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Kobo Libra vs Nook GlowLight
Last updated: July 10, 2023
The Kobo Libra and Nook GlowLight are two popular eReader devices that offer distinct features and experiences for book lovers.
In terms of display, the Kobo Libra features a 7-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display with a resolution of 1680 x 1264 pixels. It provides a comfortable reading experience with sharp text and crisp graphics. The Libra also includes ComfortLight PRO technology, allowing users to adjust the front light for reading in various lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Nook GlowLight typically features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen display with a resolution of 167 pixels per inch (ppi). It offers a sharp and clear display with a built-in front light for reading in low-light settings.
When it comes to software and ecosystem, the Kobo Libra is closely integrated with the Kobo ecosystem. It provides access to the Kobo eBookstore, personalized recommendations, and features like Pocket integration for saving articles and web content. The Libra supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, making it compatible with a wide range of content sources. It also offers features like customizable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking. The Nook GlowLight, on the other hand, is closely tied to Barnes & Noble's ecosystem. It provides access to the Nook eBookstore and offers features like B&N Readouts for browsing book excerpts and recommendations. The GlowLight supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, and offers features like adjustable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking.
In terms of design and build, the Kobo Libra has a unique asymmetrical design that provides a comfortable grip for extended reading sessions. It features physical page-turn buttons and a touchscreen interface for easy navigation. The Libra is also lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry around. The Nook GlowLight has a compact and lightweight design, optimized for comfortable one-handed use. It typically features a physical home button and a touchscreen interface for navigation.
In terms of display, the Kobo Libra features a 7-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display with a resolution of 1680 x 1264 pixels. It provides a comfortable reading experience with sharp text and crisp graphics. The Libra also includes ComfortLight PRO technology, allowing users to adjust the front light for reading in various lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Nook GlowLight typically features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen display with a resolution of 167 pixels per inch (ppi). It offers a sharp and clear display with a built-in front light for reading in low-light settings.
When it comes to software and ecosystem, the Kobo Libra is closely integrated with the Kobo ecosystem. It provides access to the Kobo eBookstore, personalized recommendations, and features like Pocket integration for saving articles and web content. The Libra supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, making it compatible with a wide range of content sources. It also offers features like customizable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking. The Nook GlowLight, on the other hand, is closely tied to Barnes & Noble's ecosystem. It provides access to the Nook eBookstore and offers features like B&N Readouts for browsing book excerpts and recommendations. The GlowLight supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, and offers features like adjustable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking.
In terms of design and build, the Kobo Libra has a unique asymmetrical design that provides a comfortable grip for extended reading sessions. It features physical page-turn buttons and a touchscreen interface for easy navigation. The Libra is also lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry around. The Nook GlowLight has a compact and lightweight design, optimized for comfortable one-handed use. It typically features a physical home button and a touchscreen interface for navigation.
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Kobo Libra is the embodiment of your reading style. With more storage, a faster E Ink screen, and Bluetooth wireless technology so you can listen to Kobo Audiobooks, Kobo Libra is an integral part of your rich reading life. Packed with features and personality and storage for all of your eBooks Kobo Libra was made to do more. An ergonomic design keeps your reading life on hand and page turn buttons keep the story going while you sip your coffee, stir your signature pasta sauce, or nurse your newborn so you can read on and on, no matter what.
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NOOK's GlowLight illuminates your screen with a soft light that is perfect for bedtime reading. With advanced lighting technology not available on any other reader, GlowLight lets you stay up late reading in total comfort - while your partner stays asleep in the dark.
Kobo Libra vs Nook GlowLight in our news:
2023. Rakuten unveiled Kobo Libra 2
Rakuten Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Libra 2, featuring a 7-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1264 × 1680 pixels or 300 PPI. This e-reader offers color temperature adjustment and Dark Mode, allowing users to customize their reading experience. Powered by a 1 GHz Processor and equipped with 32 GB of onboard storage, the Libra 2 has a distinctive asymmetrical design, with a thicker right spine housing physical page turn buttons. Additionally, it boasts a fully waterproof construction and is available in Black and White variants. Customers can also purchase optional SleepCovers for $50. The Kobo Libra 2 is priced at $250 and is accessible for purchase through Flipkart and various online retailers in India.
2023. Nook firmware update adds useful FAQ and custom book sorting
Barnes and Noble has recently rolled out a firmware update, version 8.13.160, for their Nook e-reader, offering several notable enhancements. One of the key additions is a new FAQ system within the support section of the settings screen, providing a convenient solution for addressing common queries and concerns without the need for a computer or visiting the Nook website. Moreover, the update introduces a revamped system for custom sorting of shelves, enabling users to easily reposition shelves or books within a shelf based on their preferred order. This can be done directly on the e-reader by selecting the custom option from the sorted by menu. Additionally, content and shelves now come equipped with arrow keys, enhancing the overall layout flexibility. Furthermore, users can now conveniently sort and view all their notes and annotations made in ebooks directly from the search bar, eliminating the need to manually locate them by opening the respective book.
2021. Nook Glowlight 4 gets smaller and lighter design
Barnes and Noble has introduced the Nook Glowlight 4, their latest e-reader model, now available for ordering on the B&N website. This 6-inch Nook boasts 32GB of storage, features USB-C connectivity, and showcases a revamped, compact design (although specific weight reduction details are not provided). Retaining the page buttons on both sides of the screen, albeit positioned closer to the edges, the device incorporates a frontlight with adjustable color temperature, aptly named Night Mode by B&N. The Nook Glowlight 4 exhibits a 300 ppi E Ink screen, with the presumption that it employs a newer E Ink screen with improved contrast and darker blacks. Equipped with a quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, the e-reader operates on software based on Android 8.1. All these features come at a price of $149.99.
2019. Kobo brings the Forma form factor to a cheaper model Kobo Libra
The new Kobo Libra H2O brings the sleek form factor of the Forma e-reader to a 7-inch screen device, retailing at a relatively affordable price of $170. Although it may not be the cheapest option in the e-reader market, it's a positive development to witness some of these advanced features becoming more accessible. The device's form factor is highly functional, allowing users to read in both landscape and portrait orientations, with automatic screen rotation thanks to the built-in accelerometer. Kobo has also made software improvements, enhancing menus, book scrubbing, and previews for a smoother reading experience. Additional convenient features include the ability to adjust front light intensity by swiping the screen's side and the device being waterproofed with an IPX8 rating, ensuring protection against water damage.
2018. Barnes and Noble unveiled charging dock and keyboard for Nook 10.1
Barnes and Noble has recently launched the new Nook Tablet 10.1, and they have now introduced two accompanying accessories. The Charging Dock is designed to provide continuous power while you enjoy audiobooks or movies, and it is available for purchase at $34.95. By using the promo code STACKED, customers can avail of a limited 20% discount. The Smart Folio Cover with Keyboard features a magnetic clip that effortlessly attaches to your tablet, eliminating the need for pairing. This accessory enables you to conveniently take notes or work on your literary masterpiece. Priced at $39.95, it also qualifies for the 20% discount when using the same promo code as the charging dock. The Nook Tablet 10.1 operates on Google Android 8.1, granting users the ability to install their favorite apps from the Google Play store.
2018. Nook e-Readers stop working without security update
Barnes and Noble has issued a notice stating that without installing a mandatory security update, Nook e-readers will cease to function after June 29th. This means users will be unable to make purchases, download, or manage their NOOK Content directly from their NOOK Device. The security update is part of Barnes and Noble's comprehensive upgrade to enhance the security system across all their websites and servers, ensuring the protection of customer information and processing of payment data. The affected e-reader models include the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight, Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+, and Nook Glowlight.
2017. Barnes and Noble released Nook Glowlight 3
Barnes and Noble has recently unveiled their latest e-reader, the Nook Glowlight 3, marking their first release in two years. This device introduces several innovative features, including page turn buttons that allow users to skip ahead a chapter with a double tap or rapidly flip through the pages of an e-book by holding the button down. It also incorporates a comfortlight system, a first for Nook e-readers, which reduces the brightness of the white screen and gives it a soothing orange hue. Powered by Google Android, the Nook Glowlight 3 boasts an advanced front-lit display system. Notably, the device is equipped with physical buttons, with two page turn buttons on both the left and right sides. The main Nook Reading app showcases excellent design, ensuring speedy page turning, while the ability to copy/paste text into the note app adds a touch of innovation.
2015. Barnes & Noble created waterproof Nook
After more than a year since discontinuing the Nook and Nook HD+, Barnes & Noble has finally given its flagship e-reader a much-needed update with the introduction of the GlowLight Plus - the company's first waterproof e-reader. Along with its waterproof feature, the Nook GlowLight Plus introduces user profiles, catering to couples or reading partners who enjoy sharing their reading experiences. Priced at $130, the new version offers a 300ppi display, doubling the pixel density of its predecessor, and boasts a sleek aluminum body that is both slimmer and slightly heavier than the GlowLight. The addition of waterproof capabilities means Nook enthusiasts can now enjoy their favorite e-books even while indulging in a relaxing soak in the tub. The Nook GlowLight Plus is now available for purchase.
2013. Barnes & Noble releases new ultra-light Nook GlowLight
Barnes & Noble has unveiled a completely redesigned version of the Nook GlowLight e-reader, an updated iteration of the Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight. Priced at $119, it is $10 more expensive than its predecessor. Notably, this matches the cost of the Kindle Paperwhite with ads, whereas the GlowLight does not include ads. The Nook GlowLight offers twice the storage capacity of the older model, increasing from 2 GB to 4 GB, accommodating over 2,000 ebooks. This storage capacity also doubles that of the Kindle Paperwhite. However, it is worth mentioning that the GlowLight lacks the microSD slot present in the previous model, preventing further expansion of the device's storage. Similar to the Paperwhite, Barnes & Noble's new e-reader showcases an updated 6-inch E-Ink display with 62% more pixels, enhancing text clarity and contrast compared to the previous Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight. Additionally, Barnes & Noble has improved the LED-based light source of the e-reader, ensuring more uniform light coverage across the page. While Amazon positions the light source just below the bottom edge of the screen, the GlowLight's light sources are clearly visible from just above the top edge. Overall, the GlowLight screen boasts impressive visual quality, with comparable contrast and lighting to that of the Paperwhite. E-Ink e-readers undeniably hold their place in the tablet market, and although Barnes & Noble and Amazon do not disclose specific e-reader sales figures, it is evident that both companies remain dedicated to the category, and customers continue to make purchases.
2013. B&N drops Nook GlowLight price to $99. Undercuts Amazon and Kobo
Barnes & Noble has just made an exciting announcement, reducing the price of the GlowLight to a mere $99. This price cut positions the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight as the most affordable option among premium e-readers. In comparison, the ad-supported Kindle Paperwhite is priced at $119, while the Kobo Glo costs $129.99. The Nook Simple Touch GlowLight, powered by a front-lit screen known as GlowLight, emits a pleasant glow that differs from traditional backlighting. This feature is gentler on the eyes, although it does decrease the battery life by half. Nevertheless, the battery still lasts an impressive 2 months. The reduced price suggests that Barnes & Noble may be aiming to sell off existing inventory in preparation for the release of a new model. It's worth noting that Barnes & Noble recently announced its decision to discontinue in-house development of tablets while continuing to manufacture e-readers.