By now, you’re probably already aware of the new color version of Barnes and Noble’s popular Nook e-Reader, due for release in late November. The NookColor is set to compete directly with Apple’s iPad, and it expands on the original Nook’s capabilities with the inclusion of Facebook connectivity.
Using the new NookFriends feature, NookColor users will be able to share content with Facebook friends, highlight book passages, trade quotes and notes, and update their reading statuses. This is all seamlessly integrated into the experience, making book recommendations or reading status updates similar to checking in with Foursquare. There’s even a book-lending feature built into NookFriends, though I imagine it will be somehow limited to reduce piracy and encourage purchasing.
Users can also just browse the web, and it appears as if regular Facebook account access is definitely possible. It’s not clear whether a separate Facebook app exists for the purpose of general Facebook use or whether you have to access it through the web browser. Looking at the below image, I think I see a URL, so it’s probably browser-based.
We’re big fans of anything that gets folks reading books, and we can see this getting the job done. Just be ready for a massive influx of pretentious status updates.
Images via Crave at CNET.
Source: All Facebook
Wednesday, October 27, 2010