Kindle Oasis vs Kobo Forma

2023. Pocket updates support for Kobo e-readers



News and article reading service Pocket has announced that Kobo e-readers will no longer be supported. The reason is that in order to improve security all Pocket accounts are migrated to Firefox accounts. This news caused great indignation among Kobo users and the developers of Pocket decided to solve the problem anyway. Sarah Vasquez, the Senior Manager, Communication at Mozilla, told Good e-Reader in an exclusive statement, “Kobo is aiming to update the Pocket login on their e-readers to support Firefox accounts. The exact timing is to be determined. However, Pocket’s existing Kobo users will not be affected nor lose access to their accounts.


2022. New Kobo software update added a pinch-zooming gesture



Kobo has launched a new software update for their range of Kobo e-readers, compatible with all models dating back to the original Kobo Touch (excluding, as usual, the overlooked Kobo Mini). The update introduces a pinch-zoom gesture for adjusting font size and adds another useful gesture that lets you swiftly access the last three recently read books by swiping down from the top of the screen. Additionally, they've included a couple of new font options designed for digital reading: Rakuten Sans and Rakuten Serif. The interface now supports three additional languages: Czech, Polish and Romanian. There’s also a new Recently Viewed list that displays ebooks you've recently browsed in the Kobo store, which can be turned off in the settings.


2021. Kobo released Sage and Libra 2 with Bluetooth and stylus support



A pair of new e-readers from Kobo advance the company’s premium lineup, introducing Bluetooth audiobook and stylus support to the familiar asymmetrical design of its larger devices. The Sage and Libra 2 also feature a new charging cover, allowing you to plug in the device only every few months instead of every few weeks. The Sage is the more advanced of the two models, representing an evolution of the Forma. The impressive 8″, 300 PPI screen and color-adjustable front light remain the same, ensuring a continued excellent reading experience. Similarly, the Libra 2 is the successor to the Libra H2O (dropping the H2O designation, but it remains waterproof), with the same type of display and light at 7″ instead. (For a smaller option, the Clara is still the top choice.)


2019. Kindle update makes page turn speed faster



Amazon has released a new firmware update for the majority of their Kindle e-Ink e-readers, including the Oasis 2, Paperwhite 4 and Voyage. Version 5.10.3 claims to enhance performance issues, though it doesn't specify precisely what that entails. In my experience, this update significantly improves page turn speed with swipes or taps, which should be beneficial for avid ebook readers. Additionally, ebooks now open more quickly. This update is expected to be delivered over Wi-Fi in the coming days.


2018. Kobo Forma e-Reader gets first major update



Kobo has just released their first major update for the Kobo Forma e-reader, addressing several ongoing issues such as Wi-Fi reliability and manga performance improvements. Now, while reading, you can use a page-turn button to navigate one page forward or backward and press and hold the button to flip through pages quickly. Kobo has also made the e-reader adaptable for both left-handed and right-handed users. Simply hold your Kobo Forma in either hand and the screen will automatically adjust. You can now read in either landscape or portrait mode—just rotate your device to read in any orientation. To lock the orientation while reading, tap the center of the page to open the menu, then select the rotation icon in the header (you can still hold the device in either hand).


2018. Kobo Forma - e-Ink reader with IPX8 case



Kobo has introduced a new eBook reader called the Kobo Forma. It’s Kobo’s most advanced e-reader to date and surpasses the Kindle Oasis in several aspects. It features a similar design to the Kindle Oasis with page buttons on one side of the screen and a contoured back (but without the wedge). You can read in both portrait and landscape modes and the screen can be set to rotate automatically. The Kobo Forma boasts an 8-inch screen and is waterproof. You can borrow eBooks directly from Overdrive, which helps save money over time. It also includes ComfortLight technology to reduce the bright white screen when reading at night. The Forma’s adjustable front light is gentle on your eyes and gradually decreases blue light exposure, helping you read before bed and then fall asleep easily. This e-reader has an IPX8 rating and is waterproof for up to 60 minutes. Additionally, the Forma comes with the popular library app OneDrive pre-installed, allowing you to easily connect your library account to the e-reader.


2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma



Kobo has introduced a new e-reader called the Forma, the latest enhancement in the company’s line of e-ink devices. The Forma boasts an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink screen, a new ergonomic design, waterproofing, weeks of battery life and a range of other new features. One of the most notable aspects is the new design, which includes an ergonomic grip on the side of the device that provides a fresh look while also making it more comfortable to hold. There are also several buttons on the right edge of the Forma that make page-turning effortless, especially compared to tapping or swiping on a touchscreen. The device weighs 197g, about 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One. Despite its lightweight design, the e-reader remains robust, with Kobo claiming it can endure a two-meter drop. Additionally, the device can be submerged in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes thanks to its IPX8 rating. The Forma starts at $299.99 CAD for the 8GB version.


2017. Amazon's Kindle Oasis gets big and waterproof



Amazon is revamping its flagship e-reader Kindle Oasis in a dramatic fashion. It is Amazon’s largest Kindle e-reader to date, featuring a 7-inch display. It’s also the company's first waterproof model. It’s remarkably, almost paper-thin on one side (0.13 inches) and then expands significantly to a third of an inch on the other side to house the battery. Amazon has also boosted the number of over-the-screen LED lights to 12 (up from 10) for more even illumination. Another major update is the integration of the Audible audiobook service. Although Amazon owns Audible, it had never been included in the Kindle before. Now, you can browse and purchase Audible books directly on the device. Additionally, the starting price of the Kindle Oasis is now $249 with 8 GB of storage.


2016. Amazon unveils new Kindle Oasis



The new Amazon Kindle Oasis is the smallest and lightest Kindle to date and features a handle for gripping. It gets closer to the feel of a real book with a thickness of just 3.4 mm at its thinnest point and the new one-sided handle is designed to mimic holding the spine of a book while reading. The device includes two buttons for navigating pages forward and backward. It’s unusual to see buttons reintroduced after moving away from keyboards and buttons in previous generations. However, according to Amazon, users simply prefer buttons, so they are making a return. The WiFi version of the Oasis will be priced at $289 and the 3G version will be available for $359.