Latest news with #RakutenKobo
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
