Barnes & Noble targets Android tablets with Nook app update

Bookseller chain Barnes & Noble introduced an updated edition of its free Nook for Android e-reader app that expands the digital content solution to tablets running the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) mobile operating system. Optimized to leverage the large size and high-resolution graphics of the tablet form factor, Nook for Android v2.6.1 brings with it over 140 magazines and periodicals including The Economist, Food & Wine and Us Weekly--customers can also access a new library grid view, enhanced book margins and line spacing, as well as improved shopping tools.

Nook for Android v26.1 brings with it over 140 magazines and periodicals.

The revamped Nook for Android will be available for customers using 7-inch and larger Android OS 2.1 and higher tablets with 800 x 480 (160 DPI or less) or higher screen resolution, among them the Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom and LG G-Slate. Barnes & Noble adds that Nook for Android users on smartphones will also experience minor performance enhancements.

Late last month, Barnes & Noble unveiled a significant Nook Color e-reader update that adds Android applications, email and support for Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR, effectively positioning the seven-inch, $249 tablet as a cheaper alternative to Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad. With the Nook Color v1.2's update to the Android 2.2 operating system, Barnes & Noble will offer both free and premium applications including games (e.g., the bestselling Angry Birds), multimedia apps, calendar and weather solutions--Nook Apps will offer over 125 applications at launch, with roughly half of paid apps available for $2.99 or less and the majority priced at $5.99 or less.

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