Key Takeaways
1. Barnes & Noble plans to release new Nook e-readers in 2026, as confirmed by Jennifer Perry, head of Nook e-readers and digital services.
2. Anticipated features may include a color e-paper display and note-taking capabilities, reflecting current trends in e-reader technology.
3. The new Nook devices are expected to support audiobooks, expanding beyond the current offerings of the Nook Glowlight 4 Plus.
4. The Nook Glowlight 4 Plus and Glowlight 4 share similar specifications, with the former having a larger display and additional features like waterproof design and Bluetooth capability.
5. B&N faces challenges in developing an E Ink tablet due to the need for advanced software, which has been a historical difficulty for the company.
Barnes & Noble is set to unveil new Nook devices in 2026. This information comes from an interview with Jennifer Perry, who leads Nook e-readers and digital services. She stated that the new Nook e-readers will not be released until next year. Sadly, she did not provide any additional information about the features of the upcoming devices.
Anticipated Features
Based on current trends, it seems likely that the company will look into offering a color e-paper display this time around. Nearly every other e-reader brand has added at least one color model to their selection. Good e-Reader reports that Jennifer did mention color e-readers in her interview, as well as features for note-taking. Therefore, it’s probable that a new E Ink tablet will be introduced by B&N.
Audiobooks and Current Offerings
Audiobooks are also a major focus for B&N, and it’s expected that the new Nook e-readers will support audiobook formats too. At the moment, only the Nook Glowlight 4 Plus can handle both e-books and audiobooks. The other model available is the simpler Nook Glowlight 4, which is shown at the start of this article.
In terms of specifications, both Glowlights are quite similar except for the larger 7.8-inch e-paper display on the 4 Plus, while the Glowlight 4 features a 6-inch display. Additional differences include warm color settings, a waterproof design, and Bluetooth capability for the 4 Plus version. The Glowlight 4 was released in 2021, followed by the GlowLight 4e in 2022, which has since been phased out. The GlowLight 4 Plus came out in 2023, making the new Nook e-reader feel overdue.
Challenges Ahead
Nevertheless, as noted by the e-Book Reader Blog, it may be somewhat difficult for B&N to create an E Ink tablet. Unlike standard e-readers, e-note devices demand more advanced software, an area where the company has historically faced challenges. For instance, the GlowLight 4 operates on an OS derived from Android 8.1. It will be intriguing to see how they navigate this issue in the future.
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