nookpcBarnes & Noble confirmed today that it has ended support for its Nook apps for Macs and older Windows PCs, focusing instead on Windows 8, iOS, Android and its web app as it grapples with an uncertain future in its competition with Amazon’s Kindle lineup.

The news was reported this morning by the Digital Reader news site and confirmed separately by a Barnes & Noble spokesperson in a message to GeekWire.

It’s a notable development but not a huge surprise, given that the Windows app had never been officially updated for Windows 7, and the Mac app didn’t support the latest versions of Apple’s Mac OS X.

Barnes & Noble said in a statement, “We are no longer supporting NOOK for PC for Windows 2000/XP/Vista. To enjoy the NOOK content on your PC please use the NOOK for Windows 8 App or NOOK for Web.

The company released essentially same statement about the Mac app, directing users to the web app or iOS app for iPhone and iPad.

The Nook business has been struggling to gain traction against the Kindle and other competitors. Some in the industry have predicted the Nook’s demise or a possible acquisition by Microsoft, which already owns a minority share in the Nook business via a $300 million investment last year.

Previously on GeekWire: Microsoft’s $300M Nook deal: One year later, it’s MIA

 

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