Kobo vs Nook

2024. Nook eReaders and Apps Can Sync Sideloaded eBooks Now



Some users on the Nook subreddit have discovered that Nook ereaders and apps can now sync sideloaded ebooks between devices and apps, although it's unclear how long this feature has been available or which models support it. Given Barnes & Noble's history with sideloading, this capability is surprising and might even seem like an unintended bug. There’s no mention of this feature for non-B&N content on the Barnes & Noble website or in their help section. To use it, simply sideload the same ebook file on your Nook devices and apps and your reading position will sync automatically. It works with EPUBs and possibly PDFs, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet.


2020. Barnes and Noble improved author sorting in Nooks



Barnes and Noble has released a firmware update for many of their Nook e-readers. Software update 52.0.78 is being rolled out and includes several bug fixes and improvements. One of the most notable changes is that author names now consistently display as their first and last names. This feature is helpful if you enjoy reading ebooks by the same author, making it easier to organize them in your library. Additionally, a progress bar has been added to your library, indicating how far you are through various ebooks. There are likely other aspects of this update, but Barnes and Noble no longer publishes detailed changelogs.


2018. Barnes and Noble launched book social discovery app



Barnes & Noble has introduced a new Android app named Browsery. This app serves as a social network for readers to discuss books. Drawing on the fundamental aspects of the Barnes & Noble store experience—exploring, community and dialogue—it assists you in discovering your next favorite book through the insights and passion of other readers. Examples of popular questions include: What is a compelling biography to read after watching The Crown? Are there any stories that will make you cry? What’s your favorite book about books?


2016. Barnes and Noble is closing the Nook App and Video Store



Barnes and Noble is attempting to halt the decline of the struggling Nook division by implementing cost-cutting measures. This March, they plan to shut down the Nook App Store, Nook Video Store and the UK Nook e-book store. The closure of the app and video stores will impact every tablet Barnes and Noble has ever produced, including the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+ and all Samsung for Nook branded devices. Barnes and Noble is encouraging users to transition to Google Play or a third-party app store. The company states that closing the app store will allow them to concentrate their efforts on their core digital content business, which includes Books and Newsstand.


2015. Barnes & Noble closes international Nook Store



The Digital Reader found an interesting email sent to international Nook users about the Nook app for Windows. International Nook users outside the US or the UK that their content will be removed from Windows machines and their money refunded. They will also no longer be able to open Nook books on their Windows devices. This is directly related to B&N’s buyout of Microsoft’s investment in the Nook store last December. It is unclear where the Nook is headed but it’s clear that it is currently rolling back partnerships in order to streamline what is now a shrinking business.


2014. Barnes & Noble will dump its Nook business



Barnes & Noble has announced that it will divide its retail and NOOK operations into two distinct public companies. This separation is anticipated to be finalized by the first quarter of the upcoming calendar year. This announcement coincides with B&N's fourth-quarter 2014 financial results, where the Nook division continued to negatively impact the rest of the company. Following the split, the Nook business will no longer have the support of Barnes & Noble. It will face the challenge of thriving independently and if past performance is any guide, the Nook may not remain viable for long. Who knows, perhaps Microsoft will acquire it swiftly.


2013. Barnes & Noble kills Nook desktop apps



Today Apple has introduced iBooks for Mac. Concurrently, Barnes & Noble has discontinued support for the Mac and PC (pre-Windows 8) versions of the Nook standalone reader software and now directs users to the web-based version instead. This isn’t a perfect substitute, as a large proportion of Nook e-books are not compatible, since not all titles in the store support the web-based version of the application. This indicates that Barnes & Noble’s e-book initiatives now lag behind Amazon’s in terms of cross-platform accessibility. However, B&N seems to be focusing on a different objective—becoming a key player in the affordable tablet market with Nook hardware. The company has recently introduced features that not only add Play Store functionality to the Nook HD line but also unlock essential missing features, such as a browser for the Simple Touch, making them more than just e-readers.