Barnes & Noble launches Wi-Fi version of Nook

NEW YORK: Barnes & Noble Inc introduced a new Wi-Fi version of its "Nook" electronic book reader on Monday and lowered the price on its 3G-compatible Nook amid intensifying competition in the fast growing electronic-books industry.

Barnes & Noble, the No 1 US specialty bookseller by sales, priced the Wi-Fi version of Nook at $149 and reduced the price on its 3G-compatible Nook to $199.

The move comes as Apple Inc's iPad, launched in the spring, has drawn many shoppers to its e-bookstore and as Borders Group Inc gets ready to launch its own e-bookstore.

The Nook also competes with Amazon.com Inc's Kindle. Barnes & Noble launched the Nook in October. Barnes & Noble is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings next Monday.