Barnes & Noble just dropped a new NOOK Reading Tablet — but it’s not the upgrade you want
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Barnes & Noble launched a new 8.7‑inch NOOK Reading Tablet with an IPS LCD display and Android 15.
- The tablet is priced at $149.99 and will be available on March 17.
- Rumors have pointed to a 2026 e‑ink refresh, but leadership changes have made the GlowLight timeline uncertain.
New 8.7‑inch NOOK Reading Tablet
Barnes & Noble has expanded its LCD lineup with a new NOOK Reading Tablet. The 8.7‑inch model features an IPS LCD display optimized for color content such as magazines, comics, and media, rather than the paper‑like look of a true e‑ink reader.
Key specifications:
- Display: 8.7‑inch IPS LCD
- Storage: 64 GB internal, expandable via microSD
- OS: Android 15 with access to the Google Play Store
- Price: $149.99 (budget‑friendly media and reading device)
- Availability: Begins March 17 through Barnes & Noble’s retail and online stores
E‑ink lineup and future prospects
The tablet launch does not address the e‑ink segment, which remains unchanged. Barnes & Noble’s most recent e‑reader refresh was the Nook GlowLight 4 (late 2021) and the larger GlowLight 4 Plus (2023).
- GlowLight 4: 6‑inch, 300 ppi E‑Ink display, adjustable warm front lighting, physical page‑turn buttons.
- GlowLight 4 Plus: 7.8‑inch, 300 ppi panel, waterproofing, Bluetooth support for audiobooks.
Both devices offer battery life measured in weeks, a major advantage over LCD tablets.
Earlier rumors suggested a 2026 e‑ink refresh, possibly with updated internals or a color panel to compete with newer Kindle and Kobo models. However, the executive most closely associated with recent NOOK hardware efforts has stepped down, leaving the timeline uncertain.
For readers who prioritize long battery life, minimal eye strain, and fewer distractions, waiting for a dedicated e‑ink upgrade still makes sense. A next‑gen GlowLight with faster performance, a color display option, or stylus support would help Barnes & Noble stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.