Although Barnes & Noble won’t provide you access to the Android Market, there are a number of Nook Color apps available for download on the company’s website and whether you consider the device as a tablet or not, it has certainly become something more than a just simple eReader. Through the official version 1.2 update, the company brought in the Android Froyo OS along with support for Flash Player and third-party applications. Also, with options varying between games, productivity tools, education and social, there’s still a limited collection on the Nook Store. So, if you want to get a hold of some must-have Nook Color applications, you better make sure the eReader is up-to-date, at least to version 1.2.
1. Seesmic –
You could read the entire day if you wanted to or just take a break and let others know what you’re up to. Seesmic allows you to conveniently manage multiple social networking accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz and Salesforce Chatter. With the application you can update your status, search and receive notifications as well as messages. For sharing images and videos, most Facebook features are fully integrated within the app to offer things like the ability to post on pages in which you’re an administrator. With the multiple account support for Twitter, you can cross post and retweet from the simple interface.
2. FriendCaster For Facebook –
If you’re looking to get a tablet-like social network experience on your Nook Color eReader, FriendCaster For Facebook has got a number of features in store. From uploading high resolution images, to viewing profiles, photo albums and notification such as messages, birthdays and more, you can also RSVP to events and check who’s attending it as well. The application wraps in a number of abilities for adjusting the privacy settings, like comments, re-share posts add or remove friends, tag images or even upload multiple images from the gallery app. And besides the ‘pull to refresh’ function, FriendCaster For Facebook incorporates an enforced SSL encryption to keep your account secure, all at $1.99 on the Nook Store.
3. Pulse News –
By taking all your favorite websites and collectively compiling them into one single clean layout, the Pulse News app is aimed towards creating a fun-filled way of browsing news from pages and social networking sites. Equipped with the Pulse dashboard layout, you can read a particular article and at the same time search for new stories. Besides categories such as politics, finance, sports and much more, searching for articles only requires a few keywords. Additionally, you can share, comment and like stories on Facebook straight from within the application. What’s more, the app lets you load stories when online and read them later when no internet connection is present.
4. Angry Birds –
Bored of playing the pre-loaded crossword puzzle and Sudoku game? Then it’s time you got your hands on something new and what could be better than catapulting feathered critters onto green hogs? Featuring the new ‘Mine and Dine’ episode, Angry Birds has made its way onto the eReader. We’re sure you all know the drill – defeat the egg-stealing pigs through any means possible. If you’re stuck on a level, the Mighty Eagle is always there as a backup, and this time for free as a limited time offer. Angry Birds comes with a price tag of $2.99 on the Nook Store.
5. Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List –
Don’t know what to cook for dinner? Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List could provide you with some help, that is, if you’re capable of picking out one from 30,000 dishes by Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Self, various chefs and cookbooks. The application allows you to search as well as save your favorite recipes, create shopping lists and even email them to a friend. Priced at $4.99, with the Epicurious app you can view recipe reviews from Epicurious members.
6. Boingo Wi-Finder –
If you’re bored of reading and need a better way to entertain yourself, Boingo Wi-Finder provides you with high speed internet connectivity through Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. By creating an account with the company, you can download large files like apps, movies, music, TV shows, and pictures directly to your device through 150 Wi-Fi operators around the globe at cost effective prices. That means you don’t need to sign up for different accounts whilst on the go.
7. Showtime –
Hosting entire episodes from programs like Dexter, Homeland, Shameless, Weeds, The Big C, Califonication, Inside the NFL and much more, the Showtime app provides direct access to your favorite series anywhere and anytime. Furthermore, you can check program schedules, reviews and preview featured show episodes for free. At the same time, a monthly subscription would be required.
8. Goodreads –
If you’re favorite authors aren’t available on the Nook Store, there’s a high possibility Goodreads might have them. Hosting over 140,000,000 books through 5,000,000 members registered with the company, the Goodreads service is completely free. You can check reviews from friends, maintain a virtual shelf of previously read books and create a list of interesting books you’ve encountered and would like to read.
Although the Nook Store has a limited catalog of offerings, it did take us a while to find these aforementioned top 8 Nook Color apps. Also, with new developers rolling in and existing ones making their applications compatible with the eReader, it may not be too long before the device stands up as a full-fledged tablet of sorts.