twobits, I've been thinking the same thing. I'm very cynical, I think it'd be a good idea for them to announce this now because might keep some people on the fence about buying now from waiting till Christmas to see if a new one comes out.
Why else announce this so far in advance?
(here's the link on the nook board at B&N)
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/...ng/ba-p/686942