Barnes and Noble has announced that its Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets will now have access to thousands of Android apps and games via the Google Play store.
Nook HD and Nook HD+ owners can now enjoy over 700,000 Android apps and games contained in the Google Play store, including movie streaming services like Netflix and LoveFilm that were previously out of reach for Nook owners.
Google services like Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps are also now available for the Nook HD and Nook HD+ making the duo a competitive rival to Google’s own tablets the Google Nexus 7 and Google Nexus 10.
Access to the Google Play store and other services will be available in the free to download over-the-air update for any Wi-Fi connected Nook HD and Nook HD+ from today.
“By adding Google Play to Nook HD and Nook HD+, we are offering our customers even more great entertainment on our award-winning tablets,” said CEO of Barnes and Noble, William Lynch. “Now with access to more than 700,000 apps and the best reading experience available, both are must-see products for entertainment lovers looking for high-quality tablets at incredibly low prices.”
One of things that let the Barnes and Noble Nook HD down in our review was the limited app selection and the fact that those offered were very expensive. However, with the access to the Google Play store now included, the Nook HD and its 9-inch brother both seem much more appealing.
Barnes and Noble also recently announced that both of its Nook HD tablets and the Nook Simple Touch are being offered with £50 discount in conjunction with the “Get London Reading” literary campaign. The Nook HD is just £129 and the Nook HD+ is £179 for a limited time only.
The Nook HD and Nook HD+ can both be purchased from the UK Nook website, or from good electronics retailers like John Lewis or Dixons or from bookstores like Blackwell’s.
Thinking about getting a tablet? Read our Best Tablet roundup
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.