Barnes & Noble to Add Google Apps to Nook - NYTimes.com

Another way to look at the update: apparently B&N is punting on its own app store, but at least now Nook HD/HD Plus owners will be able to use the Kindle app...

"Barnes & Noble, in an effort to strengthen the digital offerings of its Nook devices, will outfit its color tablets with Google Play, the one-stop shop for Google’s applications and software services, the bookseller said on Thursday.
The move is intended to give Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest bookstore chain, a boost in the highly competitive tablet market after a disappointing holiday season for the Nook."

Barnes & Noble to Add Google Apps to Nook - NYTimes.com