Barnes & Noble to launch Android-powered ereader

Bookseller Barnes & Noble is reportedly poised to introduce a new ereader device powered by Google's Android mobile operating system. Citing a B&N employee developing applications for the device, Gizmodo reports the retailer will introduce the unnamed ereader next month. It is expected to feature a six-inch screen produced by digital-paper maker E-Ink Corp. with touch input and a virtual keyboard, and is expected to enable over-the-air content downloads via wireless network connection.

The Street.com reported in April that Barnes & Noble is collaborating with a Sprint and an unidentified manufacturer to develop an ebook reader to battle rival Amazon.com's bestselling Kindle. B&N reportedly turned to Sprint as an operator partner after negotiations with Verizon Wireless broke down; sources suggest AT&T may be in the running as well. (Kindle content is delivered to the device via Whispernet, which utilizes Amazon's optimized technology in combination with Sprint's national 3G data network.)

In March 2009, Barnes & Noble acquired digital book retailer Fictionwise for $15.7 million--weeks later, Fictionwise announced the beta test release of eReader for BlackBerry, a free ebook application optimized for the Research In Motion device portfolio. The eReader software was previously available for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch as well as Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones.

 For more on B&N's Android ereader:
- read this Gizmodo article