News

B&N NOOK adds read-in-store feature, games, web browser

April 22, 2010

Barnes & Noble Inc. announced in a press release more new firsts and features for its popular NOOK eBook Reader, including the Read In Store experience (in beta) to browse complete eBooks in Barnes & Noble stores at no cost, as well as games — the first Android applications available on the device — enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity and a basic Web browser (in beta). The new features, along with additional reading and device performance optimization, such as faster page turns and an enhanced home screen, are part of NOOK v1.3 software, which is now available.

In Barnes & Noble stores, NOOK automatically connects to the free Wi-Fi where NOOK customers can tap on the Shop button to use the beta Read In Store feature. Customers can read many complete eBooks available in Barnes & Noble’s eBookstore of more than one million digital titles, even if the physical book is not in stock. Soon, in-store visitors will also be able to virtually flip through leading daily newspapers and magazines covering news, finance and technology available in the eBookstore.

NOOK customers can explore the content of as many digital titles as they wish, on any given day, including any available eBook for up to an hour per day; and to come, current-edition newspapers and magazines in the BN eBookstore will be available for up to 20 minutes per day.

“Our digital customers will feel at home in our stores with Read In Store, which puts a digital spin on the popular Barnes & Noble bookstore experience that millions of our customers enjoy each day. At no cost, NOOK customers can browse through our robust collection of digital content while enjoying their favorite beverage in our café,” said Tony Astarita, vice president, digital products, Barnes & Noble.com. “We know our customers enjoy discovering great reads in our bookstores. So, we worked closely with our valued publishing partners to offer this innovative digital experience for NOOK owners when they visit any of our 723 Barnes & Noble stores.”