What a difference a week makes…
When we last discussed Barnes & Noble’s new Nook Touch e-Reader ($139), I lamented the absence of a web browser. While some browser components were clearly present, to enable WiFi hotspot login functionality, there was no obvious means to launch a full-on browsing experience. As it turns out, it’s not so tricky at all. In fact, no hacking required. However, what you end up with is indeed a hack. For now. As the browsing experience is less than ideal. But, hey, it’ll do in a pinch and this gives me some hope that B&N intends to refine and release this feature.
More interestingly, the Nook Touch seems to have a good deal in common with it’s larger, Color brethren. And I learned on Liliputing that it’s been rooted. Directions can be found here but, while the steps are simple, the end result isn’t entirely suitable for novices at this point. What you’re left with is basically an unlocked device that you can sideload apps onto… and launch via computer. So while the savvy are mucking about with the Amazon Kindle app, I wouldn’t say the root experience is quite ready for weekend geek warriors.