Comments on: B&N NOOK Tablet firmware update blocks app sideloading

By: Thomas Kelly

Thomas Kelly — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

That’s basically what happened to me. We need to all join together in telling B&N of our disappointment, anger, etc.
After my having owned 3 of these “crossover” eReaders (that do everything a tablet does) which have all disappointed me, I purchase the Nook Tablet and am pleased as punch… Then after my 14-day return period is up, they changed it into something I would *NOT* have purchased.

This is truly a case of bait and switch, IMO.

By: Neon.Tango

Neon.Tango — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:16:00 +0000

BTB, am I the only person who finds B&N’s timing of this “update” curious — just a few days before Christmas, when buyers are pressured by and distracted with festivities, shopping, travelling, gift-wrapping, etc.

“Hey, while you weren’t looking, we changed your gift for something else.” Gracias por nada!

By: Neon.Tango

Neon.Tango — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:11:00 +0000

We’d just bought several Nook Tablets to give as family gifts, and NOTABLY, because of the “open” and loaded customising my bro had done of his in Nov. It was just lucky coincidence I came across this article and the xda developers’ notes about the lockdown, so we’re returning the Nooks. The family members we’d intended to give these Nooks are far too savvy to settle for a mere dressed-up reader with a closed garden of limited apps and weak multimedia tasking.

Bad call, B&N.

By: Viagra1

Viagra1 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:22:00 +0000

I’ve already started loading apps on my wife’s tablets. I turn on wifi long enough to download and load an app. When we have the apps we want(for free mind you) I’ll leave the wifi on. I’d feel guilty if not for the fact that these apps are available for free or much lower prices legally.

By: Aucanary

Aucanary — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:14:00 +0000

WOw this is bad. I was going to root CM7 on an SD micro on my wifes NC and pick up a couple more NCs to root, but this update has made me take pause and look at other devices. The reason I was drawn to nook was the cost and the ability to load android CM7 (Or other variant) for use as a tablet computer.

By: Jessi

Jessi — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:55:00 +0000

“At $250 a piece, it sounds like they are selling the tablet at break even and hoping to make money on the content.”

Yes, and I’m happy to buy apps from the store when they have what I need. However, their selection is *tiny* so limiting me to only what they offer when what they offer is so little really bites. If they had a larger app store, then I could see locking it down. Until then though, they really should keep it open.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:19:00 +0000

The sole reason I went with the Nook was their openess. I’m pretty happy with the Tablet so far, I was thinking of buying another. I think I’ll hold off for a little and see where this goes.

By: Abc

Abc — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:42:00 +0000

I just chatted with a BN rep about the sideloading being disabled. He told me that it will be fixed in the next update & to avoid updating the current update on the system. So it sounds like BN heard everyone’s concerns and is trying to fix it now… So its good news for all of us who just bought the new Nook Tablet.

By: Chefisc

Chefisc — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:03:00 +0000

I bought this tablet for my 17 year old daughter who really wanted the Ipad (surprise). One of the features that sold me was that she and I would not have to spend additional money buying apps. If we don’t update the software, will we still be able to download android apps? I may reconsider this purchase if we have to purchase the limited B & N apps.

By: jolt

jolt — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:53:00 +0000

This is a stupid choice by the suits at BN. They are the underdog against Apple and Amazon. They are not going to be anything but an also ran or the next Borders if they try to follow the same plan as those two. It almost seems like they looked at the Nook Color and decided to remove anything that made it different and unique for the Nook Tablet.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:46:00 +0000

The statement “minor system enhancements” is easier to understand when you realize that the “minor system enhancements” is for B&Ns benefit and not the users.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:28:00 +0000

“Android enthusiasts” who maximized the potential with the hardware on the NOOK color last year, and are looking at the Tablet this year would NOT be running the stock OS on the device anyway, so the update to 1.4.1 is a mute point. They have still supplied a great device at a reasonable cost and they want to make some money from it. Of course it was on purpose. If you have issues with that, then root.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

At $250 a piece, it sounds like they are selling the tablet at break even and hoping to make money on the content.

You’re basic razors and blades business strategy or game console strategy. They have to lock it down to make money.

At least they aren’t selling it at a loss like Amazon and the Kindle Fire. The more Kindle Fires Amazon sells, the worse their financials early on will be, hoping they can make it back later on.