Nook App for Windows 8 and Two Other Stories You Need to Know

Welcome to this morning’s edition of “First To Know,” a series in which we keep you in the know on what’s happening in the digital world. Today, we’re looking at three particularly interesting stories.

B&N Launches Nook Reading App for Windows 8

Barnes & Noble has launched a Nook reading application for Windows 8, bringing 3 million titles to users of Microsoft’s latest desktop OS. The app also runs on Windows RT devices, and lets users read books, magazines, newspapers and comics.
The app is available in the Windows Store.

Google Updates Transparency Report

Google has updated its Transparency Report, detailing the percentage of user data requests it complies with in various countries. Topping the list is the U.S., where Google complied with 90% of requests. Hungary, Russia and Turkey are on the other end of the spectrum; in these countries, Google complied with zero requests to hand over user data.

RIM Launches BlackBerry Messenger 7 Beta

RIM has launched the beta version of BlackBerry Messenger 7, which includes free voice calls to other BBM users over a Wi-Fi connection.
Another interesting new feature is integration with a customer’s BlackBerry ID; this will back up their BBM profile, groups and contacts, making the switch to a new BlackBerry 10 device easier.