highlighting new and noteworthy Nook books, as well as books recommended based on past purchases. During a recent shareholders conference, the new Barnes and Noble CEO Ron Boire announced that the company will focus heavily on modernizing the web experience and ensuring their website is responsive on mobile phones and tablets.
2016. Barnes and Noble is closing the Nook App and Video Store
Barnes and Noble is attempting to halt the decline of the struggling Nook division by implementing cost-cutting measures. This March, they plan to shut down the Nook App Store, Nook Video Store and the UK Nook e-book store. The closure of the app and video stores will impact every tablet Barnes and Noble has ever produced, including the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+ and all Samsung for Nook branded devices. Barnes and Noble is encouraging users to transition to Google Play or a third-party app store. The company states that closing the app store will allow them to concentrate their efforts on their core digital content business, which includes Books and Newsstand.
2015. Barnes & Noble released Nook Audiobooks app
Barnes and Noble is making a strong push into audiobooks. The company has announced the launch of the Nook Audiobooks App for iPhone and iPad, along with a new website, NOOKAudiobooks.com. The website is designed to complement the apps, giving customers access to a collection of over 60,000 audiobooks online with the convenience of listening anywhere. The app enables customers to purchase audiobooks directly through it without requiring a subscription. It also offers free samples of any audiobook.
2015. Barnes & Noble and Samsung unveiled new tablet Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK is a new 8-inch tablet combining Samsung’s sleek design and multi-tasking capabilities with NOOK’s exceptional reading and entertainment features. It’s the slimmest, lightest and fastest device from the two companies, priced at $399.99. An ultra-fast octa-core processor allows users to swiftly switch between books, movies, apps and the web without delay. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK provides access to a vast array of digital content from Barnes & Noble. The extensive NOOK Store offers a range of reading and entertainment options, including over 4 million books, such as bestsellers, new releases, classics and enhanced editions with exclusive content.
2015. Barnes & Noble closes international Nook Store
The Digital Reader discovered an intriguing email sent to international Nook users regarding the Nook app for Windows. International Nook users outside the US or the UK have been informed that their content will be removed from Windows devices and their funds refunded. They will also no longer be able to access Nook books on their Windows devices. This is directly connected to B&N’s acquisition of Microsoft’s investment in the Nook store last December. It is uncertain where the Nook is heading, but it is evident that it is currently retracting partnerships to streamline what is now a diminishing business.
2014. Barnes & Noble and Microsoft end their Nook partnership
Barnes & Noble today announced the end of its agreement with Microsoft regarding the Nook business. This follows news that Nook device sales plummeted by 60% this year. The two companies formed the partnership two years ago, with Microsoft initially investing at least $300 million to establish Nook Media. This alliance was formed after B&N declined to pay Microsoft patent royalties for its Android-based readers. However, the deal did not produce significant results. Over the summer, B&N partnered with Samsung to create a Nook-branded tablet, but even Samsung couldn't revive the struggling e-reader pioneer.
2014. Nook launches Audiobook app for Android
Nook introduces an audiobook app for Android users, enhancing the offer by including two free audiobook titles with initial downloads of the new app for a limited time. With an intuitive, straightforward shopping experience and high-quality listening options, the new NOOK Audiobooks App provides top audiobooks for adults and children at attractive prices, with free samples available for a broad range of titles. Earlier this month, Scribd also added audiobooks to its subscription ebook platform, aiming to challenge Amazon’s Audible. Scribd hopes to attract ebook readers to listen to more audiobooks, viewing the two markets as potentially complementary.
2014. The new Nook is almost all Samsung Galaxy Tab
Barnes & Noble has unveiled "the first ever fully-featured Android tablet designed for reading" - the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook, a 7-inch tablet primarily manufactured by Samsung. It features something known as the “Barnes & Noble Advantage,” a deeply integrated app that facilitates book downloads as well as tech support. To clarify, this is a Samsung device being sold in B&N stores with some branding. While the partnership is a clever move, it indicates that dedicated Nook hardware may no longer be a focus. The Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is available today in stores and online for $179 after a $20 rebate, matching the price found on Amazon and other retailers.
2014. Barnes & Noble will dump its Nook business
Barnes & Noble has announced that it will divide its retail and NOOK operations into two distinct public companies. This separation is anticipated to be finalized by the first quarter of the upcoming calendar year. This announcement coincides with B&N's fourth-quarter 2014 financial results, where the Nook division continued to negatively impact the rest of the company. Following the split, the Nook business will no longer have the support of Barnes & Noble. It will face the challenge of thriving independently and if past performance is any guide, the Nook may not remain viable for long. Who knows, perhaps Microsoft will acquire it swiftly.
2014. Samsung to make next Nook Tablet based on Galaxy Tab
As Barnes & Noble struggles to stay relevant in the ebook market, it’s turning to Samsung in hopes of increasing digital content sales. The company revealed a partnership with Samsung that will introduce co-branded Galaxy Tab 4 Nook tablets by early August. The co-branded devices will merge popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 hardware with tailored NOOK software to provide customers with powerful, fully-featured tablets designed for reading, offering easy access to Barnes & Noble’s extensive digital collection of over three million books, leading magazines and newspapers.
2013. Barnes & Noble slashes Nook and book prices for Black Friday
Barnes & Noble is cutting the prices of several Nook devices for Black Friday weekend. It’s offering the Nook Simple Touch at its lowest price ever of just $39 (down from $79). Barnes & Noble is also providing at least 50 percent off hundreds of top-selling Nook books. Additionally, on Black Friday, Barnes & Noble will reduce the price of several popular Nook books to $2.99, including *Plum Lucky* by Janet Evanovich, *The Cider House Rules* by John Irving and *Crewel* by Gennifer Albin. If you need accessories for your Nook, Barnes & Noble has you covered there too. The company is offering a $10 Industriell cover for Simple Touch and Simple Touch GlowLight devices and 25 percent off other Nook HD accessories through Dec. 1.
2013. Nook released new reading app for Windows 8
Barnes & Noble has refreshed its NOOK App for Windows 8, now fully optimized to incorporate the latest features of Windows 8.1. The updated application includes a streamlined interface, faster performance and new functionalities, such as enhanced support for snap view and portrait e-reader orientation, the ability to import files from SkyDrive, improved search capabilities, better library organization and enhanced in-app customer support. You can now import ePub and PDF files from “My PC” and SkyDrive, with imported files showing up in the NOOK library and the current reading page saved for these items. Enhanced library organization features include content-type grouping and integrated library search access.
2013. Barnes & Noble drops Nook tablets buy keeps manufacturing e-ink readers
Barnes & Noble announced in its earnings report on Tuesday that it will cease in-house production of Nook tablets. Instead, the company will adopt "a partnership model for manufacturing" these tablets, while it will persist in developing e-ink readers internally. “We plan to keep innovating in the single-purpose black-and-white e-reader segment,” CEO William Lynch stated. He also mentioned that “most of the content sales come from non-tablets” and that e-readers have “been our main tool for acquiring customers for content.”
2013. Barnes & Noble kills Nook desktop apps
Today Apple has introduced iBooks for Mac. Concurrently, Barnes & Noble has discontinued support for the Mac and PC (pre-Windows 8) versions of the Nook standalone reader software and now directs users to the web-based version instead. This isn’t a perfect substitute, as a large proportion of Nook e-books are not compatible, since not all titles in the store support the web-based version of the application. This indicates that Barnes & Noble’s e-book initiatives now lag behind Amazon’s in terms of cross-platform accessibility. However, B&N seems to be focusing on a different objective—becoming a key player in the affordable tablet market with Nook hardware. The company has recently introduced features that not only add Play Store functionality to the Nook HD line but also unlock essential missing features, such as a browser for the Simple Touch, making them more than just e-readers.
2013. Barnes & Noble integrates Google Play into Nook tablets
Barnes & Noble is integrating the Google Play marketplace (including apps, music, videos and ebooks) and Google services (Google+, Gmail, YouTube, Maps) into its Nook HD and HD+ tablets. While Nook tablets run on Android, this move seems somewhat unusual for a company that has a strategic alliance with Microsoft. Nevertheless, Jim Hilt, Barnes & Noble’s VP of ebooks, mentioned that the goal is to offer a wider media ecosystem to Nook tablet users and B&N isn’t concerned about Google Books: “We’re very confident that when people use a Nook device, they’ll engage with the Nook shopping experience,” he stated.
2012. Nook for Windows 8 is here. But it's dissapointing
Barnes & Noble and Microsoft have finally launched the long-anticipated Nook e-reader app for Windows 8 (Metro) and it's now available in the Windows Store here. Interestingly, this app (which could have been pre-installed in Windows 8) is neither featured on the Windows Store front page, nor in the eBooks section's front page, nor in the list of recommended apps. At present, it only holds the #4 spot in the New Releases section. Meanwhile, the main rival—Kindle—is the second recommended app in the eBooks section. According to initial reviews (which mainly come from current Nook users), the app is somewhat buggy and lacks several useful features available in Nook tablets and other Nook apps. However, it's just the initial release, so patience is warranted.
2012. Windows 8 launch: with Kindle, and without Nook
Today, Windows 8 officially launched worldwide with its new Windows Store—the primary destination for Windows 8 apps (the sole source for Windows RT tablets). And guess what? There is no Nook app available yet, neither pre-installed in Windows nor in the Store. Remember that Microsoft partnered with Barnes & Noble to form a joint venture to manage the Nook ecosystem. They also promised to develop the Nook app for Windows 8 by its launch, but they did not deliver. Meanwhile, the main competitor, Amazon's Kindle app, is already available in the Windows Store. Like the Kindle apps on other platforms, it automatically synchronizes your last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights in each book. This means you can start reading a book on a Kindle e-reader and continue on a Windows 8 computer or tablet.
2012. Microsoft enters the ebook market via Nook Media
Last year, Microsoft sued Barnes & Noble, alleging that they were violating five Microsoft patents (by utilizing Android OS in the Nook e-reader). However, Microsoft later chose to partner with B&N and enter the eBook market rather than pursuing royalties. Today, the partnership between Microsoft and Barnes & Noble has officially been established—it’s named Nook Media. From now on, this company manages Nook (instead of B&N). Microsoft invested $300 million in this joint venture and holds a 17.6% stake. Additionally, it will develop the Nook app for Windows 8 and integrate it with Office and Bing. This means the app will not only be used for (social and internet-enhanced) reading but also for writing and publishing books with familiar tools like Word. The Nook app for Windows 8 is expected to launch on October 26, alongside Windows 8.
20.06.24. Nook eReaders and Apps Can Sync Sideloaded eBooks Now
Some users on the Nook subreddit have discovered that Nook ereaders and apps can now sync sideloaded ebooks between devices and apps, although it's unclear how long this feature has been available or which models support it. Given Barnes & Noble's history with sideloading, this capability is surprising and might even seem like an unintended bug. There’s no mention of this feature for non-B&N content on the Barnes & Noble website or in their help section. To use it, simply sideload the same ebook file on your Nook devices and apps and your reading position will sync automatically. It works with EPUBs and possibly PDFs, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
2023. NOOK Reading App for Windows is discontinued
Barnes and Noble has officially discontinued the NOOK reading app for the Microsoft Windows Store, with the app's listing removed and new downloads no longer permitted. While existing users can still utilize the app for the time being, the company has not clarified whether they will ultimately terminate the service altogether. Encouraging a more expansive reading experience, Barnes and Noble suggests users explore their suite of NOOK Reading Apps available for Android and iOS devices, along with NOOK for Web, facilitating online reading. This decision to discontinue services extends beyond the Windows app, as Barnes and Noble previously announced the impending closure of all services for the Nook Simple Touch, Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and the Nook Glowlight a month ago. Starting in April of the following year, customers will lose access to the Nook Store and won't be able to sync additional digital content.
2023. Nook iOS app adds Trends to track reading progress
Barnes and Noble's latest enhancement to their Nook reading app for iPhones and iPads involves a novel aspect. They are infusing an element of gamification into the act of reading ebooks through the introduction of an innovative feature labeled as "Trends." Within this fresh section named Trends, users can effectively monitor their monthly reading and listening advancements. The section encompasses a dynamic wheel dedicated to tracking the consecutive days during which individuals engage with digital content or partake in audiobooks. The bookselling company has expressed its intention to introduce forthcoming attributes and incentives tied to the Trends concept. Parallels can be drawn between Barnes and Noble's Trends and the Kindle system for iOS, both of which monitor the uninterrupted streaks of digital reading days. The Kindle's reading progress has spawned a substantial community, with enthusiasts readily sharing their achievements on social media platforms—instances of individuals boasting multi-year streaks of daily reading are not uncommon. Barnes and Noble aspires to leverage this notion of progress in reading. An added personal wish is for this feature to extend beyond the Nook app and encompass their ebook readers as well.
2021. Nook released a new cheap Tablet for e-Reading
Barnes & Noble has launched a new Nook Tablet created by Lenovo. It’s another budget ($129) model similar to the previous Nook Tablet, featuring an even lower resolution screen (1280 x 800). On the positive side, the new Nook Tablet operates on Android 10 and includes Google Play support for installing Android apps. It is equipped with an octa-core CPU, a USB-C port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM radio, 32GB of storage and a microSD card slot. It also has an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera and is slightly lighter than other 10-inch tablets at 420 grams.
2020. Barnes and Noble improved author sorting in Nooks
Barnes and Noble has released a firmware update for many of their Nook e-readers. Software update 52.0.78 is being rolled out and includes several bug fixes and improvements. One of the most notable changes is that author names now consistently display as their first and last names. This feature is helpful if you enjoy reading ebooks by the same author, making it easier to organize them in your library. Additionally, a progress bar has been added to your library, indicating how far you are through various ebooks. There are likely other aspects of this update, but Barnes and Noble no longer publishes detailed changelogs.
2019. Barnes and Noble will continue to support the Nook e-Reader
The new CEO of Barnes and Noble, James Daunt, has announced that the bookseller will continue to back the Nook e-Reader. He emphasized that his primary focus will be on enhancing B&N’s physical stores. “If you enhance the stores, everything else will improve,” he said. However, we can anticipate new Nook models being released every year or two for the foreseeable future.
2018. Barnes and Noble releases Nook Tablet 7 2018 Edition
Barnes & Noble has introduced a second-generation NOOK 7 tablet with increased storage to accommodate your digital library and an enhanced reading experience, just in time for holiday shopping. It is available today in stores and online for $49.99. The NOOK 7 provides twice the storage capacity of the previous model at 16GB (expandable up to 128GB), along with front and rear cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, a headphone jack, a speaker and a microphone. The new NOOK is a fully-equipped tablet featuring a stunning LCD screen, access to the Google Play Store, a soft-touch finish and upgraded NOOK software for a better reading and browsing experience.
2018. Barnes & Noble released new Nook tablet
Barnes & Noble introduced a new Nook 10.1 tablet priced at $130. Aside from the screen size (a modest 224 ppi), there isn’t much to highlight about what will likely be a standard budget Android tablet with 32GB of storage, two cameras and a headphone jack—though this does count as a feature in 2018. The soft-touch finish and lightweight build make it an ideal holiday present for readers who want to immerse themselves in their favorite books for extended periods. Barnes & Noble is dubbing it a “game changer.” This is the first Nook since 2016, when the once-popular bookseller offered an extremely affordable $50 model.
2018. Barnes and Noble launched book social discovery app
Barnes & Noble has introduced a new Android app named Browsery. This app serves as a social network for readers to discuss books. Drawing on the fundamental aspects of the Barnes & Noble store experience—exploring, community and dialogue—it assists you in discovering your next favorite book through the insights and passion of other readers. Examples of popular questions include: What is a compelling biography to read after watching *The Crown*? Are there any stories that will make you cry? What’s your favorite book about books?
2017. Nook for Android gets Search by Voice
Barnes and Noble updated their Nook for Android e-reading app and introduced a range of new features. The latest version includes several significant improvements such as voice search, which allows you to search both your e-reader and the store for e-books. Simply tap the microphone in the search bar and tell NOOK what you're looking to read. Additionally, you can now create custom Quote Cards from your favorite highlights, select a background and share them via social media, email, or text message.
2016. Barnes and Noble launched a new website
Barnes and Noble has completely revamped their online website and it looks impressive. The new site prioritizes reading over items like pillows, scented candles and toys. The entire homepage is filled with great books, including the B&N Top 100 Books and reviews featured on their blog. Additionally, there are several image carousels highlighting new and noteworthy Nook books, as well as books recommended based on past purchases. During a recent shareholders conference, the new Barnes and Noble CEO Ron Boire announced that the company will focus heavily on modernizing the web experience and ensuring their website is responsive on mobile phones and tablets.
2016. Barnes and Noble is closing the Nook App and Video Store
Barnes and Noble is attempting to halt the decline of the struggling Nook division by implementing cost-cutting measures. This March, they plan to shut down the Nook App Store, Nook Video Store and the UK Nook e-book store. The closure of the app and video stores will impact every tablet Barnes and Noble has ever produced, including the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+ and all Samsung for Nook branded devices. Barnes and Noble is encouraging users to transition to Google Play or a third-party app store. The company states that closing the app store will allow them to concentrate their efforts on their core digital content business, which includes Books and Newsstand.
2015. Barnes & Noble released Nook Audiobooks app
Barnes and Noble is making a strong push into audiobooks. The company has announced the launch of the Nook Audiobooks App for iPhone and iPad, along with a new website, NOOKAudiobooks.com. The website is designed to complement the apps, giving customers access to a collection of over 60,000 audiobooks online with the convenience of listening anywhere. The app enables customers to purchase audiobooks directly through it without requiring a subscription. It also offers free samples of any audiobook.
2015. Barnes & Noble and Samsung unveiled new tablet Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK is a new 8-inch tablet combining Samsung’s sleek design and multi-tasking capabilities with NOOK’s exceptional reading and entertainment features. It’s the slimmest, lightest and fastest device from the two companies, priced at $399.99. An ultra-fast octa-core processor allows users to swiftly switch between books, movies, apps and the web without delay. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK provides access to a vast array of digital content from Barnes & Noble. The extensive NOOK Store offers a range of reading and entertainment options, including over 4 million books, such as bestsellers, new releases, classics and enhanced editions with exclusive content.
2015. Barnes & Noble closes international Nook Store
The Digital Reader discovered an intriguing email sent to international Nook users regarding the Nook app for Windows. International Nook users outside the US or the UK have been informed that their content will be removed from Windows devices and their funds refunded. They will also no longer be able to access Nook books on their Windows devices. This is directly connected to B&N’s acquisition of Microsoft’s investment in the Nook store last December. It is uncertain where the Nook is heading, but it is evident that it is currently retracting partnerships to streamline what is now a diminishing business.
2014. Barnes & Noble and Microsoft end their Nook partnership
Barnes & Noble today announced the end of its agreement with Microsoft regarding the Nook business. This follows news that Nook device sales plummeted by 60% this year. The two companies formed the partnership two years ago, with Microsoft initially investing at least $300 million to establish Nook Media. This alliance was formed after B&N declined to pay Microsoft patent royalties for its Android-based readers. However, the deal did not produce significant results. Over the summer, B&N partnered with Samsung to create a Nook-branded tablet, but even Samsung couldn't revive the struggling e-reader pioneer.
2014. Nook launches Audiobook app for Android
Nook introduces an audiobook app for Android users, enhancing the offer by including two free audiobook titles with initial downloads of the new app for a limited time. With an intuitive, straightforward shopping experience and high-quality listening options, the new NOOK Audiobooks App provides top audiobooks for adults and children at attractive prices, with free samples available for a broad range of titles. Earlier this month, Scribd also added audiobooks to its subscription ebook platform, aiming to challenge Amazon’s Audible. Scribd hopes to attract ebook readers to listen to more audiobooks, viewing the two markets as potentially complementary.
2014. The new Nook is almost all Samsung Galaxy Tab
Barnes & Noble has unveiled "the first ever fully-featured Android tablet designed for reading" - the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook, a 7-inch tablet primarily manufactured by Samsung. It features something known as the “Barnes & Noble Advantage,” a deeply integrated app that facilitates book downloads as well as tech support. To clarify, this is a Samsung device being sold in B&N stores with some branding. While the partnership is a clever move, it indicates that dedicated Nook hardware may no longer be a focus. The Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is available today in stores and online for $179 after a $20 rebate, matching the price found on Amazon and other retailers.
2014. Barnes & Noble will dump its Nook business
Barnes & Noble has announced that it will divide its retail and NOOK operations into two distinct public companies. This separation is anticipated to be finalized by the first quarter of the upcoming calendar year. This announcement coincides with B&N's fourth-quarter 2014 financial results, where the Nook division continued to negatively impact the rest of the company. Following the split, the Nook business will no longer have the support of Barnes & Noble. It will face the challenge of thriving independently and if past performance is any guide, the Nook may not remain viable for long. Who knows, perhaps Microsoft will acquire it swiftly.
2014. Samsung to make next Nook Tablet based on Galaxy Tab
As Barnes & Noble struggles to stay relevant in the ebook market, it’s turning to Samsung in hopes of increasing digital content sales. The company revealed a partnership with Samsung that will introduce co-branded Galaxy Tab 4 Nook tablets by early August. The co-branded devices will merge popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 hardware with tailored NOOK software to provide customers with powerful, fully-featured tablets designed for reading, offering easy access to Barnes & Noble’s extensive digital collection of over three million books, leading magazines and newspapers.
2013. Barnes & Noble slashes Nook and book prices for Black Friday
Barnes & Noble is cutting the prices of several Nook devices for Black Friday weekend. It’s offering the Nook Simple Touch at its lowest price ever of just $39 (down from $79). Barnes & Noble is also providing at least 50 percent off hundreds of top-selling Nook books. Additionally, on Black Friday, Barnes & Noble will reduce the price of several popular Nook books to $2.99, including *Plum Lucky* by Janet Evanovich, *The Cider House Rules* by John Irving and *Crewel* by Gennifer Albin. If you need accessories for your Nook, Barnes & Noble has you covered there too. The company is offering a $10 Industriell cover for Simple Touch and Simple Touch GlowLight devices and 25 percent off other Nook HD accessories through Dec. 1.
2013. Nook released new reading app for Windows 8
Barnes & Noble has refreshed its NOOK App for Windows 8, now fully optimized to incorporate the latest features of Windows 8.1. The updated application includes a streamlined interface, faster performance and new functionalities, such as enhanced support for snap view and portrait e-reader orientation, the ability to import files from SkyDrive, improved search capabilities, better library organization and enhanced in-app customer support. You can now import ePub and PDF files from “My PC” and SkyDrive, with imported files showing up in the NOOK library and the current reading page saved for these items. Enhanced library organization features include content-type grouping and integrated library search access.
2013. Barnes & Noble drops Nook tablets buy keeps manufacturing e-ink readers
Barnes & Noble announced in its earnings report on Tuesday that it will cease in-house production of Nook tablets. Instead, the company will adopt "a partnership model for manufacturing" these tablets, while it will persist in developing e-ink readers internally. “We plan to keep innovating in the single-purpose black-and-white e-reader segment,” CEO William Lynch stated. He also mentioned that “most of the content sales come from non-tablets” and that e-readers have “been our main tool for acquiring customers for content.”
2013. Barnes & Noble kills Nook desktop apps
Today Apple has introduced iBooks for Mac. Concurrently, Barnes & Noble has discontinued support for the Mac and PC (pre-Windows 8) versions of the Nook standalone reader software and now directs users to the web-based version instead. This isn’t a perfect substitute, as a large proportion of Nook e-books are not compatible, since not all titles in the store support the web-based version of the application. This indicates that Barnes & Noble’s e-book initiatives now lag behind Amazon’s in terms of cross-platform accessibility. However, B&N seems to be focusing on a different objective—becoming a key player in the affordable tablet market with Nook hardware. The company has recently introduced features that not only add Play Store functionality to the Nook HD line but also unlock essential missing features, such as a browser for the Simple Touch, making them more than just e-readers.
2013. Barnes & Noble integrates Google Play into Nook tablets
Barnes & Noble is integrating the Google Play marketplace (including apps, music, videos and ebooks) and Google services (Google+, Gmail, YouTube, Maps) into its Nook HD and HD+ tablets. While Nook tablets run on Android, this move seems somewhat unusual for a company that has a strategic alliance with Microsoft. Nevertheless, Jim Hilt, Barnes & Noble’s VP of ebooks, mentioned that the goal is to offer a wider media ecosystem to Nook tablet users and B&N isn’t concerned about Google Books: “We’re very confident that when people use a Nook device, they’ll engage with the Nook shopping experience,” he stated.
2012. Nook for Windows 8 is here. But it's dissapointing
Barnes & Noble and Microsoft have finally launched the long-anticipated Nook e-reader app for Windows 8 (Metro) and it's now available in the Windows Store here. Interestingly, this app (which could have been pre-installed in Windows 8) is neither featured on the Windows Store front page, nor in the eBooks section's front page, nor in the list of recommended apps. At present, it only holds the #4 spot in the New Releases section. Meanwhile, the main rival—Kindle—is the second recommended app in the eBooks section. According to initial reviews (which mainly come from current Nook users), the app is somewhat buggy and lacks several useful features available in Nook tablets and other Nook apps. However, it's just the initial release, so patience is warranted.
2012. Windows 8 launch: with Kindle, and without Nook
Today, Windows 8 officially launched worldwide with its new Windows Store—the primary destination for Windows 8 apps (the sole source for Windows RT tablets). And guess what? There is no Nook app available yet, neither pre-installed in Windows nor in the Store. Remember that Microsoft partnered with Barnes & Noble to form a joint venture to manage the Nook ecosystem. They also promised to develop the Nook app for Windows 8 by its launch, but they did not deliver. Meanwhile, the main competitor, Amazon's Kindle app, is already available in the Windows Store. Like the Kindle apps on other platforms, it automatically synchronizes your last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights in each book. This means you can start reading a book on a Kindle e-reader and continue on a Windows 8 computer or tablet.
2012. Microsoft enters the ebook market via Nook Media
Last year, Microsoft sued Barnes & Noble, alleging that they were violating five Microsoft patents (by utilizing Android OS in the Nook e-reader). However, Microsoft later chose to partner with B&N and enter the eBook market rather than pursuing royalties. Today, the partnership between Microsoft and Barnes & Noble has officially been established—it’s named Nook Media. From now on, this company manages Nook (instead of B&N). Microsoft invested $300 million in this joint venture and holds a 17.6% stake. Additionally, it will develop the Nook app for Windows 8 and integrate it with Office and Bing. This means the app will not only be used for (social and internet-enhanced) reading but also for writing and publishing books with familiar tools like Word. The Nook app for Windows 8 is expected to launch on October 26, alongside Windows 8.
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