US bookstore giant Barnes & Noble announced more features
for its 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, Wi-Fi
connectivity and a basic Web browser.
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
fast and free Wi-Fi where NOOK customers can tap on the Shop
button to now enjoy the beta Read In Store feature.
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.
Other updates NOOK customers will enjoy with v1.3 software
include:
- Barnes & Noble has continued to optimize NOOK's
performance with improved page turn speed, faster access to
previously opened eBooks, enhanced color touch screen
navigation and more.
- Games: From eBooks to rooks, play Chess against NOOK with
one of three levels of difficulty, or get puzzled with
Sudoku, choosing from four levels of play. Control the game
using the color touch screen as the game board appears on
the E Ink display.
- Wi-Fi connectivity: In addition to Barnes & Noble
bookstores and other Wi-Fi hotspots, enjoy high-speed
connectivity in even more places, such as those that require
access to additional information through a Web browser
including hotels and coffee shops.
- Basic Web browser (Beta): While connected via Wi-Fi,
explore the Web and check Internet-based e-mail accounts on
the E Ink display, while using the color touch screen for
navigation and to access the virtual keyboard.
- Updated home screen: From the home menu (located on the
lower color touch screen), get easy, direct access to
existing features including Audio and Wi-Fi settings, as
well as new features such as Games and beta Web browser.
NOOK v1.3 is now available via manual download at
www.nook.com/update. NOOKs connected to Wi-Fi will receive
an automatic NOOK v1.3 update over the next week.
Amazon will also make its Kindle electronic book reader
available at US retail giant Target later this year in a
deal that marks the first time the device will be available
anywhere other than the Amazon.com website.
The basic Kindle sells for 259 dollars, the same price as a
Nook.
The moves come nearly three weeks after the US launch of the
iPad, a table computer that lists rich electronic book
reading as just one of its features.
Apple's iPad cheapest model is priced at 499 dollars.