Barnes and Noble adds Android reader and iPad subs

Barnes and Noble pushed hard in the mobile arena on Thursday, starting with the launch of Nook for Android. Apart from a name change to drive home the importance of the Nook badge, the app provides all of the widely available features of the existing iOS app, including LendMe book borrowing and syncing of purchases and page counts across devices. Highlights, notes and library searching should come with a summer update.

The app is also considered a form of homecoming for the bookseller as the Nook itself uses Android, although the two interfaces have little in common. Using the app requires at least Android 1.6 or better; rebranded Nook apps for other platforms are coming soon.

Apple device owners were given extra support today as well, as the iPad edition of the eReader app added support for New York Times subscriptions. It comes laid out like the print version and can be purchased individually as well. Barnes & Noble's claims the addition makes its iPad app the only one of its kind to handle both books and subscription material.

By Electronista Staff