It seems that Barnes and Noble is rolling out an update to the Nook Color which will give it some of the functionality of the new Nook Tablet. That update adds "ongoing performance improvements" as well as a rash of features including Netflix support.
The new software version for the Nook Color is version 1.4.1 and according to the page for that update it will roll out to customers over the coming weeks. You'll have to be on WiFi to get the update. The new version can also be obtained and installed manually. To grab the software install file just click here and then follow the directions at the 1.4.1 page for the manual installation procedure.
So what exactly does this update change? According to Barnes and Noble the update contains the following:
- "Access to popular movies and TV shows streamed through Netflix
- NOOK Comics™ including the largest collection of Marvel graphic novels - with vivid colors & rich images, the action nearly jumps off the page. Your issues always in perfect condition to enjoy again & again.
- PagePerfect™ NOOK Books™ - a whole new category of NOOK Books carefully crafted to keep the precision and beauty of their stunning print versions. Zoom in on pictures, and fluidly scroll through pages of beautiful cookbooks, art books, and more.
- Over 100 enhancements, including reading NOOK Books in portrait and landscape modes, direct look-up of words in the built-in dictionary, increased font size selection, and more."
Netflix support, comics, and the ability to read books in either portrait or landscape modes are all very nice features that arguably should have been in the device from the get go. Still nice to see Barnes and Noble come through and update the device functionality to give current owners something to smile about for the holidays.
If you are considering a Nook device I don't personally think this update offers enough to make the Nook Color a compelling purchase over the Nook Tablet. The tablet is faster, lighter, and only $50 more than the Nook Color.
Do you own a Nook Color or are you considering one? Does the inclusion of Netflix sway you more towards the device? Let us know what you think in the comments.
