Earlier today Barnes & Noble unveiled their new co-branded tablet with Samsung, called the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook. Ever since the partnership was first announced, we knew that B&N would be using Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4 hardware, the big question was what would B&N do to customize the software.
After watching some hands-on YouTube videos, it’s clear that the changes are very minor indeed. The “custom Nook software” basically consists of a homescreen widget and the addition of the same style of Nook library on previous tablets. That, and a book button was added to the menu bar to be able to access reading anywhere with “just one tap,” as B&N’s marketing team keeps emphasizing (then it’s funny when it takes two taps to launch the book).
The reading app looks virtually identical to the regular Nook Android app, and it has the same features. Nothing new at all, really. Just a thing called Nook Today, a recommendation engine.
The tablet carries the name Nook on the box (not the device itself ironically) but it’s still a Samsung tablet through and through. The hardware is 100% the same as the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 4, and Samsung’s custom TouchWiz interface is still present.
There’s a hands-on report with the new Galaxy Tab 4 Nook over at Liliputing, with the video review embedded below showing the Nook’s reading features in action. I also included a second video because it shows some more aspects of the device and I like the narrator’s honest take on the situation—it’s spot on.
Looks like just another overpriced device from Samsung!
except its not overpriced! Nathan, thanks for pulling these video reviews together. It does look like a nice tablet. I have a Samsung 3 and like it very much.
Seems like a great deal! Pretty much the same price as the Samsung it based on — and you get some really good free content.
It would be nice to see B&N team up with another vendor as well.
I think the Samsung Nook is fantastic. I did purchase one this weekend and I have to say, I am impressed. I know there has been comments about the screen resolution being less than the Nook HD but I think the screen on the Samsung Nook is clearer and sharper than the HD.
Hey Nathan! I’ve been thinking about getting an iPod touch, the $199 version, and a new Kindle,the new 79 dollar one,but the price is kind-of expensive for a 14 year old like me. But now I see this, I’ve had a rooted Kindle Fire HD, but i sold it. This seems like a better deal because of the $99 difference, should I buy this instead? Thanks for your help!
Nah, the Galaxy Tab 4 Nook isn’t that great of a deal. If you are going to go that route you might as well get the regular Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 for cheaper. Currently it’s on sale at Amazon for $163.99.
Alright! Thanks, i’ll buy the Samsung Galaxy tab!