Top 10: E-Ink e-readers that support audiobooks

2023. Apple Books launches catalog of AI-narrated audiobooks



In the vast, curious universe of digital storytelling, Apple Books has cheerily decided that the age of human narrators may well be overrated, inaugurating a suite of books narrated by what one might describe as a "digital voice inspired by an actual human"—though admittedly, that human may have been somewhat digitized in the process. This bold, if mildly unsettling, experiment is aimed at the highly lucrative, rapidly ballooning audiobook cosmos, which is otherwise populated by human narrators who possess, one assumes, unique vocal timbres and opinions on the matter. Naturally, some fear this could spell the end for those charmingly flawed carbon-based narrators and has all the trappings of an Apple-sized anti-competition scandal. Within Apple’s sleek and button-free Books app, a simple search for "AI narration" now unveils a cavalcade of these digitally intoned works. And while professional narrators may prepare their pitchforks, it turns out that many authors are already being nudged to narrate their own books, lured by the siren call of upfront payouts and the chance to reach more ears in less time.


2021. Onyx Boox launches an affordable Leaf eReader



Onyx may not be widely known, but the brand produces some of the most dependable gadgets on the market at a reasonable price. Their latest offering is the new 7-inch e-book reader, officially named the Onyx Boox Leaf. This e-reader features a 7-inch display and lacks stylus support. It’s a more lightweight option, weighing only 170 grams, for those who prefer a less cumbersome device. Primarily designed for reading, it allows you to focus on your books. It comes with a lightweight magnetic cover also made by Onyx, enabling you to hold the device like a traditional book and use the page-turn buttons, simulating the experience of flipping through pages. The Leaf e-book reader supports audiobooks and text-to-speech features and connects via Bluetooth, allowing you to pair it with headphones or Bluetooth speakers for enhanced audio. The Onyx Boox Leaf eReader operates on Android 10.

2021. Kobo Elipsa adds Audiobooks support



Kobo has introduced a new software update for their entire range of e-readers, both recent and older models. The most significant change with this update is the inclusion of audiobook support for the 10.3-inch Kobo Elipsa, which was released in June. This means that three of Kobo’s current devices now support audiobooks, including the new Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Sage. Kobo updates are typically rolled out in phases, so you can either wait for the new firmware to automatically download and install during a sync, or it might take several weeks to receive the update.


2016. Pocketbook Announces the InkPad 2



Pocketbook InkPad 2 is a new e-reader that was just unveiled today. This device boasts an 8-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels. It includes a front-lit screen and physical page-turn buttons. The InkPad 2 is equipped with a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. It has 4 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32 GB with a Micro SD card. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is likely to attract users, as it allows for listening to audiobooks and music. This e-reader will be available soon for 199 Euros.


2014. Lock - ebook and audiobook reader for security-concerned organizations



Findaway World, a leading digital content delivery provider of audiobooks and eBooks, today announced the launch of Lock - an eReader solution that allows third parties to offer a custom-curated library of digital content through preloaded and secure eReader devices. Lock provides exceptional customization, enabling any organization, from schools and public libraries to Fortune 500 companies and military or government entities, to deliver tailored content on a device that meets their specific needs. The U.S. Navy is the first Lock customer, having introduced its NeRD eReader earlier this month.


2014. Pocketbook InkPad with Text-to-Speech announced



Ukrainian company Pocketbook has been producing e-readers consistently since 2007 and the company has introduced a new e-reader—the InkPad—that aims to offer more screen real estate with its large eight-inch display. The screen utilizes E Ink Pearl technology and boasts the highest resolution available for such devices—1600×1200 pixels. This high resolution allows you to adjust the font size from very small to very large without losing clarity. A robust 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM ensure smooth page transitions and reliable performance across any application. With 4 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32 GB, you can build an extensive library that’s always within reach. Additionally, it features a 3.5mm headphone jack for listening to audiobooks or music. Pocketbook has also incorporated Text to Speech functionality in this model, enabling books to be read aloud.


2013. Pocketbook announces Pocketbook Touch 2



PocketBook has been relatively silent over the past year while the company underwent business restructuring. Today, PocketBook unveiled a new six-inch device, the PocketBook Touch 2. It features the same HD E Ink Pearl display found on the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo. The resolution is 1024×758 and includes a front-light, which is ideal for reading in low light conditions. It also comes with 256 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage and supports SD cards up to 32 GB. Battery life is expected to be sufficient for up to 7,000 page turns. Additionally, it has an audio jack for listening to audiobooks and music. While PocketBook retains significance in Eastern Europe, it has limited presence in the North American market.