Nook Update Brings Free, In-Store Reading Web Browser and Games

In a robust firmware update, Barnes & Noble has brought a variety of new features to the Nook. Version 1.3 should be available to Nook owners as I write and offers some interesting new upgrades that they’ll surely enjoy.

Perhaps the most interesting is Read in Store. Barnes & Noble will add a number of free titles that will be available for streaming in retail locations. Nook users can tap into the free Wi-Fi already available in B&N stores and enjoy access to the titles while in the store. It’s unclear how many titles will be offered, but they’re supposed to include bestsellers and releases from all major publishers. The only catch is that titles will only be available for an hour per day, but users will be able to get a free peak at the book or come back several times to read it all (likely dropping some money on coffee and pastries in the meantime).

Other new features include two new Android games (chess and sudoku) and a new Web browser. More run-of-the-mill aspects of the update include a fix to freezing issues and faster page turning. [via CNET]