Barnes & Noble is beginning to roll out a software update for NOOK Color users today, bringing Google Android 2.2, Adobe Flash, and a third party app store called NOOK Apps.

The company is still pitching the NOOK Color first and foremost as an eBook reader, but new apps include news readers, reference materials, and games — including the ever-popular Angry Birds. Right now there are about 125 apps available including a mix of free and paid apps.

Thats’ a drop in the bucket compared to the Google Android Market which offers well over 100,000 apps, but it might be enough to give some users a reason not to root the tablet — and for less tech savvy customers who had no intention of rooting the NOOK Color (or even that it’s possible to do so), the NOOK Apps store is just another reason to consider the $250 tablet as an alternative to one trick ponies like the Amazon kindle.

The software update also adds some new default apps including an email app and a NOOK Friends app which makes reading a little more social by letting you see what your friends are reading and leave comments. the web browser has been improved, and the eBook reader supports in-page video and audio.

NOOK Color users can download NOOK Color v1.2 software from Barnes & Noble or wait for B&N to push an over-the-air update within the next few weeks.

Update: Some users ran into problems with the software update initially, but Barnes & Noble has rolled out a fix.

via Laptop Magazine and Engadget

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8 replies on “NOOK Color software update brings apps, Android 2.2”

  1. Has anyone figured how to get “eReader Pro,” a B&N product to work on the NookColor to allow user to read their .pdb format books?

    Has anyone found a way to sync Microsoft Outlook 2007 for Windows 7 64 bit: calendar, address book, tasks and notes to the NookColor.

    thanks.

  2. already rooted my nook 2 months ago. Using it as an android, but if they are coming out with software to support flash player thats awesome!

  3. I think it is great that B&N is rolling out a new Software update, now if they could only figure out a way for the battery to hold a charge for longer than a few hours, so I can actually use all the cool new apps!

    1. Turn your wi fi off when not using it. the battery willlast 5 times longer

  4. I like the idea that B&N is progressive with their Color Nook and have taken the high road in building their Brand and sustaining growth with an open source OS. I also applaud their leaving the update to user choice waiting until they push it to users. This will give time to work through glitches such as were found with the Samsung Epic upgrade to Froyo. I have faith in the high regard B&N places in their Color Nook and choosing to stake out its place in the market in a sensible manner.

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