Google Play Books vs Kobo

2023. Google Reading Insights allows to track your kid’s reading habits



Google has introduced a new feature in Google Play Books called Reading Insights, which serves as a tool for parents to monitor their children's reading activities. This feature, conveniently integrated into the Family Link app along with other parental control tools, enables parents to track their children's book choices and their progress in specific titles. By using Reading Insights, parents can access various information, such as the recent books their children have read, their most frequently read books, their reading frequency, and the extent to which they have progressed in a particular title. This comprehensive overview allows parents to gain a better understanding of their children's reading habits. Furthermore, the Reading Insights feature also supports tracking audiobook titles.


2023. Google Play Books app adds new book management feature



Google Play Books app has recently introduced a significant enhancement to its redesigned library management system, with the aim of making the organization of your book collection simpler. One notable improvement is the ability to handle multiple books at the same time, allowing users to easily select and manage numerous titles together. Now, actions like adding books to shelves, marking them as finished, or removing downloaded copies from devices can be done in bulk. To aid in efficient book discovery, Google has implemented various filtering options. Users can now filter books by genre, author, reading age (particularly beneficial for children's books), and family library status. These filters make it effortless to quickly identify specific books based on personal preferences.


2023. 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. Google Play Books now offering new Reading Practice tool for kids



Google Play Books is introducing a new feature called Reading Practice in the United States, which aims to assist young readers in improving their comprehension skills using children's e-books. This feature will be accessible through the Google Play Books Android app and Google Kids Space. With Reading Practice, children will be able to enhance their vocabulary by tapping on words to hear their pronunciation and child-friendly definition. For early readers, a text tracker will highlight the words as they read aloud, allowing them to practice any missed or mispronounced words at the end of each page. The majority of books on Google Play Books will include Reading Practice, ensuring easy access to this valuable tool. Google Play is committed to creating family-oriented products and services that support children in learning and exploring technology safely. The goal is to provide parents with the necessary tools and flexibility to encourage reading in their children while fostering healthy and positive digital habits.


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. Google Play Books adds a Wish List



Google Play Books is rolling out an update for its Android app, introducing a convenient wish list feature accessible through the main navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, alongside the Home, Library, and Shop buttons. This dedicated wish list option is designed specifically for Play Books, allowing users to add desired titles for future purchase, which can be viewed at any time. Clicking on a title in the wish list will redirect users to the respective Google Play Books entry, enabling them to download a sample or make a purchase. The Play Books app has been a popular choice among users for both buying and reading books, as it offers a seamless in-app purchase experience. However, in recent months, the company has revised its billing policy, imposing a 30% charge on developers for each in-app transaction. As a result, this change has compelled Audible, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble to remove the ability to purchase content, transforming their apps into consumption-only platforms.


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.


2021. Google Play Books now has new tools to make reading easier for kids



Google Play Books has introduced a set of new tools designed to simplify the reading experience for children. With the Read & Listen feature, books can be read aloud to kids, allowing for both manual page-turning or automatic progression. The Tap to Read feature enables word pronunciation by simply tapping on any selected word, providing a description and often an accompanying illustration to enhance understanding. Additionally, a Kid-Friendly Dictionary is available to offer simplified explanations of word meanings, further supporting the learning process and ensuring a comprehensive understanding for young readers.


2021. Google Play Books will help kids to learn to read



To facilitate the learning process for young children, Google Play Books has introduced several new features. Firstly, it allows children to listen to books being read aloud, enhancing their auditory learning experience. Moreover, kids can now tap on individual words within the books to hear them spoken out loud, aiding in vocabulary development. Additionally, Google Play Books offers access to thousands of kid-friendly definitions, with many definitions accompanied by illustrations to enhance comprehension and foster learning. Google states that most of their children's books are equipped with these new reading tools. Parents can also download a free sample of any children's book to confirm if the reading tools are enabled for that particular title before making a purchase.


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. Google Play allows to rent ebooks



Google Play has recently introduced a new ebook rental system. This system quietly launched last week, offering approximately 200 titles from Open Road Media. The rental prices range from $1 to $2, and the rental period lasts for 3 days, providing ample time to avidly devour most of the available romance, thriller, and science-fiction novels. However, it's important to note that the Google Play rental system is currently limited to customers in the United States. It remains uncertain whether this system is being tested to assess consumer feedback or if it signifies a broader effort to enter the rental market in collaboration with other publishers.


2019. Google Play Books adds custom shelves, shelf icons



Google Play Books has introduced Beta Features, granting users early access to experimental functionalities. The initial set of features includes customized bookshelves, enabling users to organize their books in any way they prefer. The availability of searching and sorting options allows for quick retrieval of specific books or sorting the library based on different criteria. Additionally, the Ready to Read feature presents a new shelf displaying books that users haven't finished, facilitating easy resumption from where they left off. Initially, these beta features are accessible through the desktop browser and will subsequently extend to Android and iOS platforms.


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.


2019. Google Play Books gets redesign on Android



Play Books has received an update from Google, featuring a new material design that enhances its visual appeal and promotes a more streamlined and minimalist look. The focus of the redesign is primarily on aesthetics, with hollow iconography, predominantly white backgrounds, and the implementation of Google/Product Sans fonts. Both the carousel on the home screen and the bookstore have been made smaller and more compact, aligning with this new design. While the reading experience within the app has undergone minimal changes, some users may find the slight adjustments less favorable for accessibility. Certain text elements have reduced in size, and interactive components are also smaller. However, as an ebook reader, users have the option to customize the font sizes according to their preferences.


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. Google Audiobooks gets Trim Silences feature



Google Play Books has recently introduced a new feature known as Trim Silences, available exclusively for listening to audiobooks purchased from Google. This functionality automatically shortens extended pauses between words or sentences. While professional audiobooks typically have these pauses removed by default, Trim Silences proves particularly valuable for certain small presses and independent authors who may have unintentional longer pauses.