New NOOK devices confirmed for 2026

[Derf]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If B&N does not come out with decent firmware, then it's going to be another doorstop.

I don't know man, I have a Nook GL4+, a Kobo Clara, and a Kindle PW12. I've also used a color Kobo Libra.

I attribute 75-80% of my enjoyment of reading to the actual content. If the content isn't any good, I don't care how good the eReader is, I'm not going to enjoy reading.

I'd say the hardware is worth another 10-15% or so of my enjoyment. Tactile buttons, crisp text, screen, flush bezel, comfort light, grip feel of the plastic, the weight : it all ties together for ADDING to the reading experience.

Lastly I'd say the software is worth another 10-15% or so. Ease of checking out books, speed of page turns, the built-in dictionary, ability to side load books, etc. In some instances this can be completely overhauled with something like KOReader.

The Nook GL4+ has some really great hardware IMO. But yes the software is a little thin. Still, with a good boo, page turn buttons, a big flush screen with comfort light, I'm not turning it into a door stop.

I know a lot of manufacturers are jumping on the color eInk screen band wagon, but personally I find while it has marketing value for seeing book covers, it degrades the actual reading experience. Personally, I don't care how good they make the software, the hardware isn't getting better with color eInk (yet).

[NNolan]

So here we are in October 2026 and the only thing B&N put out was a lovely teal-colored Glowlight 4 at the end of 2025 and an LCD tablet in 2026. It's like they aren't even trying.

[Sundae]

Honestly, I'm just glad Barnes and Noble is still kicking and I gather has turned it around. I thought for sure they were going the way of Borders. They definitely don't put much emphasis on Nooks. We actually had a newer store open up a town over. Smaller than the ones I'm used to. Seems to be hopping, generally. But I have never seen anyone noodling with the Nook display, other than me. And it's definitely sort of off to the side.

[christianbk]

Yeah disappointing. My devices still are working well (aside from freezes happening at a specific spot in Brandon Sanderson’s latest book).

[cgsmom]

Yes it’s sad. The last time I went into my Barnes and Noble, the Nook display was a tiny little cabinet way off in the corner. I’ve read that you can install KOReader on the GL4 without having to do a jailbreak. If I were more computer savvy I might try it.

[NNolan]

Originally Posted by cgsmom

Yes it’s sad. The last time I went into my Barnes and Noble, the Nook display was a tiny little cabinet way off in the corner. I’ve read that you can install KOReader on the GL4 without having to do a jailbreak. If I were more computer savvy I might try it.

I just bought a refurbed Teal Glowlight 4. I see NOOks still have that problem with occasionally jumping ahead 5 or 6 pages on a single page press and it's lacking some other software options I've used on Kobos and Kindles, but I love the form factor, light weight and buttons on both sides of the Nook. It's the closest thing to my beloved Kindle Voyage that I've found.

I'd like to put KOReader on it, but right now I'm afraid of messing it up.