Barnes & Noble nook eBook Reader Gets Firmware 1.2 [Nook Firmware 1.2 Features Unveiled; Update Available Soon to Download]

Barnes & Noble’s nook was the perfect competitor for the Kindle for a couple of months. Then came the iPad, a tablet that can also double as an eBook reader. And Apple’s latest creation has changed the rules of engagement in the eBook business already. The nook is still a very interesting eBook reader and a great alternative to any of the Kindles. But will it be able to face Cupertino’s latest creation in a few months?

Barnes & Noble is certainly going to put up a good fight and while it’s too early to talk about a second-generation nook or even compare the content that’s going to be available for the nook and iPad, we do have some good news for you. The nook is getting ready to receive a firmware update and you should be able to get v1.2 installed on your nook soon.

All nooks sold starting today will come with the new firmware version pre-installed and current nook users will be able to upgrade their readers starting today.

Here’s a list of features that version 1.2 brings to the table:

• Enhanced in-store seamless connectivity to enjoy free Wi-Fi, with More In Store content promotions exclusively for Nook owners
• Improved opening of eBooks and ePeriodicals
• Improved response to Reading Now and Settings buttons
• Current reading page and bookmarks on all eBooks are properly saved when you power your Nook off
• Eligible LendMe eBooks in your library have LendMe flags
• Easier navigation of daily subscriptions with issues rolled into one folder
• Improved “back” button functionality for navigating eBooks and ePeriodicals
• Personal files downloaded and displayed in My Documents can be sorted by author and title
• Overall system improvements and battery optimization.

As you can see there’s nothing really spectacular going on here but it’s good to see that Barnes & Noble is working on offering us an even better nook experience. Go ahead and upgrade your nook and tell us how it all works out for you. And in case you don’t have one yet, it’s decision time again: iPad or nook?