2026.
Kobo Sage is officially discontinued
Kobo has discontinued Sage - its premium model, released in 2021. So there will be no second generation. This is a 8-inch reader with audio-player (that allows to listen to audio-books via Bluetooth) and stylus support (so you can take notes inside e-books, manga and PDFs). It also has a special application for notes, which allows to draw by hand. The reader is equipped with a 1200 mAh battery. Due to the 8-inch screen, quad-core processor and resource-intensive functions, this capacity is often considered low, which leads to a shorter battery life compared to other Kobo models. The terrible battery really prevented Sage from gaining popularity in the mass market.
2023.
Rakuten unveiled Kobo Libra 2
Rakuten Kobo announced the launch of Kobo Libra 2, an ergonomically designed e-reader with physical buttons and Bluetooth support for listening audiobooks. The new model features increased memory and a faster 7-inch E Ink touchscreen. A new dark mode lets you view white text on a black background and adjust the color temperature. Libra's ergonomic design allows one-handed operation and is suitable for hours of comfortable reading. Kobo Libra 2 is completely waterproof, so you can continue reading while poolside. Kobo Libra 2 is available for $250, with the optional SleepCover for an additional $50.
2023.
Dark Mode is now available on new Pocketbook e-readers
The new firmware version 6.8 adds a dark mode to the Pocketbook Era, Pocketbook InkPad 4 and Pocketbook InkPad Color 2. This feature is displaying white text on a dark background that doesn't clash with dark surroundings. You can also invert book illustrations while reading in dark mode. Many avid readers have found that dark mode helps reduce eye strain from a bright screen. Dark mode is also very useful for reading at night, as it reduces the amount of blue light (which can contribute to eye strain) emitted by the screen. Additionally, firmware version 6.8 adds the ability to customize the control panel to suit your preferences by adding the most frequently used controls (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, task manager, airplane mode, sync, G-sensor, lock, power off, screenshot, library search and shortcuts to apps).
2023.
Kindle Paperwhite gets new Kindle Scribe features
Amazon has released a new firmware update 5.16.2.1 for Kindle 7th generation, Kindle Paperwhite 11th generation and Signature edition. The update includes various Kindle Scribe features, such as drawing, notebooks and stickers. However, these features are disabled. Why did Amazon include almost all of Scribe's unique features in Kindle Paperwhite? This was done so that Amazon wouldn't have to maintain separate codebases for the Paperwhite and Kindle Scribe. Now, by releasing an update for one model, they can update them all at once. Since its release, the Scribe has received 3-4 updates designed to stabilize existing features, fix bugs and introduce improvements. During this time, no other Kindle has received an update.
2021.
inkBOOK Focus - the new high-spec e-Ink reader
Polish company Inkbook has introduced a new flagship e-reader, the inkBOOK Focus, priced at €229. It features a larger 7.8-inch screen that displays 30% more text. You can turn pages using the touchscreen or configure the navigation buttons to suit your preference, whether you are right- or left-handed. Running on Android, it allows you to use apps without restrictions, including Kindle, Skoobe, Onleihe, Storytel and more. The inkBOOK Focus provides functionality that other e-readers lack, allowing you to use a single device for multiple services such as Kindle, Kobo, Onleihe, Tolino, Thalia, Skoobe, Nubico, Legimi, Pocket and others. Additionally, if you enjoy listening, you can use Storytel or Audible. The inkBOOK Focus lets you switch between reading and listening on various services. You can connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to audiobooks or synchronized books if available.
2018.
Arta Tech unveiles InkBook Lumos
Arta Tech has launched a new e-reading device, the InkBook Lumos. It has a six-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 800×600 and 167 PPI. This is a basic e-reader, similar to the Kindle Basic. It utilizes a more affordable Dual-Core Cortex A9 processor instead of a Freescale, so performance may be a concern. It comes with 128MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and no SD card slot. It also runs on Android 4.4.2 and will be priced at $88 USD. You can pre-order it from the Inkbook website.
2016.
Pocketbook Announces the InkPad 2
Pocketbook InkPad 2 is a new e-reader that was just announced today. This device features an 8 inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels. It has a front-lit display and physical page turn buttons. The InkPad 2 is powered by a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM. There is 4 GB of internal memory, but you can expand it up to 32 GB via the Micro SD. I think people are going to be attracted that this e-reader has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can listen to audiobooks and music. This e-reader will be available in the near future for $199 Euros.
2015.
Kobo launches the Touch 2.0 eReader
Kobo has recently unveiled its second new e-reader for the year. The Kobo Touch 2.0 refreshes the four-year-old Kobo Touch e-reader with enhanced storage, extended battery life, a quicker processor and a reduced price. It features a 1GHz processor, 4GB of storage and WiFi, but lacks audio capabilities and a card slot. Its 6-inch display offers a resolution of 800 x 600 and an IR touchscreen, though it does not include a frontlight. Essentially, this e-reader is designed to compete with the basic Kindle and it comes with a price tag to match. The Kobo Touch 2.0 will be released on September 9 in the US and Canada, retailing for $89.99. While it falls between the $79 and $99 price range of the budget Kindle, it may not provide the best value. Instead, we suggest considering the Kobo Glo HD, which costs only $40 more but features a sharper screen and a frontlight.
2013.
Pocketbook announces Pocketbook Touch 2
PocketBook has been relatively silent over the past year while the company underwent business restructuring. Today, PocketBook unveiled a new six-inch device, the PocketBook Touch 2. It features the same HD E Ink Pearl display found on the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo. The resolution is 1024×758 and includes a front-light, which is ideal for reading in low light conditions. It also comes with 256 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage and supports SD cards up to 32 GB. Battery life is expected to be sufficient for up to 7,000 page turns. Additionally, it has an audio jack for listening to audiobooks and music. While PocketBook retains significance in Eastern Europe, it has limited presence in the North American market.
2011.
Amazon unveils Kindle Touch e-reader
Amazon didn't disappoint tech enthusiasts this morning. The company is all about "creating premium products at non-premium prices." The new device—a e-ink e-reader—Kindle Touch, which allows users to easily read one-handed, is designed to compete with the Barnes & Noble Nook and will be priced at $99. Amazon didn’t make many changes to differentiate the Touch from the fourth-gen Kindle. In fact, the only noticeable difference between the two devices is the bezel below the screen. The toggle switch and row of buttons on the fourth-gen model have been replaced with a single home button, consisting of four small horizontal bars. It's not the most stylish option available, but it serves its purpose. Amazon also introduced a 3G version, which will retail for $149. A more affordable and compact non-touch Kindle will be priced at $79. Amazon has included its Whispersync technology, which syncs digital books to the Kindle and is also offering free cloud storage for device users.
