New B&N Nook upgrade

[Renate]

The last I bought was the Allwinner 6".
I also bought the book cover (because it was yellow).
Put the two together and you've got a big ungainly lump.
And that's before we start talking about software.

Nope. You had a decade to get your game on. You failed.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by cgsmom

My first Nook was actually the Nook Color which I loved. My first eink was the Simple Touch. I have a soft spot for them too. For some reason I find it easier to forgive them for their failings than other companies.

This morning I see that all Nooks are $20 off. Since my husband is using the GL4+ and the GL4e has lousy resolution and uneven lighting, I can't believe that I am considering getting the GL4. Will I never learn?

I bought a nook STR because it was cheap as a backup just in case. Turned out I didn't like the rubbery feel and the system software was terrible. Using the same fonts as my Sony Reader PRS-650, the fonts on the STR looked like a different font because the software on the nook for displaying fonts was terrible.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

That's how Kobo is handling it so far. Current firmware no longer has Georgia, but if you're using an old device that used to have it, it isn't getting removed.

I didn't realize Kobo had gotten rid of the Georgia font as well (I haven't upgraded a Kobo in a couple years). Maybe the royalties jumped way up. Hopefully, Kobo will never pull the Georgia font from their old readers, like Barnes & Noble.

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

I guess B&N has to pay for every device that ships with the font, so removing it probably saves money. I wonder if B&N is gradually making Nooks worse on purpose so they can announce the total discontinuation of all Nook models with the explanation of "low sales".

If that's not their intent than they're doing a pretty job of doing it accidentally.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by cgsmom

My first Nook was actually the Nook Color which I loved. My first eink was the Simple Touch. I have a soft spot for them too. For some reason I find it easier to forgive them for their failings than other companies.

This morning I see that all Nooks are $20 off. Since my husband is using the GL4+ and the GL4e has lousy resolution and uneven lighting, I can't believe that I am considering getting the GL4. Will I never learn?

I considered getting a GL4e when they were discontinuing support for the Simple Touches and offering a pretty good discount on this one. I finally decided that I didn't need another eReader. But I was definitely tempted buy it ("just to compare it to the others," I told myself).

[cgsmom]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I considered getting a GL4e when they were discontinuing support for the Simple Touches and offering a pretty good discount on this one. I finally decided that I didn't need another eReader. But I was definitely tempted buy it ("just to compare it to the others," I told myself).

I did buy the 4e at that time. I wish I had bought the GL4 instead. I love the size and weight of the 4e. When I have an arthritis flare in my hands it is very comfortable to hold and read with. However, the screen resolution, uneven lighting and the lack of a warm light are definitely noticeable.

I am still thinking of picking up the GL4 right now while it is on sale for $129 US.

Edit to add: Since I am not buying books from Amazon because of D&T going away, I find I am using BN more.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by cgsmom

I am still thinking of picking up the GL4 right now while it is on sale for $129 US.

Edit to add: Since I am not buying books from Amazon because of D&T going away, I find I am using BN more.

I was reading on my Glowlight 3 last night. I still think these had the best warm-lit screens ever made. (At least better than any other I've seen.) My other Glowlight 3 (that hasn't been updated), that still has the older firmware (which I like) suddenly wouldn't start without being plugged in. I guess the battery died almost overnight. So I ordered a battery for it from China (via Amazon). I'm supposed to get it within a couple days — so it's taking less than two weeks, which I consider pretty good. Hopefully I'll be able to replace it without incident. I'll probably report on the replacement.

As for the GL4, I do like their size and shape. I wish they would stop monkeying around with the firmware, though. I'm guessing they contract out development and want to pay the minimum, so that's what they get, the minimum (and lost features). But you've got the GL4e, so you already know what the firmware is like. (It's probably not as bad as I make it out to be.)

[christianbk]

I have a perspective to share here.

B&N and those who work on NOOK devices are legacy employees at B&N. It's why there's no innovation happening; if you look at the average tenure of employees, it's a significant amount of time (10+ or even 15+ years).

Take for instance this gal. The accomplishments are fine (7 new eReaders in three years, "consistent YOY growth in device sales" which is interesting, though I'm unsure how +46% to 2025 fiscal year budget is mentioned unless it's a forecast).

There aren't any new eyes on this thing. They're in this echo chamber and not seeing what actual users of other devices are enjoying and how they can craft an eReader that incorporates these aspects. It is unfathomable to me how if you work in the NOOK department at B&N you do not see the HUGE MISSES that you have with your product line and software.

You have this company that is seemingly doing well and opening new locations. Great, that's a sign of a growing business. You have this premium membership you're trying to hawk to folks that in some ways hooks into NOOK. Get creative instead of 10% off devices (doesn't stack with sales though), free ebook monthly (crappy selection from 3-5 titles), and how you can use reward stamps for ebooks / audiobooks. Think of a user utilizing a NOOK device as a B&N brand ambassador, tap into these folks who are visiting your stores more now than ever, see if you can make some hardware/software changes based on how you're expanding and what genres are boosting sales and market to them.

NOOK social channels are a joke compared to Kobo.

Instead, it's an afterthought. An end-cap with devices that aren't usually turned on. That no B&N employee ever suggests to people. Outsourcing social media to a company that posts uninspired crap. It's sad.

[cgsmom]

Originally Posted by christianbk

There aren't any new eyes on this thing. They're in this echo chamber and not seeing what actual users of other devices are enjoying and how they can craft an eReader that incorporates these aspects. It is unfathomable to me how if you work in the NOOK department at B&N you do not see the HUGE MISSES that you have with your product line and software.

Instead, it's an afterthought. An end-cap with devices that aren't usually turned on. That no B&N employee ever suggests to people. Outsourcing social media to a company that posts uninspired crap. It's sad.

All true. It is very sad. I switched to Kindle with the Voyage. Flush screen and page turn buttons on both sides. If my Voyage hadn't died I probably would never have given Nook another look. I can make do with the asymmetry of the Oasis but I don't really like it. I haven't tried a Kobo yet, but I probably will. Now Nook is the only reader available with buttons on both sides.

[gforgiraffe39935]

Out of interest, I pulled out out an old NOOK Glowlight Plus 6 inch model: BNRV510. I had KOReader and some foreign language books on it and occasionally connected to Wi-Fi to use the translation feature in KOReader, feeling safe that I didn't need to root this thing because it was no longer being updated.

Apparently, what is on their website about 5.5 not being updated is a lie: https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/e...evice-Statuses

They added a USB Mode prompt and broke the ability to connect over MTP like I had been doing for the Macs in the house for a decade; Windows works okay to connect over the USB Mode, but you cannot add anything. I am assuming they also removed all the non-royalty-free fonts like Georgia et al, too?

Hate to say it, but I hope they just shut Nook down and sell it to someone who does not hate their customers.

[Renate]

Originally Posted by gforgiraffe39935

Windows works okay to connect over the USB Mode, but you cannot add anything.

Do you mean ADB? You should be able to add/sync your books with that.

My BNRV520 has been a wall clock for many years already.

[cgsmom]

Originally Posted by gforgiraffe39935

Hate to say it, but I hope they just shut Nook down and sell it to someone who does not hate their customers.

I know what you mean. It is really a hassle to read on a Nook. However, I just keep coming back because of the buttons on both sides. I am left handed but I seem to change hands a lot. My Oasis really bugged me having to rotate the reader. That is why I haven't bought a Kobo yet. I bought the Colorsoft and I read on it for about 5 months. I like it fine and I even trained myself to be able to tap with my left thumb to turn pages. But when BN put the GL4 on sale last month, I couldn't resist. My husband took over the GL4+ and I just missed the buttons.

[gforgiraffe39935]

Originally Posted by Renate

Do you mean ADB? You should be able to add/sync your books with that.

My BNRV520 has been a wall clock for many years already.

I set it up about 2 years ago, but I recall I used ADB in Mac terminal, occasionally Android Studio if I already had it open to add the launcher and KOReader, and then I had been using Calibre to add books. Edit: When I say USB MODE, I mean that they've added a new lock screen similar to the one on BNRV1000 , which forces the device to only allow access to a limited partition. This device never shipped with that lock screen when connecting over a USB cable. It's something that they added in April/May 2025.

After I connected wi-fi a few days ago, Android Studio says I have no access, Calibre cannot connect, Android File Transfer and openMTP only show files, 0 bytes available free space and only allow deletion, despite having over 300 mb of space free.

I'm going to try to reinstall the previous software.

Originally Posted by cgsmom

I know what you mean. It is really a hassle to read on a Nook. However, I just keep coming back because of the buttons on both sides... But when BN put the GL4 on sale last month, I couldn't resist. My husband took over the GL4+ and I just missed the buttons.

I love the BNRV1000 design, but what's the point if they are going to ruin the out of the box experience and prevent users from using the basic Android functions just to have access to the full drive? Why even give these people money? They literally don't understand they would have more device sales if they stopped crippling it. They think they can do what Amazon do without even a fraction of the eBook customers. I only buy eBooks from them because I know how to get my epub files. Once that's gone, I have no use for them. I'm sure their workers lurk online to see how digital readers read and use their devices...and attempt to do the exact opposite.

[Cactus Chef]

Originally Posted by christianbk

I have a perspective to share here.

B&N and those who work on NOOK devices are legacy employees at B&N. It's why there's no innovation happening; if you look at the average tenure of employees, it's a significant amount of time (10+ or even 15+ years).

Take for instance this gal. The accomplishments are fine (7 new eReaders in three years, "consistent YOY growth in device sales" which is interesting, though I'm unsure how +46% to 2025 fiscal year budget is mentioned unless it's a forecast).



There aren't any new eyes on this thing. They're in this echo chamber and not seeing what actual users of other devices are enjoying and how they can craft an eReader that incorporates these aspects. It is unfathomable to me how if you work in the NOOK department at B&N you do not see the HUGE MISSES that you have with your product line and software.

You have this company that is seemingly doing well and opening new locations. Great, that's a sign of a growing business. You have this premium membership you're trying to hawk to folks that in some ways hooks into NOOK. Get creative instead of 10% off devices (doesn't stack with sales though), free ebook monthly (crappy selection from 3-5 titles), and how you can use reward stamps for ebooks / audiobooks. Think of a user utilizing a NOOK device as a B&N brand ambassador, tap into these folks who are visiting your stores more now than ever, see if you can make some hardware/software changes based on how you're expanding and what genres are boosting sales and market to them.

NOOK social channels are a joke compared to Kobo.

Instead, it's an afterthought. An end-cap with devices that aren't usually turned on. That no B&N employee ever suggests to people. Outsourcing social media to a company that posts uninspired crap. It's sad.

Well, it seems many of them have just been laid off:

https://goodereader.com/blog/barnes-...ozens-of-staff

[gforgiraffe39935]

Originally Posted by Cactus Chef

Well, it seems many of them have just been laid off:

https://goodereader.com/blog/barnes-...ozens-of-staff

Maybe they are going to sell it off then? The people dying for a Pearl Pink NOOK GlowLight 4 over on Reddit are going to be devastated.
I am spoiled for choice with physical bookstores and libraries, so I probably will stop shopping at Barnes and Noble once their digital division closes down. There's no reason to buy a $35 hardback from them rather than Target or Half Price Books where I live. I don't care about sprayed edges.

[Cactus Chef]

Originally Posted by gforgiraffe39935

Maybe they are going to sell it off then? The people dying for a Pearl Pink NOOK GlowLight 4 over on Reddit are going to be devastated.
I am spoiled for choice with physical bookstores and libraries, so I probably will stop shopping at Barnes and Noble once their digital division closes down. There's no reason to buy a $35 hardback from them rather than Target or Half Price Books where I live. I don't care about sprayed edges.

Yeah, the Nook has been a disappointment. When my wife wanted to get away from Kindle, we debated getting her a Kobo like I have, but ultimately I pushed her to get a Nook, because as we both shifted towards ebooks we weren't patronizing brick-and-mortar B&N stores much anymore and wanted to continue giving them our business in some way. But their Nook business is clearly derelict at this point. It's a shame, since it seems to be decent hardware.