Kobo Clara vs Kobo Forma

2024. Kobo releases new firmware for Colour e-readers



Kobo has released a new software update for its three latest e-readers, the Clara Colour, Libra Colour and the Clara BW, known for their superior performance and affordability. While details about the updates are scarce, Kobo has mentioned stability enhancements and bug fixes. However, this attention to the latest models underscores a prolonged period without updates for other Kobo e-readers. The update rollout begins today, promising availability to all users within a few days. Updating is straightforward - simply press the sync button. Alternatively, for those inclined, the latest firmware patches are accessible on our site. Select your model, download the file to your PC or MAC, connect your e-reader via USB-C cable, transfer the file to the root folder and reboot your device to access the new features and enhancements.


2024. Kobo has introduced the Kobo Clara BW E-reader



Kobo is introducing the Kobo Clara BW, an enhanced black-and-white e-reader designed for an immersive reading experience. With its 6-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD screen and full waterproof protection, reading becomes effortless. Powered by a MediaTek processor MT8113L, the device allows seamless access to Kobo's extensive library of audiobooks and ebooks. Enjoy your favorite titles via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, compatible with earbuds, headphones, or external speakers. The USB-C port facilitates easy content transfer and charging. With a low-end 1,500 mAh battery, compact dimensions of 112 x 160 x 9.2 mm and weighing just 174 g, it offers portability without compromise. Priced at $129.99 (USD), the Kobo Clara BW could be your perfect companion for endless reading adventures.


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.


2022. Kobo's new waterproof Clara 2E e-reader takes on Kindle



Kobo is introducing a new waterproof e-reader - the Kobo Clara 2E, which could challenge Amazon's Kindle e-readers. The device features an exterior crafted from over 85 percent recycled plastic, with 10 percent of it reportedly sourced from ocean-bound materials. The Kobo Clara 2E includes Bluetooth technology for audiobooks, offers 60 minutes of water resistance in up to two meters of water and provides more storage for your eBooks than earlier Kobo models (16GB). It boasts a six-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 glare-free display with dark mode and blue light reduction and promises weeks-long battery life. Priced at $150, it is less expensive than the company's previous Forma model but costlier than the Nia model. Additionally, Kobo's SleepCovers for the device are made from recycled polyester with an inner microfibre lining created from 40 percent recycled plastic water bottles — available in colors like Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Coral Reef Orange and Sea Glass Green.


2022. Kobo Clara HD 2 will be available soon



Kobo is set to release a new e-reader in the coming months—Kobo Clara 2, the second generation of their highly popular 300 PPI e-book reader. The new model will feature a six-inch E INK Carta 1200 display panel, which will enhance page-turning speed and overall performance. It will have a 300 PPI screen, a front-lit display and a candlelight color temperature system. Notably, this model will be the first e-reader globally to use the new E Ink ComfortGaze technology, which reduces blue light with a decreased Blue Light Ratio (BLR) and Blue Light Toxicity Factor (BLTF) by up to 60% and 24%, respectively. BLR refers to the proportion of toxic blue light to total blue light output, while BLTF indicates the ratio of brightness to harmful blue light.


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.)


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.


2018. New Kobo Clara HD is an affordable Kindle competitor



After months of speculation, Canadian e-book reader manufacturer Kobo has unveiled its latest device, the Kobo Clara HD. This reader is the first budget-friendly model released by the company in nearly three years. Despite being one of Kobo’s more economical options, it boasts some quite notable features. The Kobo Clara HD features a 6-inch Cara E Ink screen with a 300ppi resolution. It includes a substantial 8GB of storage, which can hold approximately 6,000 e-books. Unless you're a heavy user, the battery is expected to last for several weeks. One of the most exciting additions to the Kobo Clara HD is ComfortLight Pro. Instead of using traditional technology to illuminate most E Ink screens, ComfortLight Pro employs orange and red LEDs for lighting, reducing your exposure to blue light. While the Clara HD is not the first Kobo e-reader to feature this technology, it is the most affordable one available.