The Nook Developer program just shifted into a higher gear today, adding new services and developer tools.  Some of you may recall the program kicking off back in the fall right when the Nook Color came on the scene. So what’s new for developers?  They now get access to developer mode services for debugging apps, the ability to chat up B&N experts, and early looks at upcoming tools.

We also learn that games and apps from the Nook distribution model will be in line with other, similar services. B&N will take 30 percent from the purchases of paid apps while developers are still free to offer up free (trial) apps.

As many of know, the NOOK Color has become the preferred eReader for Android enthusiasts, many of whom re-purpose the device into a functional ‘tablet’. A sizable update is on the calendar for this Spring where Flash, Android 2.2 and presumably, the app store, will arrive.