Barnes and Noble recently released a new update that addresses some important issues while adding a few unexpected bonuses to their popular ereader, the Nook.
The update includes:
- Read in store: you can read complete ebooks in any Barnes and Noble store at no cost!
- Improved page turn speed
- Faster access to previously opened eBooks
- Enhanced touch screen navigation
- Improved Wi-Fi, connect to more hotspots
- Web Browser
- Updated home screen
- Games such as Chess and Sudoku
Let’s break down some of these improvements, shall we?
First, the improved page turn speed has indeed improved. There has been a few times with my own nook that the page was taking forever to turn, instinct kicks in and I would hit it again. When it would finally turn the page, it then would turn several pages instead of one. Turning pages is much smoother since the update.
Several nook owners were curious about the read in store feature. Barnes and Noble didn’t really make the details clear on how this would work. Turns out, you can read books that have the in store option for free, but ONLY for one hour each 24-hour period. This is tracked by the account linked to the nook. So, nook users cannot just simply disconnect from the B&N network after one hour and connect again to continue reading. But, it seems to be one hour per book, so if you would like to read more than one book per day, you can do that. The nook will also keep track of the books you have read in store, although advanced features such as bookmarks and notes do not work.
A web browser was also added with this update. Although it looks much better than first thought, the navigation is annoying to use. The browser will be useful, but only on a limited basis such as looking up words, other books, etc. It’s fully functional, just annoying to use.
Games were also added in this update. Nook users can now play chess against their nook with three levels of difficulty. And for all those Sudoku lovers out there, it was also added as well. No word on if more games will be coming in the future, but with the Nook running Android, I’m assuming there will be many more developed. Crosswords would be nice!
Many nook users were disappointed with the update and the addition of the browser and games. More avid readers were hoping for some basic features to be added like a Go To Page function, advanced folder creation and organization for the My Documents section, and better search functions for purchasing books. The new additions I think are much needed, but the lacking basic features most people are screaming for shouldn’t be overlooked.
Overall, this was a good update to install on the Nook. Hopefully, some of the more necessary improvements will be coming in the next update!
