look, another nook

The E-Reader Landscape: A Shift in Focus

The e-reader market has experienced a period of relative stagnation. While Amazon maintains a dominant position, and Kobo continues to operate, new device releases are infrequent and often lack substantial innovation.

Barnes & Noble's Continued Investment

Despite the challenging market conditions, Barnes & Noble remains committed to its Nook line. The company has recently unveiled its second Nook device of the year, following the release of a 10-inch tablet designed in collaboration with Lenovo.

Introducing the Nook GlowLight 4

The new device, the GlowLight 4, serves as a successor to the 2017 GlowLight 3. A key upgrade is the adoption of a USB-C port, mirroring a recent addition to Amazon's Paperwhite.

Furthermore, the GlowLight 4 boasts a quadrupled storage capacity, increasing from 8GB to 32GB.

Design and Specifications

The GlowLight 4 retains the popular physical page turn buttons, which have been subtly redesigned for a more streamlined appearance, now flush with the device’s soft-touch casing.

The overall design is both smaller and lighter than the previous generation, although specific dimensions haven't been detailed yet. The screen remains a 6-inch display with a resolution of 300 DPI, consistent with its predecessor.

Battery life is also unchanged, still estimated at one month.

A Positive Sign for E-Reader Alternatives

The continued development of the Nook line is a welcome development for consumers seeking alternatives to Amazon's e-reader ecosystem.

CEO's Optimistic Outlook

Barnes & Noble's CEO expressed enthusiasm for the future of Nook, stating that the company is making significant investments in its e-reader products.

The GlowLight 4 represents the second Nook launch this year, signaling a renewed commitment to innovation and expansion of the Nook family in the coming months and years.

Availability and Pricing

The Nook GlowLight 4 will be available starting December 8th, with a price of $150. This represents a $20 increase compared to the Lenovo tablet. Protective cases will also be offered at a price of $20.

While it remains to be seen if the increased reading activity observed during the pandemic will revitalize the e-reader market, Barnes & Noble appears prepared to compete.