Barnes & Noble may be bailing out of the tablet race, but that doesn't mean they're giving up on distributing digital content. Today the bookseller that also happens to sell movies, school supplies, electronics, and accessories is similarly expanding its media streaming portfolio. The company is hoping to grow its audience with the release of Nook Video into the Play Store.

The Nook Video app is free to download, and customers are able to rent and purchase movies and TV shows without a subscription. The service integrates with UltraViolet, so users can stream their previously purchased UltraViolet-enabled movies. Shoppers can also pick up new Ultra-Violet DVDs or Blu-Ray discs in store and view them using the app when they get home. The interface looks largely the same as the Nook reading app, and the video controls should be familiar to anyone who has owned a Nook tablet.

In the end, we're curious what Barnes & Noble's long term strategy is, considering the company won't be developing future tablets to stream this content to. Only time will tell.

Source: Barnes & Noble