Most of the tech world's attention is on Apple's iPad. But there's another web-browsing, game playing, book-reading machine out there now about the same size. And it's called the Nook.
Barnes & Noble's Nook e-book reader got a software update on April 23 that includes a web browser and two games: chess and Sudoku. These are the first 'apps' for the Nook based on Google's Android mobile operating system.Engadget has some screen shots of the new apps in action.
The other immediate benefit of the upgrade is an "in-store" reading app. Nook owners can now read the full text of any book available through the Nook for free while in a Barnes & Noble bricks-and-mortar store.
There are sure to be more apps coming for the Nook. But there are limits to what kind of apps would be practical—the Nook's digital ink screen, designed for low-power book reading, isn't exactly suited for a high level of interaction.
But there are some advantages to the Nook as well. For one thing, its 3G service is free. And it's half the price of an iPad without 3G.