NOOK API: Open Wallpaper Settings UI (com.bn.nook.CHANGE_WALLPAPER)

Many customers have expressed interested in decorating their NOOK Color devices with Wallpapers and Live Wallpaper apps. Additionally several developers have expressed interest in building Live Wallpaper applications for NOOK Color. To make this easier for both end users and developers, we are publishing an API Intent to allow any application to open the Wallpaper Settings Manager UI.

import android.content.Intent;
Intent i = new Intent();
i.setAction( "com.bn.nook.CHANGE_WALLPAPER" );
startActivity( i );

The result of sending this Intent is that this activity UI will appear over your application:

Time to build some great wallpaper apps for NOOK Color!

Cheers,

Ted Patrick
Developer Evangelist
Nookdeveloper.com

NOOK SDK 1.2

Today we updated the NOOK SDK to version 1.2 on the NOOK Developer Portal. The update provides a complete cross-platform emulator for NOOK Color 1.2 Update. Here are the details:

• NOOK Color 1.2 Emulator
• Android API 8 Support (Android 2.2)
• ADB configuration
• Environment.getExternalStorageState() support

To install the NOOK SDK 1.2, login to NOOK Developer and visit the Tools & Service section.

NOOK Developer Team

NOOK Apps and NOOK Color Update 1.2

Today we are pleased to announce the launch of several enhancements on NOOK Color for content providers and app developers.

First, we have released a software update for NOOK Color ( v1.2 ) built with Android 2.2 ( API 8 ) “Froyo”. In upgrading NOOK Color’s Android operating system, we gain application performance, system stability, and a great foundation for building reading-centric applications. To further support rich and interactive content and applications on NOOK Color, we have pre-installed both Adobe Flash 10.1 and AIR 2.6 runtimes to enable app developers and content providers to build great reading-centric experiences for NOOK Color. Building rich interactive apps and content can be done directly with Adobe’s Creative Suite 5 tools including Adobe Flash Professional and Adobe Flash Builder. Also make sure to take a look at the full list of frameworks to enable developers to deliver applications for NOOK Color.

Second, we have opened up a new business opportunity for qualifying developers, with NOOK Apps™. Once you have qualified as a NOOK App Developer you have a path to reach millions of Barnes & Noble customers with your applications. From our launch today we have over 125 leading and popular reading-centric applications in the Shop – both free and paid. We are already seeing significant response from customers who are excited to start discovering and purchasing new NOOK Apps for their NOOK Color.

So given the new platform enhancements and the significant business opportunity with NOOK Apps™ we think you will agree the future for developers on the NOOK Color is very attractive.

We invite you to apply here to become a NOOK App Developer and join us in changing the future of reading, together.

NOOK Developer Team

NOOK App Developer

Today we are happy to share some exciting news with you.  We are happy to announce that we have heard your feedback and that the NOOK Developer team is introducing new services and resources designed to accelerate the deployment of your applications for NOOK Color.

As we have previously stated, we want to work with you to extend the value of the NOOK Color Reader’s Tablet, with a focus on delivering reading-centric applications to customers – apps that enrich and extend the reading experience.  We have also announced plans for a major update to the NOOK Color firmware this Spring which will offer customers the first new apps to discover and enjoy, along with email and other requested features.

You can now qualify to distribute your apps to millions of Barnes & Noble customers – enthusiastic about expanding what they can do on the highly acclaimed, bestselling device — finding rich, immersive and vivid paid and free apps that are specifically optimized for NOOK Color. When you qualify, you will be provided with:

• Exclusive access to an expanded set of development resources to facilitate your app deployment – including access to “developer mode” for your NOOK Color, app signing tools and access to private forums and support resources

• Ability to submit your app for distribution through the Barnes & Noble storefront

• The opportunity for your app to be showcased and merchandised on-device, online and in more than 1,300 retail locations across the country

Click here to become a NOOK App Developer

Note – you must be registered as a NOOK Developer in order to apply.

In addition, we have also made other important improvements to NOOK Developer  – including streamlined navigation and an integrated support and knowledge base module for you all to share ideas and information.  Over the next several days we will be sharing more detailed information but for now please sign into the portal, learn how to become a NOOK App Developer and see the differences we have made for you.  Thank You!

The NOOK Developer Team

NOOKdeveloper and NOOK SDK 1.0 Launched

Today we begin development of applications for NOOK Color with the debut of NOOKdeveloper portal and the NOOK SDK 1.0. Developers are invited to register for access to NOOK Developer and the NOOK SDK. NOOK Color runs the Android 2.1 Operating System and works seamlessly with the Android SDK (API Level 7). Barnes & Noble provides an Android SDK add-on (NOOK SDK 1.0) to help you get started developing applications for NOOK Color.

 

The NOOK SDK 1.0 contains the following components:

• Android Virtual Device (AVD) Emulator
• Android Debug Bridge (ADB) configuration settings
• Sample Code
• Documentation

 

We are very excited about the launch of NOOK Developer and the release of the first development SDK for NOOK Color. More than anything, we would like to welcome you to our program and we look forward to helping get your application onto NOOK Color!

 

Ted Patrick

Evangelist, Developer Relations

Barnes & Noble