The Barnes & Noble Nook HD and Nook HD+ aren't exactly the freshest Android tablets around, but starting today the two tablets will begin receiving an update that will make a pretty substantial new feature. Barnes & Noble announced today that it's rolling out an update to both slates that will bring access to the Google Play Store and all of the apps and content contained within. Previously, Nook HD and Nook HD+ owners could only get content through B&N's own app store. 

In addition to gaining support for Google Play, the update will also bring Google's various mobile services onto the Nook HD and Nook HD+. That includes Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, Google Search and Google Maps.

Nook HD and Nook HD+ owners should start to see this Google Play-packin' update starting today, May 3. Users that don't feel like waiting around for the update to roll out over the air can also install it manually by hitting up Barnes & Noble's website. Considering that the update brings with it access to over 700,000 apps in Google Play as well as Google's own various apps, I wouldn't blame you Nook HD and Nook HD+ owners for wanting to grab them as soon as possible. Manual download links and installation instructions can be found here for the Nook HD and here for the Nook HD+. Happy updating!

Via Barnes & Noble