Microsoft’s Nook hook-up is just the latest strategic move to bolster the Windows mobile platform.
Trying to compete with the likes of Apple and Google in the mobile computing revolution, the software giant’s investment in Barnes & Noble’s popular Nook e-reader gives it access to digital book sales through the Nook app being developed for Windows 8 software for tablets and smartphones.
Ultimately the partnership could lead to Nook e-readers that run the Windows 8 operating system, which Microsoft is on target to release this year, industry observers said.
Nook e-readers have so far run Google’s Android software and have found success in the tablet space competing against the likes of Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which also runs a version of Android.
Not that the Nook is going to change systems overnight.
“Nook is doing fine as a platform, why mess it up?” said analyst Colin Gillis with BGC Partners. “It will transition over to Windows software, but that’s not the first thing they will do.”
Microsoft has struck a number of deals to strengthen its mobile eco-system — like its $8 billion purchase of video-calling software Skype and its partnership with Nokia to deliver the Lumia line of smartphones.
In its B&N deal, Microsoft will share the money it makes through the Windows app.
Microsoft guaranteed the bookseller at least $60 million in each the first three years of the revenue-sharing deal.
B&N’s retail stores may also serve to showcase Windows mobile products in the future, analysts said.