It looks like Microsoft has realized that it will have to offer everything its competition has and more if it wants to win over an audience which have moved toward greener pastures in the Google and Apple yards.
The software giant has recently announced a partnership with Barnes & Noble for exclusive digital content for colleges. This venture which is codenamed Newco will give Microsoft 17.6% share of the biggest book retailer in the U.S.
A result of Newco will bring a Nook app for Windows 8 devices, giving users access to one of the largest collection of digital books and magazines. Microsoft and B&N will also take advantage of the NOOK Study platform with the aim to take on Apple’s iBooks initiative and iTunes U.
The shift to digital is putting the world’s libraries and newsstands in the palm of every person’s hand, and is the beginning of a journey that will impact how people read, interact with, and enjoy new forms of content. Our complementary assets will accelerate e-reading innovation across a broad range of Windows devices, enabling people to not just read stories, but to be part of them. We’re at the cusp of a revolution in readingWe can’t help wonder if the next generation of NOOK tablets will run Windows 8.
source - Microsoft