Barnes and Noble has unveiled their holiday gift giving guide and the most compelling aspects are two different apps called Book Graph and SmartGift. These apps are primarily designed for the desktop computer, but they have a responsive design that are compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
Those unsure of what to give loved ones this season can turn to Barnes & Noble’s new interactive discovery tool, Book Graph. It’s simple: from any desktop computer, shoppers click on a title and Book Graph displays a matrix of titles, allowing them to discover unexpected connections between one book and the next. That’s the magic of Book Graph at work – the discoverability of new book titles allows customers to browse an array of perfect gift options for everyone on their list.
SmartGift allows a customer to send a meaningful gift without worrying if it’s exactly right, because the recipient has the freedom to exchange for a similarly priced item to make it their perfect gift. When you send a gift your recipient will instantly be notified of your gift via email, Facebook, or a gift link you can send directly to them.
Fred Argir, the retailer’s chief digital officer, said these apps “emulate the bookstore experience of browsing, discovery and bookseller knowledge.” He added that they will “help online shoppers find meaningful, smartly curated gifts.”
Barnes and Noble is also heavily hyping their new Nook Glowlight 3. Demo units are available in all 600 bookstores and they can now be purchased for $119. Reviews have been favourable so far and Good e-Reader will be conducting a review next week.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.