Barnes and Noble hedges bets with iPad app

Barnes & Noble on Thursday said it was developing a version of its eReader app just for the iPad. Unlike the split approach to the regular iPhone feature, which breaks up the reader and storefront, the iPad version should provide both the store and the reader in the same software. As books are tied to an account rather than a device, the feature will even let those who own a Nook migrate all their downloads to Apple's tablet.

The download should become available roughly around the iPad's April 3rd launch and should be accompanied by updated versions of the BlackBerry, computer and iPhone apps, although what these will gain if anything wasn't mentioned by Barnes & Noble.

Extending content to the iPad at first appears an unusual move for the bookseller, which is in fierce competition with Apple, Amazon, Sony and others for control of e-book readers. In the past, however, the company has said it sees the Nook and other devices as vehicles for getting its books to as many outlets as possible. Amazon has taken a similar approach with its Kindle apps, but neither it nor Barnes & Noble are likely to be reciprocated by a similar effort from Apple.

By Electronista Staff