Overview of Barnes & Noble Nook for Web [screenshots]
A couple of weeks ago Barnes & Noble introduced a new feature which is called Nook for Web. If I had to refer to Amazon, I’d call it a combination of Look Inside feature with Kindle Cloud Reader.
First, Nook for Web lets you instantly preview free samples of Nook books before you buy them. You don’t have to be logged in and you don’t even have to be a registered user to do that. Just browse for books in the Nook Store, and you’ll have the instant access to the content of the book you’re interested in.
In this way it’s similar to Amazon’s Look Inside. Actually, it’s better. On Amazon, to look inside a book, you have to go to the book’s page and click on the cover. In the Nook Store it’s quicker – you have this possibility already on search result pages. Just click on the arrow in the right bottom corner (see picture below).
If you’re on a single book page, you can obviously preview the free sample as well, but don’t look for the arrow on the cover. Instead, find the Read Instantly button, right under Buy Now.
The second major feature of Nook for Web is the possibility to read in a browser any book from your Nook library. The content is synced across devices – you can start reading right where you left off on your Nook e-reader or application.
So, there is one tool which lets you read Nook books in a browser, both the ones you have bought and considering to buy. Barnes & Noble managed to put together what Amazon covers with two tools – and it makes sense.
Nook for Web works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. It’s quick, supports table of content, links to both Nook and print edition, and has the following features:
- selection of 8 basic font faces
- 8 font-size levels
- single/double page layout
- ability to share and recommend (after logging in)
- book blurb and reviews
- ability to add sample to personal library
- ability to find similar titles
Check the screenshots below:
The Read Instantly button is not working on print titles. The Nook for Web is limited only to Nook books – unlike Look Inside, which is supporting both print and Kindle editions. If you want to look inside a print book offered by Barnes & Noble, you will have such an option, via See Inside powered by Zinio.
Nook for Web works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
