The update promised an OS update to Android Froyo with flash support and a curated app store, which had many wondering if the update would turn the Nook Color from a e-reader/tablet hybrid to more of a full-fledged tablet.
And now that I've had the update for a week, here are my thoughts:
- As someone who used the Nook Color mostly as a mobile web browser, the flash support is fantastic.
- The app store is actually much stronger than I thought it would be at launch. While most of the apps cost money (and some of them are downright pricey), there are a couple of free apps that are definitely worth checking out. My biggest recommendation is Pulse, a great news feed that is perfectly-suited for the Nook Color.
- However, there are still some kinks to work out with the apps, because I've had trouble getting Angry Birds to install. I'm still looking into it, but at this time there is still a noticeable lack in my ability to launch virtual birds into pigs and various structures.
- The OS jump to Froyo seems effective, but it's a little harder to notice to casual users because there are so many other updates. On the other hand, the fact that there isn't a noticeable increase in lag despite the addition of more apps and other features is a sign that the OS update is doing its job.
- The e-mail feature is nice because you can now sync your account to get notifications and actually send emails. Before the update, I could view messages through the web browser but I couldn't compose new messages.
Overall, I'm happy with the Nook Color update. However, I hope Barnes & Noble doesn't rest on its laurels and continues to develop what could be the best value-based Android tablet on the market right now.