Why was the NOOK a failure?

The NOOK was a revolutionary e-reader device that was released by Barnes and Noble in 2009. It was designed to compete with Amazon’s Kindle, and it offered a unique, innovative way for people to read books digitally. Unfortunately, despite its strong start, the NOOK ultimately failed to gain a significant market share and was eventually discontinued by Barnes and Noble in 2016. Despite this, the NOOK still has a dedicated fan base, and it is still possible to buy books for a NOOK and to update old devices. In this article, we will explore why the NOOK was a failure, and look at whether it is still possible to purchase books and update old NOOKs.

Why was the NOOK a failure?

The NOOK was a failure because it was released too late in the e-reader market. By the time it was released, Amazon had already established a strong foothold in the market with its Kindle e-reader. The NOOK also had limited features compared to the Kindle, such as lacking a web browser and an app store. Furthermore, the NOOK was expensive compared to the Kindle, which made it less attractive to consumers. Finally, Barnes & Noble, the company that released the NOOK, lacked the marketing resources to make the device successful. All of these factors combined to make the NOOK a failure.

Did Barnes and Noble discontinue NOOK?

Barnes and Noble has recently announced the discontinuation of their NOOK line of e-readers. The company cited a shift in focus to digital content as the main reason for the discontinuation. The NOOK was one of the first e-readers to offer a wide selection of digital content and was popular with readers for its ease of use and wide selection of books. Barnes and Noble has stated that they will continue to offer digital content through their website and apps, and that existing NOOK customers will still be able to access their content.

Can you still buy books for a Nook?

Yes, you can still buy books for a Nook. There are a variety of ways to purchase books for your Nook, including through the Barnes & Noble website, as well as through other online retailers. You can also purchase physical copies of books, which can then be loaded onto your Nook device. Additionally, there are a variety of apps, such as Overdrive and Libby, that allow you to borrow books from your local library and read them on your Nook. With all these options, it’s easy to find books to read on your Nook.

Can an old Nook be updated?

Yes, an old Nook can be updated. All Nooks have the ability to connect to the internet, which allows them to download and install software updates. By connecting to a Wi-Fi network and using the Nook’s Settings menu, users can check for and install any available updates. This will help keep the device running smoothly and ensure that it has the latest security patches, bug fixes, and other improvements. Additionally, users can also download and install apps from the Nook Store to add new features and functionality to their device.



In conclusion, the NOOK was a failure because it was unable to compete with the Kindle and other e-readers. Barnes and Noble has discontinued the NOOK but it is still possible to purchase books for the device. Additionally, an old Nook can be updated to the latest version of the software.