Nook Update Adds Games, Basic Web Browser

April 23, 2010 By Geoff Duncan

Nook software 1.3 improves Wi-Fi, lets users read books in Barnes & Noble stores...and adds chess, sodoku, and a basic Web browser.

Barnes & Noble has released version 1.3 of its Nook software, adding new capabilities to its dual-screen, Android-based e-reader. Among the new capabilities are a “read in store” feature—currently in beta—that enables users to browser complete eBooks titles while they’re physically in Barnes & Noble retail stores. The update also adds a chess and sodoku games, an updated, home screen, and a “basic” Web browser that enabled users to load Web sites and check email on the device’s E Ink display while connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

“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 cafe,” 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,” said Barnes & Noble’s VP for digital products Tony Astarita, in a statement. “We also included new games and many other entertaining features to continue to deliver on our promise to make Nook the most fun, easy-to-use eBook Reader for people who love to read.”

One upshot of adding the basic Web browsing capability is that Nook users will be able to connect to the Internet using a greater variety of Wi-Fi hotspots, such as those that require users to enter connection credentials through a Web browser. While using the Web browser, pages are displayed on the black-and-white (and slow) E Ink display, while users use the Nook’s color touch screen for navigation and a virtual keyboard.

The update is free and available for download from Barnes & Noble’s Web site; users who connect their Nooks to the Internet via Wi-Fi should automatically receive the update during the next week.

Showing 11 comments

brett at 12:04pm 11th January 2011 Seems like most electronics never really come out of testing phase prototype. Always something just not quite scratching that itch just right, Right? Seems to always need a hack or redesign. My house looks like a spidercave with all the darn electrical cords for chargers, gadgets and computers.
unknown lol at 7:18pm 29th December 2010 I got one for christmas I hate it I wish I got an itouch instead!
laura at 2:22pm 28th December 2010 nooo onnee caress!!!!!!!!
Ashely R at 10:34am 19th December 2010 im getting mines today....in color
1. ashanti at 11:29pm 15th January 2011 I got the color do you
Betsy R. at 6:28am 3rd December 2010 I've just gotten the new nook color! Its amazing how easy and fun to use it is! My husband surprises me with for our trip that we are going to be taking, I can't wait to go now! I would recommend this to anyone and every one. :)
1. jess diaz at 10:47am 25th December 2010 Gotten isn't a word
  1. sable rt at 8:29pm 25th December 2010 Who cares
    
    sable r at 8:30pm 25th December 2010 Oops I meant sable r
  2. ej71 at 5:21pm 5th February 2011 actually GOTTEN is a word. look it up in the dictionary. go to msn encarta dictionary
2. ashanti at 11:31pm 15th January 2011 My husband got me two one is the kinndle and then the nook