US book retailing giant Barnes & Noble has unveiled a new wireless eBook reader powered by Google’s Android operating system – the first reader to be powered by the software.
In another industry first, the wireless nook reader has a colour touch screen and a navigation area which offers a keyboard, search and navigation controls only when the user needs them.
With potential users often citing the inability to share eBooks with friends, the nook includes a new LendMe system allowing a selection of books to be lent to friends free of charge, for up to 14 days at a time. However this ability depends on your friend having a compatible device such as an iPhone or selected Blackberry model.
“We asked our customers what they wanted in an eBook reader, and specifically designed nook to be the most full-featured, fun, stylish and easy-to-use eBook reader on the market,” said William J. Lynch, President of Barnes & Noble.com. “With our nationwide footprint, Barnes & Noble customers can see, touch and hold nook. Our 40,000 booksellers are ready to help customers discover how easy it is to download and read eBooks on nook, and what a pleasure it is to have
access to their favorite eBooks, magazines and newspapers any time and anywhere.”
The nook is set to be available in the from the end of November.
