In addition to the news announced earlier this week by Barnes & Noble, that they would be starting a strategic partnership with Microsoft, who will be investing 300 million into Barnes & Noble, there have been further exciting developments.
In addition this week, Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch has also revealed that Barnes & Noble plans to add Near Field Communication (NFC) chips to its future Nook ranges. This innovative move is set to revolutionize the way users interact with their Nook devices and physical books.
The Future of NFC in Nook Devices
Explaining that Barnes & Noble would work closely with publishers to get NFC chips embedded into hardcover books and in-store signage, Lynch highlighted the potential for a seamless and interactive reading experience. Nook users would then be able to simply approach the point of sale stands or books embedded with the new chips to receive reviews and special offers directly on their Barnes & Noble NFC-enabled Nook device. This technology could also allow for instant access to additional content such as author interviews, book trailers, and exclusive excerpts, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Moreover, NFC technology could streamline the purchasing process. Imagine walking into a Barnes & Noble store, picking up a book, and instantly receiving a discount offer or additional information about the book on your Nook device. This could significantly enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
Strategic Partnership with Microsoft
In the future, and now that Microsoft and Barnes & Noble have joined forces, you can expect to see a tighter integration between the two companies, beyond just the Windows 8 app which is currently being developed. This partnership could lead to the development of new software and hardware solutions that leverage Microsoft’s technological expertise and Barnes & Noble’s extensive library of content.
For instance, we might see the integration of Microsoft’s cloud services with Nook devices, allowing users to store and access their eBooks and other digital content seamlessly across multiple devices. Additionally, Microsoft’s investment could lead to the development of new features and functionalities for Nook devices, such as enhanced reading modes, better accessibility options, and more interactive content.
Furthermore, this partnership could open up new opportunities for Barnes & Noble in the educational sector. With Microsoft’s strong presence in the education market, Barnes & Noble could leverage this partnership to offer digital textbooks and other educational materials on Nook devices, providing students with a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
As more is revealed by the companies, we will keep you updated. The collaboration between Barnes & Noble and Microsoft holds great promise for the future of digital reading and could set new standards in the industry.
Source: The Verge : Fortune
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