Barnes & Noble yesterday unveiled its latest e-reader, the NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight. Glowlight is a lighting technology that solves one of e-readers biggest challenges – reading in the dark. 8 embedded LEDs provide illuminate the 6-inch touchscreen with a “soft, adjustable glow” and allows people to read in low light or dark conditions. It turns on automatically and is completely adjustable.
“To date, readers have had to compromise: either buying black-and-white E Ink reading devices to optimize their outdoor reading or color LCD devices to be able to read at night in bed with the light off. NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight is like two Readers in one,” said William J. Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Barnes & Noble. “With our new GlowLight technology and the most advanced E Ink display available, we’ve created the most versatile, high-utility Reader ever; as exceptional for reading in the darkest bedroom as on the brightest beach. At only $139, NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight provides customers an amazing value and is the only device of its kind in the world.”
Aside from the addition of GlowLight, the latest NOOK is very similar to its predecessor, the NOOK Simple Touch. Somewhat surprisingly, despite GlowLight, the new model is lighter than its older sibling.
Barnes & Noble NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight specifications:
- Processor: 800MHz TI OMAP 3
- Operating system: Google Android 2.1
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- Display: 6-inch 16-level gray scale e-ink Pearl with GlowLight
- Input: Touchscreen
- Storage: 2GB onboard / SD cards up to 32GB
- Rear-facing camera: None
- Front-facing camera: None
- Battery: Non-removable lasting up to two months
- Connectors: Micro-USB
- Dimensions / weight: 165.4 x 126.6 x 12 millimeters / 197 grams
The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is now available for pre-order for US$139.99. It will be available starting in early May.
Read more: Barnes & Noble