Barnes & Noble is recruiting developers to build reading-centric apps for the NOOK Color and promises new firmware to unleash its potential.

The Nook developer program was announced at the end of 2010 and the Nook SDK 1.0 for Android, which runs the Android 2.1 OS (API Level 7) has been available since then. Changes are, however, in the air for this Spring with a major update to the NOOK Color firmware.

Developers who have registered on nook developer are being encouraged to qualify to distribute apps through the Barnes & Noble storefront - having the showcased and "merchandised on-device, online and in retails locations. Qualifying developers will granted exclusive access to an expanded set of development resources, app signing tools and access to private forums and support resources.

Given the predicted growth in eReaders plus the popularity of the Android developer platform this is perhaps a good opportunity. Equally it is an indication that Barnes & Noble still want to control its platform much in the style of Apple while encouraging developers to create something for it. This seems out of place in the relatively open world of Android with multiple app stores.  Notice that you not only have to apply but "qualify" whatever that means!

For more information and to apply:

nook developer site

See also:

NOOKcolor Developer Program