Kobo vs Koreader

2022. Kobo software update adds Sideloaded mode



Kobo's new firmware version 4.31 is a relatively minor update that enhances language support, fixes some bugs and is expected to improve battery life on the Kobo Sage. One feature not mentioned in the release notes is a new Sideloaded Mode that allows users to use a Kobo e-reader without signing in. Thanks to Davidfor at MobileRead for highlighting this and explaining how it functions. Kobo updates are typically rolled out in phases, so you might need to wait several weeks for the new firmware to automatically download and install during a sync.


2018. Walmart and Kobo launched online e-book and audiobook store



Walmart has teamed up with Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten to offer audiobooks, e-books and e-readers alongside its selection of physical books. The new site, named Walmart eBooks, features a collection of over 6 million titles, including NYT best-sellers, indie books and children’s literature. Similar to Amazon’s Audible, Walmart will also provide a monthly audiobook subscription service. However, Walmart is undercutting Amazon on pricing. While Audible subscriptions start at $14.95 per month for one audiobook, Walmart’s subscription is priced at just $9.99 per month for the same service. Walmart will also offer Rakuten-owned Kobo e-readers both online and in stores.


2016. Kobo released reading app for kids



Kobo has just released a standalone app for Android called Kobo Kids. It is an e-reading app, but also an online shopping system where there is a number of e-books and graphic novels available. In 2013 Kobo developed a children’s portal to showcase all of their comics, graphic novels and e-books. This system was only available on the web version of their store and this is the first time the company has ever developed a dedicated app to draw attention to it. The Kobo Kids app features a bright and bubbly interface that showcases a series of icons pointing to genre topics such as space, dinosaurs, animals, classics, superheroes and many others. When you click on a particular topic it displays a number of titles and offers previews. Kids, are not able to buy content on their own, but the parent has to purchase them, but it is significantly easier to do this once they download a sample.


2013. Kobo launches ereading app for BlackBerry 10



Kobo introduced its first e-reading app for BlackBerry back in March 2010. Today, Kobo announced that its free e-reading application is now available for BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphone users. The app will allow readers on the move to access, browse and purchase from the over 3.5 million books available on Kobo’s eBookstore, as well as automatically synchronize their library across any device they own. Kobo’s e-reading app lets users easily manage their library and create personalized bookshelves, search within a book, highlight text, take notes within the eBook experience and rate and review books, as well as see what other readers have to say.