Google Play now available on NOOK tablets

Google Play on a white background

Book and games retailer Barnes & Noble has announced Google Play, the online shop front for the delivery of Android apps, is now available on its NOOK HD and NOOK HD+ tablets.

The devices, which were released in 2012 and run Google's Android operating system, will also feature other Google services, including Chrome, Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps.

The company has also temporarily dropped the price of both tablets as part of its involvement in the Evening Standard's Get London Reading literacy campaign.

William Lynch, CEO of Barnes & Noble, said: "By adding Google Play to NOOK HD and NOOK HD+, we are offering customers even more great entertainment on our award-winning tablets.

"Now with access to more than 700,000 apps and the best reading experience available, both are must-see products for entertainment lovers looking for high-quality tablets at incredibly low prices."

As well as the apps and games available through Google Play, NOOK HD and NOOK HD+ users will also now have access to Google's Google Play Music service, which allows for the storage of up to 20,000 songs from their personal collections.

The company said Google Play and other Google services will be available to all new and existing customers in the UK via an automatic over-the-air update for no additional fee. The roll-out will be staggered, starting immediately, although no completion date was given.

Barnes & Noble said the product is available for purchase from John Lewis, Argos, Asda, Dixons, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Blackwell's, Foyles and online through the Nook website.

Jane McCallion
Deputy Editor

Jane McCallion is ITPro's deputy editor, specializing in cloud computing, cyber security, data centers and enterprise IT infrastructure. Before becoming Deputy Editor, she held the role of Features Editor, managing a pool of freelance and internal writers, while continuing to specialise in enterprise IT infrastructure, and business strategy.

Prior to joining ITPro, Jane was a freelance business journalist writing as both Jane McCallion and Jane Bordenave for titles such as European CEO, World Finance, and Business Excellence Magazine.