- Kobo not too long ago pushed out a completely redesigned studying app for iPhones
- A number of new options have been added, together with a listening bar for audiobook management, vertical scrolling and visitor mode
- Instapaper integration is coming quickly to interchange Pocket help on Kobo ereaders
I've been a large Kobo fan since I first began utilizing the Kobo Glo means again when. I've all the time most well-liked the Rakuten-owned firm's UI over Kindle, though I’ll admit I wasn't notably eager on its cellphone app – whether or not iOS or Android.
I is likely to be inclined to offer the studying app a attempt now, on condition that the iOS model has been totally redesigned – its first main overhaul because it was launched again in 2010.
A number of new options have been added, key amongst them being vertical scrolling. Behaving extra like infinite scroll on internet pages, now you can learn a whole e-book by simply scrolling down and the pages will simply hold loading. This, for my part, is a extra seamless studying methodology on a cellphone, though I believe I’d nonetheless choose the tap-to-turn on an iPad (not that I exploit one, I learn on the Kobo Elipsa 2E).
Different options embody a brand new Listening Bar for audiobooks that 'freezes' the controls in place for simple entry, even when you veer away from the listening pane to browse the remainder of the appliance.
A brand new visitor mode will allow you to "browse books, save previews and uncover your subsequent learn" in response to the Japanese-Canadian ereader maker, with out you needing to signal into your Kobo account. This, in truth, is an ingenious method to pull new prospects into the Kobo ecosystem.
Kobo additionally says that you’ll not must manually sync your notes, highlights and bookmarks – it ought to get executed routinely. There's nonetheless one main lacking characteristic within the app: there's no method to discover your handwritten notes on the app.
And, lastly, to interchange Pocket integration – which was a unbelievable read-it-later service for long-form internet articles – the model is partnering with Instapaper and help will probably be rolled out to all Kobo ereaders later this yr. A confirmed date has not but been introduced.
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Take word, Kobo – we want a brand new Elipsa
As a lot as I respect the newly redesigned Kobo app for iPhones, I'm questioning if the ereader maker will launch any new {hardware} this yr.
Across the merry month of Might is often when Kobo has introduced new ereaders, with the Libra Color, Clara Color and Clara BW arriving on schedule in 2024. This yr, there's been radio silence, though it may very well be potential that the corporate is ready for the Instapaper integration to be accomplished earlier than releasing new units.
That might be marvelous as a result of it's time the Kobo Elipsa 2E acquired an overhaul. Actually, I wouldn't thoughts a brand new model of the Kobo Sage as nicely, however I'm a fan of the bigger epaper writing pill.
In comparison with newer fashions from the competitors, just like the a number of Boox choices and the Kindle Scribe (2024), the Elipsa 2E – which launched in April 2023 – feels very dated now. They’ve higher efficiency due to newer processors and the screens additionally really feel brisker – sharper and higher optimized.
I'd like to see the Elipsa undertake the E Ink Carta 1300 display (the present 2E mannequin makes use of the Carta 1200) that additionally options an ambient gentle sensor, very like the 2024 Kindle Scribe does, and has a 300ppi decision (it's at present 227ppi). I'd additionally choose a softer nib than the Kobo Stylus 2 at present makes use of as it may well detract from a easy writing expertise, however that's a minor quibble.
Whereas I wouldn't wish to change very a lot within the UI, and I'm nonetheless a fan of Kobo's Superior Notebooks, the one request I’ve is to permit subfolders throughout the library's Collections to prepare ebooks higher.
Fairly please, Kobo, I'm asking properly so I can fall again in love with the Elipsa once more.
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