Users forced to use Barnes & Noble app store

Barnes & Noble has reportedly closed a loophole that had allowed Nook Tablet owners to load apps from third-party sources. The company has begun circulating a software update, version 1.4.1, that is said to prevent the tablet from loading new apps that haven't been obtained through the official Barnes & Noble app portal, however users report that third-party apps installed before the update arrived remain on the devices.

Like Amazon's Kindle Fire, the Nook Tablet focuses on a separate app store that lacks the selection of Google's Android Market. Both devices also run Android, enabling users to exploit software vulnerabilities to gain root access and avoid the built-in limitations, however the loophole for the Nook Tablet did not require any complicated hacks.

Barnes & Noble has yet to publicly comment on the move. [via eBook Reader Blog]

By Electronista Staff