Kobo alternatives

Here are the latest news about Kobo:

06.06.23. Kobo app for iPad App now allows to add handwritten notes to eBooks



Kobo's iPad app now supports the addition of handwritten notes to ebooks. By using an Apple Pencil, you can write directly on Kobo ebooks. If an Apple Pencil is not available, the app also allows you to write with your finger. The app includes standard Apple writing tools such as pens, pencils, highlighters, a lasso tool, an eraser, a ruler, and the ability to switch between different colors. It's worth noting that handwritten notes and highlights made in the iPad app are visible in the annotations list of the Kobo Elipsa 2E (including the first generation Elipsa) and the Kobo Sage. However, they do not appear on the actual pages of the ebooks; they are only visible in the annotations list. Furthermore, these handwritten notes and highlights are not displayed on Kobo ereaders that do not support handwriting.


2023. Kobo launched e-book and audiobook subscription service Kobo Plus



Kobo has announced the launch of its Kobo Plus subscription service in the US and UK. Similar to Kindle Unlimited, subscribers can pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to a select library of e-books and audiobooks. Kobo’s Kobo Plus catalog currently features over 1.3 million e-books and over 100,000 audiobooks, with additional titles being added each month. Kobo Plus offers separate plans for e-books and audiobooks, allowing subscribers to choose one or both services based on their preferences. Kobo Plus is available for a monthly subscription fee. For the e-book and audiobook plan, the cost is $9.99 per month in the US and €12.99 GBP per month in the UK. Alternatively, customers can choose to subscribe only to e-books or audiobooks, with prices of $7.99 per month and €9.99 GBP per month in the US and UK, respectively. On the other hand, Kindle Unlimited costs $9.99 per month in the US without separate plans for e-books and audiobooks.


2023. Kobo launches Web Reader



Kobo has introduced its Kobo Web Reader, which differs from Kindle Cloud Reader in its approach. Instead of having a separate dedicated site, Kobo has integrated the web reader functionality within the Kobo.com website. Users are required to log in to the Kobo.com website using their existing e-reader or tablet login credentials. By clicking on "My Account" near the top of the screen and then navigating to "My Books," any book with a "Read Now" option beneath its title can be accessed and read using the web reader. The Kobo Web Reader is compatible with Safari, Chrome, and Firefox browsers, and it also functions on mobile devices. To assist users in getting started and understanding the features, Kobo has developed a dedicated help and tutorial page.


2022. Kobo software update adds Sideloaded mode



Kobo has released firmware version 4.31, which is a relatively minor update focusing on language support and bug fixes, while also aiming to enhance battery life for the Kobo Sage. Interestingly, one notable addition not mentioned in the release notes is the introduction of Sideloaded Mode, enabling users to utilize a Kobo ereader without the need for signing in. This feature was brought to attention by Davidfor at MobileRead, who provided an explanation of its functionality. Typically, Kobo updates are automatically downloaded and installed during syncing, but they are rolled out gradually, so it may take a few weeks before all users receive the update.


2020. Kobo e-readers now include a Notes icon for quick access



A new firmware update, version 4.25.15875, has been released by Kobo for all their e-readers except the Kobo Mini. This update brings several notable enhancements. Firstly, a new Chinese dictionary has been included. Additionally, users now have the ability to delete annotations or modify them by tapping the edit button. For Kobo devices with the Forma or Libra Sleep Cover, the device will properly enter sleep mode when the cover is closed. In ebooks, an icon is now displayed in the margin for all annotations. Tapping on the icon will open a popup displaying the associated notes. Users have the option to delete annotations or make changes by tapping the edit button. It's important to note that the icon will only be visible if the margins are wide enough to accommodate it.


2020. Kobo introduces ebook discovery



Kobo has introduced a new firmware update for most of its readers (excluding Kobo Mini), bringing a range of enhancements. These include improved ebook discovery and a new clock feature. With this update, accessing and discovering more books or returning to the Home screen requires fewer taps. By tapping on "More," you can explore additional options such as reading activity, settings, and help articles. Additionally, you now have the ability to scroll through your book list. The clock can be found in the upper left corner when you are on the home screen, library, and the store (labeled as "discover" tab). It also appears while reading an open book.


2020. All Kobo e-readers can now access cloud storage



While the Kobo Forma remains the sole e-reader officially supported by Dropbox, it also happens to be the most expensive option, leaving many individuals content with their existing devices that continue to function perfectly well. However, an independent app developer has recently introduced a solution called Kobo Cloud software, enabling users to connect their e-readers to various cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, NextCloud, and pCloud. To get started, simply visit the Kobo Cloud Github page and follow the straightforward instructions. The process involves two primary steps: connecting your Kobo e-reader to your computer, copying the necessary files to the root folder of your device, and subsequently restarting it. Afterwards, you can edit the configuration file to include your preferred cloud storage provider, with Dropbox or Google Drive being the popular choices among most users.


2019. Kobo Plus introduced audiobooks



The ebook subscription platform Kobo Plus has recently expanded its offerings to include audiobooks and introduced new subscription tiers. Initially available only in the Netherlands, Kobo has been treating Kobo Plus as a testing ground for future expansion into other countries. Users can now opt for a €9.99 per month subscription to access unlimited ebooks, or choose a €8.99 per month subscription specifically for audiobooks. For those who wish to enjoy both formats, there is a combined subscription available at €12.99 per month. Kobo Plus currently provides access to an audiobook library comprising approximately 20,000 titles, including both English and Dutch options.


2019. Kobo WIFI E-Reader is losing access to the Kobo Bookstore



Starting from February 28, Rakuten Kobo has ceased support for the Kobo Wifi, one of their older e-readers. Consequently, this device will no longer receive software updates and won't be able to connect to the Kobo eBookstore. As the popularity of this e-reader has significantly diminished over time, Kobo has decided against releasing critical security updates for it. Originally released in 2010 as Kobo's second e-reader, the Kobo Wifi has undergone numerous updates throughout its lifespan but has now officially reached the end of its supported life. While direct book purchases from the Kobo bookstore are no longer possible on the Kobo Wifi, users can still access their library and manually load their own books onto the device.


2018. Walmart and Kobo launched online e-book and audiobook store



Walmart has joined forces with Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce giant, to introduce a platform for selling audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers alongside its existing collection of physical books. The newly launched site, named Walmart eBooks, offers access to an extensive library of over 6 million titles, encompassing New York Times best-sellers, indie publications, and children's books. In a move reminiscent of Amazon's Audible, Walmart is also introducing a monthly audiobook subscription service. Notably, Walmart's pricing strategy aims to undercut its competitor. While Audible subscriptions start at $14.95 per month for a single audiobook, Walmart offers a subscription at only $9.99 per month for the same service. Additionally, Walmart will retail Rakuten's Kobo e-readers both online and in physical stores, further expanding the range of options available to customers.


2018. Kobo app gets new comic viewer



The Kobo app for iOS has recently undergone a significant update, particularly beneficial for digital comic readers. This update introduces a brand new comic viewer, granting users the flexibility to read comics both horizontally and vertically. Moreover, it offers convenient navigation options, allowing readers to browse through pages or view comics in a grid format. An interesting addition is the ability to open comics even before they are fully downloaded. Additionally, the update includes an animated page-turning feature, providing users with a sneak peek of what awaits on the next page. It's worth noting that while Kobo does not boast an extensive selection of comics, as most of their content comes from their Writing Life self-publishing platform, their catalog lacks offerings from major publishers such as DC, Image, and Marvel. Given this, it seems peculiar that Kobo is expanding its comic book support while their collection remains limited.


2017. Kobo launched Audio Bookstore



Kobo has introduced an audiobook bookstore offering individual audiobook purchases as well as a subscription-based model. Remarkably, their entire audiobook collection is powered by Overdrive, marking their first venture into the audiobook subscription realm. To support this new offering, Kobo has updated their Android and iOS apps, providing users with a fully functional audiobook player. Android users can make purchases and enjoy their audiobook content directly on the app. However, iOS users are limited to listening to titles they have already purchased or redeemed with credits. The Kobo audiobooks service is currently available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99.


2017. Kobo will discontinue PDF Files support



Kobo has recently announced that, starting from November 1st, 2017, they will discontinue the option to download PDF files from their online store. This change will primarily impact self-publishers and legacy content that was exclusively available in PDF format. In such rare instances, Kobo will automatically convert PDF files to EPUB/KEPUB formats. In the event that specific titles encounter formatting issues during the conversion process, Kobo will send out email notifications containing a detailed breakdown of the books that failed to undergo successful conversion.


2017. Kobo Plus - unlimited e-Book subscription program



Kobo has recently launched a new unlimited e-book subscription program called Kobo Plus. The initial availability of this program is limited to the Netherlands and Belgium. For a monthly fee of €9.99, readers gain access to a library of 40,000 titles, including 16,000 books in the Dutch language. This e-book subscription platform is a collaborative effort between Bol and Kobo. Bol.com introduced digital reading in the Netherlands and Belgium five years ago and has since experienced remarkable growth. In addition to the 1.2 million eReaders sold in the Netherlands, customers can also enjoy digital reading on tablets and smartphones. The selection of available eBooks has significantly expanded over the past few years, with one in seven non-fiction books sold in the Netherlands being in digital format.


2016. Kobo Cloud Reader is discontinued



The Kobo Instant Reader, Kobo's web-based reading interface, has recently been officially discontinued. Clicking on the link now redirects users to the company's general app page. Similarly, the Nook Cloud Reader has also been abandoned following the launch of the new Barnes and Noble website in the previous summer. Both of these online reading apps were developed in 2012 as a response to Apple's policy requiring in-app purchases to be processed through their own financial system, rather than by individual app developers. However, these apps failed to gain significant traction primarily because they were not actively promoted by their respective companies. Consequently, they remained relatively obscure for several years until they were silently discontinued. As of now, the Kindle Cloud Reader remains the sole online reading app that continues to be maintained and available for public use.


2016. Kobo released reading app for kids



Kobo has recently launched a new standalone app for Android called Kobo Kids. This app serves as both an e-reading platform and an online shopping system, offering a wide selection of e-books and graphic novels. In 2013, Kobo introduced a children's portal on their web store to highlight comics, graphic novels, and e-books specifically for kids. However, this marks the first time the company has developed a dedicated app to showcase these offerings. The Kobo Kids app features a vibrant and engaging interface, featuring genre-based icons such as space, dinosaurs, animals, classics, superheroes, and more. When a specific genre is selected, the app displays a range of titles with previews available. It's important to note that children cannot make purchases independently; instead, parents are responsible for purchasing the content. However, once a sample is downloaded, it becomes much easier for parents to make a purchase decision.


2015. Kobo launched free ebook platform for Southwest Airlines passengers



Kobo has launched an e-reading platform exclusively for Southwest Airlines passengers, joining the trend of various initiatives aimed at providing ebooks to travelers. This platform offers approximately 140 free ebooks, a collection that Kobo plans to expand in the future. Among these ebooks, about 85% are full-text editions, while the remaining 15% are samples of titles that readers can purchase after their flight. Kobo's in-flight e-reading platform reflects the ongoing emphasis on curated ebook discovery, as publishers and retailers strive to deliver the most suitable content to readers at the right moment. This move aligns with the broader efforts of Kobo's parent company, Rakuten, to expand its global ebook business. The acquisition of library distributor OverDrive earlier this year marked Rakuten's recognition of ebooks as a significant growth area.


2014. Kobo offers ebook catalog on third-party e-Ink readers



Kobo has introduced a new initiative that allows E Ink's hardware partners to offer their customers access to Kobo's extensive catalogue of over four million eBooks. By integrating Kobo's reader application, hardware partners now have the opportunity to incorporate a digital book solution into their offerings or expand their existing collections, providing users with titles from various popular genres on their devices. This initiative extends beyond Kobo's line of E Ink eReaders, as the Kobo bookstore is now available on selected Sony Reader devices, as well as popular smartphones and tablets through Kobo's free eReading apps. Consequently, E Ink's hardware partners can offer their customers access to a wide range of eBooks without the need to invest in creating an online library. These partners will have the flexibility to negotiate contracts and revenue sharing arrangements directly with Kobo, facilitating a seamless integration of digital books into their product offerings.


2014. Kobo adds Marvel Comics to its library



In an exciting collaboration, more than 250 of Marvel's digital comics are now available on the Kobo platform. Among these titles are comics from popular franchises with dedicated fan bases, including The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. While this partnership may not signify a major shift in the landscape of fixed-layout and illustrated ebooks, it offers Super Hero enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to enjoy these captivating illustrated eBooks on various Kobo devices. For instance, the full-color Kobo Arc 10HD Android tablet provides an immersive reading experience. Additionally, free reading apps compatible with most popular tablets and smartphones allow users to access these illustrated eBooks on the go. This collaboration represents a modest vote of confidence in the ebook format by Kobo, while also expanding its presence in a domain primarily dominated by ComiXology, which was acquired by Amazon earlier this year.


2014. Kobo adds books for kids from Reading Eggs



Kobo has partnered with Reading Eggs to offer over 120 children's eBooks to Kobo Readers worldwide. This collaboration marks the first time that the popular Reading Eggs eBooks are available in a digital format beyond the Reading Eggs program, and they are exclusively accessible on Kobo. The Reading Eggs program, developed by a team of experienced educational teachers, writers, and developers, focuses on essential reading skills and strategies, including phonics and word memorization. By aligning with school curricula, the program supports children's learning and aims to enhance their academic performance.


2014. Sony gives its e-reader business to Kobo



Sony has made the decision to divest its unprofitable ventures, including the VIAO notebook business, TV business, and its e-book platform. While Sony's exit from the e-book market was anticipated, given its smaller market share compared to industry giants like Amazon, Google, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, it still leaves an impact. The Sony Reader store will be closing down in the coming month. However, Sony ensures that owners of Sony Readers need not worry about their purchased content as accounts and existing libraries will be seamlessly migrated to Kobo, a platform compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as Android hardware. Notably, as part of the arrangement, Kobo's Android app will come pre-installed on Xperia devices. Regarding Reader hardware, it seemed destined for discontinuation in the US market since October of the previous year, when Sony removed the Reader section entirely from its website and classified existing models as discontinued.


2013. Kobo updates its digital publishing service Aquafadas



Kobo has recently unveiled updates to its digital publishing platform for iPad and Android tablets, known as Aquafadas. The platform now offers support for iOS 7, enabling publishers to add premium enrichments to their digital content. These enrichments include incorporating real-world physics, providing a more immersive reading experience. Additionally, Aquafadas has introduced various enhancements for creating interactive books on Android devices. Publishers now have the ability to add physical properties to design elements and create animations that respond to the tablet's accelerometer, allowing for interactive books to be developed without the need for coding. Furthermore, there is a new option to control HTML animations within the pages, overcoming certain limitations on iOS and enabling multiple animations to play simultaneously.


2013. Kobo stops showing Goodreads ratings and reviews



As you may recall, Amazon completed its acquisition of the book-review social network Goodreads in March. Consequently, it is unsurprising that Kobo has ceased using the Goodreads API on its website and apps. This means that Kobo book pages will no longer display Goodreads ratings and reviews. It appears that this decision was made by Kobo rather than Goodreads or Amazon. Michael Tamblyn, Kobo's chief content officer, mentioned to Good E-reader that there is a possibility of Kobo reintegrating the Goodreads API in the future. However, this move highlights the risk of relying on an API provided by a competing retailer. It is worth noting that Goodreads itself encountered a similar predicament in the past. In early 2012, it shifted from utilizing Amazon's API for book data to relying on Ingram, a book wholesaler, instead. Currently, Goodreads states that it combines metadata from various sources including Ingram, WorldCat, and ONIX feeds.


2013. Kobo launches ereading app for BlackBerry 10



Since its initial launch in March 2010, Kobo has continuously expanded its reach in the e-reading market. Today, Kobo has exciting news to share as it announces the availability of its free eReading application for BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphone users. This app empowers readers to access a vast collection of over 3.5 million books from Kobo's eBookstore, allowing them to browse, shop, and carry their favorite titles wherever they go. Furthermore, the app offers a convenient feature that automatically synchronizes the reader's library across all their devices. With Kobo's eReading app, readers gain the ability to effortlessly organize their library, create personalized bookshelves, search within books, highlight important text, and take notes while enjoying the eBook experience. Additionally, readers can rate and review books and explore the opinions of other fellow readers.