Is there a way to read Kindle books on the NOOK?

[kcladyz]

I had a nook color and bought a Kindle Fire when I learned that I can shut of the security settings to load non-kindle apps and I have now the nook app on the kinde and I can read nook books on it. I would consider buying a Nook tablet if they allowed me to read kindle books on it somehow?  if they would at least alow read only-no purchase it will be easier to intice kindle users to give the nook a try?

[TnTexas]

When it first came out, you could find a setting that allowed you to install non-B&N apps. About a month later, B&N fixed the so-called "bug" and that's no longer possible so unless you root the device, the only way you can  use the Kindle app on a Tablet or Color now is to buy or make a dual boot SD card that allows you to run a full android system on it. (In android mode, the device is running off the SD card instead of the device's stock operating system - kind of like wearing a mask.) 

[byter67]

As an altrernative to a do-it-yourself project you might consider purchasing an N2A or AFN card for a Nook tablet. AFN is less expensive and AFN will preinstall the Nook and Kindle reader apps on the card for you if requested. As mentioned, these apps will run from the SD card under Android.

[TnTexas]

I believe Nook and Kindle apps come on the N2A card too.

[PJLLB]

They are in the Google Play Store and available for any CN 7 SD card. There are cheaper alternatives ti N2A.

[bobstro]

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kcladyz wrote:

I had a nook color and bought a Kindle Fire when I learned that I can shut of the security settings to load non-kindle apps and I have now the nook app on the kinde and I can read nook books on it. I would consider buying a Nook tablet if they allowed me to read kindle books on it somehow?  if they would at least alow read only-no purchase it will be easier to intice kindle users to give the nook a try?

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The short answer is that there's no officially support means of doing this. If you're willing to do some work, it can be done in a number of ways:

1. Convert the Kindle books to epub format. The free Calibre software can do this, but you must remove DRM (copy protection), if any, on the ebook. Laws on removing DRM vary by country. The process is trivial.

2. Root your device. This will allow you to install 3rd party apps from the Google Play Store, including the Kindle Android app. This voids your warranty, but you retain the full B&N functionality.

3. Boot alternate firmware from uSD card (e.g. AFN). This will allow you to install 3rd party apps as well, but you are booting into a completely different OS. You will lose the B&N shell and reading integration. Some B&N functionality is provided by the B&N NOOK Android app, but a number of things are more limited, and some content isn't available for non-B&N firmware. You can still boot back into the B&N firmware, and don't jeapordize your warranty, but the two environments are separate.

4. Don't buy a NOOK. Buy a device that gives you unfettered access to the Amazon and Google apps, including both the Kindle and B&N NOOK apps (and Kobo and others). Again, you lose some of the functionality of the B&N firmware. Very competitive devices with additional hardware capabilities (bluetooth, GPS, camera) can be found for $250 list, and more are coming.

[rocky1234]

buy the samsung 7in - it is what the nook should have been

[kcladyz]

Its best to just stick with my awesome kindle. Downloading apps without having to set up a n2a card is the way to go. No jumping threw hoops with the Kindle Fire.

[BruceMcF]

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kcladyz wrote:

Its best to just stick with my awesome kindle. Downloading apps without having to set up a n2a card is the way to go. No jumping threw hoops with the Kindle Fire.

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If what you want is the Kindle ecosystem, then, yes, even though the B&N displays are better, and they have card slots, the Kindletabs are still the way to go.