Latest news with #RakutenKobo
The Verge
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Kobo's Libra Colour and Elipsa 2E e-readers have dropped to some of their best prices
Kobo is discounting two of its best e-readers. The Kobo Elipsa 2E, a competitor to the Kindle Scribe, is available for an all-time low of $349.99 ($50 off) from Rakuten Kobo and Target. Meanwhile, the Kobo Libra Colour is available for $209.99 ($20 off) from Amazon, Target, and Rakuten Kobo. The sale runs through July 10th. The Kobo Elipsa 2E is my top pick for taking notes while reading. Its spacious 10.3-inch display lets you write directly on ebook pages — whether in margins, between lines, or wherever inspiration strikes — giving you a natural, paper-like experience. While Amazon's Kindle Scribe supports on-page writing, its tools are far more limited; you can't freely annotate, circle text, or mark up pages with the same ease. For anyone wanting an e-reader that doubles as a digital notebook, the Elipsa 2E offers a more intuitive and versatile experience. The Kobo Elipsa 2E is an ad-free 10.3-inch e-reader you can write on with the included stylus. It offers a whole host of useful features, like the ability to convert handwriting to typed text and a great selection of pen types. Meanwhile, the Kobo Libra Colour is worth a look if you want something smaller but still feature-packed. Like the Kindle Colorsoft, it features a compact 7-inch color display that makes highlights, annotations, and comics pop compared to monochrome screens. Although the Colorsoft's hues are slightly more vibrant, the Libra Colour provides a pleasant, easy-on-the-eyes experience. It also includes physical page-turn buttons and stylus compatibility (sold separately), allowing you to mark up text or jot notes — features that the Colorsoft lacks despite costing more. Kobo's main drawback is the lack of native Kindle book support, but it makes up for this with broader file format compatibility and support for direct borrowing from public libraries through OverDrive. Plus, if you don't mind a few extra steps, you can always convert Kindle books for use on Kobo devices. The Libra Colour is one of the newest e-readers from Kobo and one of the first with color. With both OverDrive and Pocket support, it gives readers considerably more options than e-readers from bigger brands like Amazon. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
CBC
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
6 sizzling books to add to your summer reading list
As the weather gets warmer and much awaited vacations draw nearer, we start looking for the perfect books to bring with us on our summer adventures. But what truly defines a 'summer read'? For the director of content marketing at Rakuten Kobo, Nathan Maharaj, he says his reading list is never defined by the season. "I have never really believed in summer reading because I'm reading constantly. I know some people talk about [wanting to read] something lighter for the summer. I just want to read what I read," said Maharaj. 20 Canadian children's books to read this summer For Montreal-born writer Christine Estima, summer reading is more about where you read than the genre of the book itself. "There's nothing better than lying in a park on the grass and bringing out a really good book and just kind of like lazing the day away," said Estima. Maharaj and Estima joined The Next Chapter 's Antonio Michael Downing to dive deeper into some of their best book recommendations to add to your to-be-read list this summer. Big Chief by Jon Hickey "Belonging is the thread through this book … There's so much of this inside and outside and who belongs inside of here? Who has to be out of it?" said Maharaj. In Big Chief, an aspiring young leader is caught up in his home reservation's political scene. Mitch Caddo has always felt disconnected from his Anishinaabe ancestry having grown up outside of the reservation but when the re-election of his lifelong friend Mack Beck is met with tough competition, personal tensions come to the fore. The question remains of how far Mitch is willing to go. Jon Hickey is a writer and member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and is currently based in San Francisco. Big Chief is his first novel. Cher: Part One by Cher "I think what's really interesting about it is that although we kind of know her as like this brash, brazen vixen, she really is quite thoughtful and quite introspective in the book," said Estima. Chronicling the life and legacy of the acclaimed artist, Cher is the part one of a two-part memoir. In the first book, she delves into memories from a chaotic upbringing longing to be a performer and the complex relationship she had with her mother. Beyond the artistry, Cher reveals personal details about her every day life and relationships. Cher is an American singer, actor, and philanthropist. She set the record as the only female artist to top Billboard charts for seven decades in a row and she is the recipient of multiple awards including the Academy Award in 1988 for Best Actress in Moonstruck. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell "I would say people who love literary fiction, who love relationships and maybe on the sly you'd love to see what people who read romance novels are into this will give you all of that," said Maharaj. Slow Dance follows the fateful reunion of high school best friends Shiloh and Cary. When Shiloh returns to north Omaha for a friend's wedding, all she can think about is seeing Cary, who she hasn't spoke to for the past 14 years. What will he think of her at age 33? Does he even want to see her? The novel explores the honest love story of two old friends drawn back together again. Rainbow Rowell is an American fiction writer of comics, YA and adult fiction. She is best known for her YA novel Fangirl and Elanor & Park. Slow Dance is her first adult novel in ten years. The Café with No Name by Robert Seethaler, translated by Katy Derbyshire "The book is pretty much just about the people in this select time period who come in and out of the cafe, their lives, their loves, their losses, their mourning, their healing, their hope," said Estima. Set in Vienna in the summer of 1966, The Café with No Name is about a man in his thirties who happens upon a business opportunity of opening a café. Robert Simon is described as a warm and determined man and when he opens his café, the place becomes an inviting hub for humorous and interesting characters to wander through. Robert Sethaler is an Austrian writer and actor. His other books include The Tobacconist, A Whole Life and The Field. Katy Derbyshire is a British translator and writer based in Berlin, Germany. Lake Burntshore by Aaron Kreuter "As there's this political conflict that feels very much of our moment right now, Aaron Kreuter tips it on its side and goes like, 'Hey, if you're really concerned about colonialism and exploitation, here it is in your backyard. And how do you feel about that?' Which isn't to say the other thing isn't real, but this is also real," said Maharaj. In Lake Burntshore, camp counselor Ruby's idyllic summer is disrupted when the camp owner's son hires Israeli soldiers to fill staffing gaps. Ruby, a committed anti-Zionist, must decide if she's willing to risk her job to confront him over issues of Jewish belonging and settler-colonialism, even as she falls for one of the soldiers, Etai. As tensions rise, Ruby must navigate her growing feelings for Etai while also grappling with the camp's impact on its relationship with the nearby Black Spruce First Nation. Aaron Kreuter is a Toronto-based author of five books. His short story collection You and Me, Belonging won The Miramichi Reader's 2019 "The Very Best Of!" award for short fiction and was shortlisted for a Vine Award for Jewish Literature in the fiction category. Kreuter's previous works also include the poetry collections Arguments for Lawn Chairs and Shifting Baseline Syndrome, which was a finalist for the 2022 Governor General's Literary Award for poetry. The Adult by Bronwyn Fischer "She really captures what it is like to be 18 and you're still loaded with so much insecurity and you don't really know who you are yet and you don't really know why someone else would actually like you," said Estima. When Natalie leaves her hometown for her first year of university in Toronto, she is 18 and unsure of herself or where she belongs. She meets Clara in her dorm who wants to be friends, and Rachel in her poetry class who is set on becoming a writer. Natalie is at a loss when she meets Nora, a much older woman who she's inexplicably drawn to. In The Adult, Natalie navigates her way through newfound feelings and independence in this torrid love affair. Bronwyn Fischer is a Toronto-based writer born in Bahrain. The Adult is her first novel.
NBC News
30-04-2025
- NBC News
Our favorite e-readers: tested and reviewed
Maybe you're already an avid reader, or maybe you set a goal to read more this year. Either way, an e-reader is a worthy investment if you want to minimize distractions and eye strain, according to our experts. Team NBC Select uses e-readers daily during commutes, lunch breaks and to relax at home. We interviewed book industry experts to learn more about e-readers, and used their advice (and our experience) to select the best ones on the market. What is an e-reader? E-readers are devices that typically use an e-ink screen, which simulates the appearance of ink on paper, says Nick Tanzi, assistant director of the South Huntington Public Library. This technology is easier on the eyes than an LCD screen, and uses substantially less battery power. E-readers are also typically lighter than tablets, more portable than hardcover books and can generally store thousands of ebooks. Since most e-readers don't provide access to other apps, they can minimize distracting notifications, says Ramesh Mantha, senior vice president of product at Rakuten Kobo, where he designs and builds e-readers. (Ed's note: Mantha did not provide any specific product recommendations for this piece; the Kobo models featured on our list were chosen independently and without this expert's influence.) How we picked the best e-readers We combined expert advice with our experience using e-readers daily to narrow in on what makes an e-reader great. When selecting our top picks, we kept the following in mind: Screen: The screen size and the resolution are the most important features to consider, as they directly impact your reading experience, according to our experts. Storage: Storage capacity for e-readers is measured in gigabytes (GB), and the larger the number, the more titles the device can hold. Graphic novels, comics and other books with illustrations often take up more storage than a standard e-book. Battery life: Unlike tablets, e-readers can often last weeks between charges, but larger screens and additional features may drain the battery faster. Store access: Typically, e-reader manufacturers only let you purchase ebooks through their brand's compatible storefronts. For example, if you have a Kindle, you can only purchase ebooks through the Amazon store. The best e-readers in 2025 Most of our top picks come from the two biggest e-reader brands: Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo. Many are staff-favorites we love and have used for years. The Kindle Paperwhite is our go-to e-reader, and the reason so many NBC Select staffers started reading ebooks in the first place. 'Using a Kindle single-handedly changed the way I read,' says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. You can read it outside in bright sunlight, and unlike with a phone or laptop, there is no glare on the screen, so you can see pages clearly wherever you are. Schneider tried out the latest Paperwhite after the brand sent her one to try. You can adjust the brightness of the screen as well as the hue of the light, changing to a warm tone for more comfortable reading at night. While the screen isn't as responsive as your phone (no e-reader screen is), this latest model is a little faster than the previous version. You can also listen to audiobooks by connecting any Bluetooth headphones and syncing your Audible account. If you are looking for an alternative to an Amazon e-reader, this is the one to get. It's Kobo's lowest-priced e-reader and is very similar to a Kindle, with a glare-free black and white screen design that's perfect for reading text. Like a Kindle, it is lightweight and portable, perfect for travel and vacation, especially with its weeks-long battery life. You purchase ebooks from the Rakuten Kobo store and can also rent books from your local library with the built-in Libby / Overdrive app. It's also IPX8 waterproof, so you don't have to worry when you bring it to the pool or the beach. You can also get the Kobo Clara in a colour version, the Kobo Clara Colour, but that version is a little pricier, and isn't our favorite color option. The Boox Palma 2 is NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman 's go-to device for reading any and everything. I say everything because this is not a traditional e-reader — it's more like a minimalist phone with an e-ink style black and white display. That means you can do almost anything you would do on your phone (TikTok included), though the screen is better suited for reading. Bowman's favorite part of the Palma 2 is its flexibility: it isn't tied to one ebook store — you can download and read content from almost any app, Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Shonen Jump, Pocket, NBC News, you name it. Plus it's much smaller than most traditional e-readers, you can actually fit it in your pocket, just like a smartphone. 'The written word is your oyster when it comes to the Palma 2,' says Bowman. You can learn more in his Boox Palma 2 review. NBC Select contributing writer Maria Cassano tried this color e-reader after the brand sent her one to try, and now it's one of her favorites. It has a detailed color touchscreen that makes books and notes pop more than with a black and white e-reader. It has page-turning buttons that are wonderful for precise control, especially when you don't want to accidentally highlight words or click links, says Cassano. You can pair it with the Kobo Stylus 2 (sold separately) for comfortable annotating and note-taking. You can read more in her Kobo Libra Colour review. If you want your e-reader to pull double-duty as a notetaking machine, consider the Kindle Scribe. Former NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks tested it for two months, and loved how responsive the screen was to notetaking. The included Scribe Premium Pen is smooth, comfortable and touch-sensitive — it almost feels like writing with a pen and paper. The Scribe comes with extra features for note taking, things like templates to start with, folders to organize your files, and tools to send files to and from the Scribe for annotating, printing or emailing. Keep in mind that it is larger and heavier than the other e-readers we recommend. You can read more in Fredricks Amazon Kindle Scribe review How to shop for an e-reader When choosing the right e-reader for your needs, our experts recommend keeping the following criteria in mind: Screen size 'The most important feature of an e-reader is its screen,' says Mantha. E-reader screens are measured diagonally in inches from the top corner to the opposite bottom corner, and a large screen with easy-to-read text is preferred. Keep in mind that especially big screens aren't as portable and may drain the battery faster, according to our experts. Resolution Higher resolutions (measured in PPI, or pixels per inch) translate to crisper text, which is easier on the eyes, according to our experts. Lower resolutions, on the other hand, can result in a blurry reading experience, says Tanzi. All of the e-readers on our list have a PPI of 300 for black and white content. Storage Like most other devices, e-reader storage is measured in gigabytes (GB) — the higher the number, the more books your device can store locally. E-books are generally small files, meaning that an e-reader can store hundreds, if not thousands of titles, says Tanzi. Keep in mind that picture books, graphic novels and other visual media take up substantially more storage space. For reference, 32GB of storage can hold up to 24,000 ebooks, according to Kobo. Battery Most e-readers last for weeks between charges. However, certain features like bright backlights and note-taking may drain the battery faster, and brands' advertised battery life always varies depending on use. Store access Different e-reader manufacturers allow access to different e-book stores, and not all e-books are available on all storefronts. For example, Kindle allows users to purchase e-books through the Amazon store, while Kobo devices use the Kobo bookstore. Some devices let you transfer e-book files from your computer to your e-reader. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Maria Cassano is an e-commerce writer, editor and consultant. She writes about tech and the home in publications such as Bustle, Mic, Inverse, Elite Daily, CNN and the Daily Beast. Harry Rabinowitz smartwatches, fitness trackers and over-ear headphones.
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rakuten Kobo Launches Unlimited eBook and Audiobook Subscription in Singapore
Kobo Plus gives avid readers unlimited access to Kobo's library of over 2 million eBooks and 300,000 audiobooks at an affordable monthly fee SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 March 2025 - Leading digital reading retailer and publisher Rakuten Kobo today launched Kobo Plus in Singapore – the all-you-can-read subscription offering book lovers unlimited access to over 2 million eBooks and over 300,000 audiobooks starting from an affordable monthly fee of just SGD 9.99. Avid readers and book lovers across Singapore – including more than 300,000 existing Kobo members – can now access Kobo Plus via the Kobo Books App for iOS or Android and directly on Kobo eReaders to begin discovering new authors and genres. The global eBook market is valued at USD 18.02 billion this year and is projected to grow to USD 22.76 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78%. The driving force of growth is expected to come from Asia, and the launch of Kobo Plus in Singapore strategically aligns with the region's increasing demand for digital reading. This expansion positions Kobo to tap into emerging opportunities across Asia, catering to a new generation of readers who prioritize affordability, accessibility, and convenience. The Kobo Plus eBook and audiobook collection features a breadth of stories, including the latest bestsellers, beloved literary classics, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, sweeping romances, thought-provoking nonfiction, and more. "eBooks have never been more popular in Singapore, driven by changing reading habits, increased smartphone usage, and a shift towards digital content," said Michael Tamblyn, President & CEO, Rakuten Kobo. "With Kobo Plus, we're making reading more accessible and flexible than ever, giving book lovers the freedom to explore a vast and diverse catalogue without limits. Whether it's discovering new authors, diving into different genres, or reading across multiple devices, Kobo Plus is designed to fit seamlessly into the way Singaporeans read today—and how they'll read tomorrow." The Kobo Plus catalogue is ever-growing, with more titles being added to the collection each month. The service has three budget-friendly subscription plan offers: Kobo Plus Read: Unlimited eBooks for SGD 9.99 per month Kobo Plus Listen: Unlimited audiobooks for SGD 9.99 per month Kobo Plus Read and Listen: Unlimited eBooks and audiobooks for SGD 12.99 per month With unlimited reading for one low monthly fee, the Kobo Plus subscription is the perfect choice for avid readers who go through multiple books a month, as well as those who like to sample a few chapters before committing. With a Kobo eReader or the free Kobo reading app, there's never been a better time to explore new authors and series. Kobo's portfolio of eReaders – which includes Kobo Libra Colour, Kobo Clara Colour, Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Elipsa 2E, and Kobo Sage – with their innovative features such as waterproofing and ComfortLight PRO for blue light reduction, along with stylus compatibility and page-turn buttons in the higher-end models, further enhance the Kobo Plus reading experience for modern booklovers on the go. Hashtag: #RakutenKobo The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Rakuten Kobo Inc. Rakuten Kobo Inc. is the world's digital bookseller created by and for book lovers. Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten Group, Inc. and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo's millions of worldwide users can read anytime, anywhere, and on any device. With a mission to make reading lives better for all, Rakuten Kobo connects readers to stories using thoughtful and personalized curation of eBooks and audiobooks, and the best dedicated eReaders and apps for reading. With the singular focus of making reading lives the best they can be, Kobo's open platform allows people to fit reading into more moments in their busy lives. Rakuten Kobo
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rakuten Kobo Launches Unlimited eBook and Audiobook Subscription in Malaysia
Kobo Plus gives avid readers unlimited access to Kobo's library of over 2 million eBooks and 300,000 audiobooks at an affordable monthly fee KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 March 2025 - Leading digital reading retailer and publisher Rakuten Kobo today launched Kobo Plus in Malaysia – the all-you-can-read subscription offering book lovers unlimited access to over 2 million eBooks and over 300,000 audiobooks starting from an affordable monthly fee of just MYR 27.00. Avid readers and book lovers across Malaysia – including more than 200,000 existing Kobo members – can now access Kobo Plus via the Kobo Books App for iOS or Android and directly on Kobo eReaders to begin discovering new authors and genres. The global eBook market is valued at USD 18.02 billion this year and is projected to grow to USD 22.76 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78%. The driving force of growth is expected to come from Asia, and the launch of Kobo Plus in Malaysia strategically aligns with the region's increasing demand for digital reading. This expansion positions Kobo to tap into emerging opportunities across Asia, catering to a new generation of readers who prioritize affordability, accessibility, and convenience. The Kobo Plus eBook and audiobook collection features a breadth of stories, including the latest bestsellers, beloved literary classics, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, sweeping romances, thought-provoking nonfiction, and more. "eBooks have never been more popular in Malaysia, driven by changing reading habits, increased smartphone usage, and a shift towards digital content," said Michael Tamblyn, President & CEO, Rakuten Kobo. "With Kobo Plus, we're making reading more accessible and flexible than ever, giving book lovers the freedom to explore a vast and diverse catalogue without limits. Whether it's discovering new authors, diving into different genres, or reading across multiple devices, Kobo Plus is designed to fit seamlessly into the way Malaysians read today—and how they'll read tomorrow." The Kobo Plus catalogue is ever-growing, with more titles being added to the collection each month. The service has three budget-friendly subscription plan offers: Kobo Plus Read: Unlimited eBooks for MYR 27.00 per month Kobo Plus Listen: Unlimited audiobooks for MYR 27.00 per month Kobo Plus Read and Listen: Unlimited eBooks and audiobooks for MYR 35.00 per month With unlimited reading for one low monthly fee, the Kobo Plus subscription is the perfect choice for avid readers who go through multiple books a month, as well as those who like to sample a few chapters before committing. With a Kobo eReader or the free Kobo reading app, there's never been a better time to explore new authors and series. Kobo's portfolio of eReaders – which includes Kobo Libra Colour, Kobo Clara Colour, Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Elipsa 2E, and Kobo Sage – with their innovative features such as waterproofing and ComfortLight PRO for blue light reduction, along with stylus compatibility and page-turn buttons in the higher-end models, further enhance the Kobo Plus reading experience for modern booklovers on the go. Hashtag: #RakutenKobo The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Rakuten Kobo Inc. Rakuten Kobo Inc. is the world's digital bookseller created by and for book lovers. Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten Group, Inc. and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo's millions of worldwide users can read anytime, anywhere, and on any device. With a mission to make reading lives better for all, Rakuten Kobo connects readers to stories using thoughtful and personalized curation of eBooks and audiobooks, and the best dedicated eReaders and apps for reading. With the singular focus of making reading lives the best they can be, Kobo's open platform allows people to fit reading into more moments in their busy lives. Rakuten Kobo
