Barnes & Noble’s e-reader will offer Web browser, games

New York City Barnes & Noble plans to roll out a software update to its electronic reader the Nook that will let users surf the Web and play games.

The bookseller said Friday the update will also allow users to browse complete books in Barnes & Noble stores for up to an hour a day at no cost, even if the book isn't in the store.

Better Wi-Fi connectivity, faster page turns and better touch-screen navigation are also part of the upgrade.

Barnes & Noble's Nook uses Google's Android operating system. When it was launched, executives said Android applications could be developed for the Nook. The games, which include chess and Sudoku, are the first Android applications.

Dedicated e-readers have been threatened by the launch of Apple's iPad earlier this month. Amazon.com's Kindle also offers a basic Web browser.

To offset attention on the iPad, Barnes & Noble launched an ad campaign Thursday touting the Nook, including the company's first TV ads in a decade.