Kobo vs Tolino

2024. Tolino e-readers will no longer use Android



Tolino e-readers, initially targeting the European German-speaking demographic, have been on the market since 2013. In 2019, Kobo took over the hardware design for all forthcoming e-readers while maintaining Android as the operating system. However, a recent report suggests a significant shift: upcoming models like the Tolino Shine, Tolino Vision Color, and Shine Color will run on Linux with an entirely revamped UI and menu layout. This marks a transition where Kobo oversees both hardware and software development. Upon their release in June, these new Tolino e-readers will offer a user experience resembling Kobo's, though with subtle distinctions. Users can still access various German bookstores, purchase and listen to audiobooks, and enjoy continued support for European libraries, facilitated by LCP DRMs.


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. 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. Tolino Epos 3 e-reader is now available



Tolino has unveiled their latest e-reader, the Epos 3. It boasts an 8-inch screen equipped with a cutting-edge E INK Carta 1200 display panel. The standout feature is the smartLight, a unique attribute that ensures optimal lighting for your Tolino Epos 3 at all times. The intelligent color adjustment is complemented by the integrated reading light, which automatically adapts and transitions from cool white light in the morning to warm white light in the evening, based on the time of day. This innovative technology not only enhances the reading experience but also improves page turn speed by 25% and overall performance by 30%. Priced as the most premium unit in their lineup, the Epos 3 is now available for purchase at Tolino Alliances' distribution partners such as Thalia, Weltbild, and Hugendubel, retailing for 279,00 €.


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.


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. Tolino Web Reader gets text to speech feature



Tolino is renowned for its range of e-readers and also offers an online web reader that enables users to read ebooks using popular internet browsers. Recently, the company released the 5.1 update, introducing a text-to-speech feature that allows users to have their books read aloud. This new functionality is particularly beneficial for Tolino users with visual impairments. While they were previously able to adjust the font size to suit their needs, the addition of the reading function now enables them to comfortably listen to their eBooks.


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. 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.


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. Kobo app gets new comic viewer



The Kobo app for iOS has recently undergone a significant update, particularly beneficial for digital comic readers. This update introduces a brand new comic viewer, granting users the flexibility to read comics both horizontally and vertically. Moreover, it offers convenient navigation options, allowing readers to browse through pages or view comics in a grid format. An interesting addition is the ability to open comics even before they are fully downloaded. Additionally, the update includes an animated page-turning feature, providing users with a sneak peek of what awaits on the next page. It's worth noting that while Kobo does not boast an extensive selection of comics, as most of their content comes from their Writing Life self-publishing platform, their catalog lacks offerings from major publishers such as DC, Image, and Marvel. Given this, it seems peculiar that Kobo is expanding its comic book support while their collection remains limited.


2017. Kobo launched Audio Bookstore



Kobo has introduced an audiobook bookstore offering individual audiobook purchases as well as a subscription-based model. Remarkably, their entire audiobook collection is powered by Overdrive, marking their first venture into the audiobook subscription realm. To support this new offering, Kobo has updated their Android and iOS apps, providing users with a fully functional audiobook player. Android users can make purchases and enjoy their audiobook content directly on the app. However, iOS users are limited to listening to titles they have already purchased or redeemed with credits. The Kobo audiobooks service is currently available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99.


2017. Kobo will discontinue PDF Files support



Kobo has recently announced that, starting from November 1st, 2017, they will discontinue the option to download PDF files from their online store. This change will primarily impact self-publishers and legacy content that was exclusively available in PDF format. In such rare instances, Kobo will automatically convert PDF files to EPUB/KEPUB formats. In the event that specific titles encounter formatting issues during the conversion process, Kobo will send out email notifications containing a detailed breakdown of the books that failed to undergo successful conversion.


2017. Kobo Plus - unlimited e-Book subscription program



Kobo has recently launched a new unlimited e-book subscription program called Kobo Plus. The initial availability of this program is limited to the Netherlands and Belgium. For a monthly fee of €9.99, readers gain access to a library of 40,000 titles, including 16,000 books in the Dutch language. This e-book subscription platform is a collaborative effort between Bol and Kobo. Bol.com introduced digital reading in the Netherlands and Belgium five years ago and has since experienced remarkable growth. In addition to the 1.2 million eReaders sold in the Netherlands, customers can also enjoy digital reading on tablets and smartphones. The selection of available eBooks has significantly expanded over the past few years, with one in seven non-fiction books sold in the Netherlands being in digital format.


2016. Kobo Cloud Reader is discontinued



The Kobo Instant Reader, Kobo's web-based reading interface, has recently been officially discontinued. Clicking on the link now redirects users to the company's general app page. Similarly, the Nook Cloud Reader has also been abandoned following the launch of the new Barnes and Noble website in the previous summer. Both of these online reading apps were developed in 2012 as a response to Apple's policy requiring in-app purchases to be processed through their own financial system, rather than by individual app developers. However, these apps failed to gain significant traction primarily because they were not actively promoted by their respective companies. Consequently, they remained relatively obscure for several years until they were silently discontinued. As of now, the Kindle Cloud Reader remains the sole online reading app that continues to be maintained and available for public use.


2016. Kobo released reading app for kids



Kobo has recently launched a new standalone app for Android called Kobo Kids. This app serves as both an e-reading platform and an online shopping system, offering a wide selection of e-books and graphic novels. In 2013, Kobo introduced a children's portal on their web store to highlight comics, graphic novels, and e-books specifically for kids. However, this marks the first time the company has developed a dedicated app to showcase these offerings. The Kobo Kids app features a vibrant and engaging interface, featuring genre-based icons such as space, dinosaurs, animals, classics, superheroes, and more. When a specific genre is selected, the app displays a range of titles with previews available. It's important to note that children cannot make purchases independently; instead, parents are responsible for purchasing the content. However, once a sample is downloaded, it becomes much easier for parents to make a purchase decision.


2015. Kobo launched free ebook platform for Southwest Airlines passengers



Kobo has launched an e-reading platform exclusively for Southwest Airlines passengers, joining the trend of various initiatives aimed at providing ebooks to travelers. This platform offers approximately 140 free ebooks, a collection that Kobo plans to expand in the future. Among these ebooks, about 85% are full-text editions, while the remaining 15% are samples of titles that readers can purchase after their flight. Kobo's in-flight e-reading platform reflects the ongoing emphasis on curated ebook discovery, as publishers and retailers strive to deliver the most suitable content to readers at the right moment. This move aligns with the broader efforts of Kobo's parent company, Rakuten, to expand its global ebook business. The acquisition of library distributor OverDrive earlier this year marked Rakuten's recognition of ebooks as a significant growth area.