Kindle Scribe vs Kobo Elipsa

2023. Kobo releases new update focused on note-taking



Kobo has recently released a firmware update primarily focused on the Kobo Elipsa, introducing several enhancements for note-taking. These updates include the addition of new templates for notes, such as musical sheets and calligraphy, along with the ability to search handwritten notes within a Notebook. In Basic Notebooks, users can now create precise shapes by drawing and holding the pen in place, allowing for the conversion of drawn circles into perfect circles, for instance. Furthermore, the update introduces the Lasso feature in Basic Notebooks, enabling users to move, delete, copy, resize, and convert their handwritten notes into typed text. Users can now conveniently organize their notebooks using folders and safeguard them by enabling the Notebook Backup feature, which saves them on the Kobo Cloud for easy access on kobo.com/notebooks. Moreover, in Advanced Notebooks, it is now possible to adjust line spacing and highlight text using the stylus button. Lastly, the update includes the addition of a brightness icon within Notebooks for improved visibility.


2023. Kindle Scribe can now convert handwritten notes to text



Kindle Scribe has recently received the latest firmware update and one notable feature of this update is the ability to convert handwritten notebooks into text when exporting them. This allows users to conveniently edit and share their notebooks with friends, family, or colleagues via email. Within the Share menu, customers now have the options to "Convert to text and quick send" or "Convert to text and email" their standalone notebook as a .txt file. With the latter option, users can preview, review, and make edits to the converted text before sending it to up to 5 email addresses. Additionally, the new firmware introduces the lasso select tool, which can be used in notebooks, sticky notes, and PDFs uploaded to the Kindle library via the "Send to Kindle" feature. Furthermore, there are improvements in PDF reading capabilities, and a wider selection of books and titles that support direct on-page writing.


2023. Kindle Scribe's notebook gets web-interface



Amazon has introduced a new feature that allows you to access your Notebooks from the Kindle Scribe on the Web. Your Notebooks automatically appear on the webpage when your Kindle Scribe syncs, without any additional steps. The webpage displays all your folders, subfolders, and any notes added to them. To navigate through the notebook pages, you can use the mouse wheel or onscreen arrows. At the top right, there is a sync button to refresh the page, as well as a toggle to switch between list and grid view for the Notebooks. It's worth noting that the newest Notebooks are added to the bottom of the list, unlike the Scribe where they appear at the top. Perhaps sorting options will be added in the future. However, on the webpage, you can only view your notes and cannot edit or reorganize them. It's not possible to right-click and download them as images. Although you can save them as an HTML or PDF file, the functionality is not entirely reliable.


2023. Kindle Scribe now allows to send word documents to Kindle



Amazon recently unveiled numerous new features for its Amazon Kindle Scribe e-note, including the ability to Send to Kindle from Microsoft Word. This function allows users to send documents straight to their Kindle library and read and review them on any Kindle device. However, the feature is particularly useful on the Kindle Scribe, as it allows customers to add annotations directly to the documents. The update means that Microsoft 365 users with a personal, school, or work account can now utilize the Send to Kindle function in Microsoft Word on the desktop app. Those with free Microsoft accounts can access the feature through Word on the web. While Mac users will need to wait for a timeline to be released for Send to Kindle's compatibility with Word for Mac.


2023. Kobo Elipsa 2e adds some useful PDF features



Kobo has released a firmware update for the latest generation of their Kobo Elipsa 2e e-reader. The update includes enhancements to the device's PDF experience, such as the ability to remember the most recent zoom level and position when reopening a PDF. Additionally, the Kobo store now loads faster and allows for quicker browsing by tapping the bottom of the screen. Kobo has placed a strong emphasis on improving the book discovery experience, with recent updates making it more efficient and robust. The update also expands support for more languages, automatically applying new fonts when opening an eBook in languages such as Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Canadian Aboriginal, Devanagari, Greek, Hebrew, Korean, or Tamil. Overall, these improvements demonstrate Kobo's commitment to providing a better user experience for their customers.


2023. Kobo unveiled 2-generation Elipsa 2E e-note and e-reader



Kobo has announced their second-generation Elipsa 2E 10.3-inch e-note and e-reader. Compared to the previous model, it is 45% faster. Illumination has improved the front-light display with the brand-new Confortlight Pro lighting system, which is brighter. The Kobo Pen has been redesigned; it now has an eraser at the top and a single button on the side to do highlights; the pen nib is better to write with since it is 25% lighter. Your notes can now be saved to the Kobo Cloud and viewed on the Kobo website, allowing users to view content and email it to themselves or a 3rd party. Finally, the retail packaging and case are almost 100% recycled, and the device itself is 80% and uses ocean-bound plastic.


2022. Kindle Scribe brings writing to Amazon’s popular e-reader



Amazon has introduced a noteworthy new feature to its Kindle lineup with the Kindle Scribe, allowing users to write directly on the device using a stylus. Priced at $340, this marks the first time Amazon has incorporated this capability since the initial launch of the Kindle in late-2007. While Remarkable and Sony have already introduced similar products such as the DPT-CP1 and DPT-RP1, the Kindle Scribe stands out with its own magnetically attachable stylus, resembling the design seen in many tablets. The stylus operates on electro-magnetic resistance (EMR), eliminating the need for charging and potentially enabling compatibility with other stylus options, although Amazon advises against this, emphasizing their stylus's tailored performance for the Kindle.


2021. Kobo Elipsa adds Audiobooks support



Kobo has rolled out a new software update that covers their entire range of ereaders, both old and new. The notable highlight of this update is the inclusion of audiobook support for the 10.3-inch Kobo Elipsa, which was introduced in June. As a result, three of Kobo's current devices now offer audiobook functionality, including the recently released Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Sage. Kobo updates are typically delivered through automatic downloads during syncing, but they are gradually rolled out in phases, meaning it may take a few weeks for all users to receive the update.


2021. Kobo released Elipsa - 10.3 inch e-note and e-reader



Kobo is set to launch the Kobo Elipsa, a new 10.3-inch e-reader and e-notepad device. Priced at $399, it includes a sleepcover and a stylus. While Kobo markets it primarily as a notepad, it functions effectively as both a notepad and an e-reader. Users can write on e-books and PDFs, and it features a new note app with Dropbox import and export capabilities. One interesting aspect is that it doesn't utilize a Wacom touchscreen like most other e-notes, which likely contributed to its competitive pricing. Kobo will face tough competition in the e-note industry from established players like Sony, Onyx Boox, Boyue, Remarkable, Supernote, as well as numerous Chinese retailers such as Hanvon and Bigme. The Elipsa's advantage lies in its Linux-based operating system, enabling it to operate efficiently with a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a smaller battery.