Rakuten Kobo has unveiled its innovative leap into the future of digital reading with the launch of its first-ever color E Ink eReaders: the Kobo Libra Colour and Kobo Clara Colour. This move is set to transform the traditional black and white e-reading experience into a vibrant journey through the spectrum of gentle hues, redefining the digital reading landscape for book lovers around the globe.
The Kobo Libra Colour and Kobo Clara Colour are equipped with the cutting-edge Kobo-optimized colour E Ink Kaleido™ 3 display. This technology presents a subtle color palette while retaining the quintessential benefits of E Ink technology, such as daylight readability and prolonged battery life.
“To build the most enriched reading experience for our customers, we worked tirelessly to optimize the Kaleido 3 display to ensure the best representation of colour,” said Ramesh Mantha, SVP, Product, Rakuten Kobo. “We introduced collimated front lighting technology to our 6” and 7” size eReaders to provide better colour performance, and have further engineered our software to automate the regulation of colours so they always look their best, no matter the content being displayed.”
These devices boast a capacity to store thousands of books and feature 24/7 access to the Kobo.com bookstore and OverDrive integration, allowing users to effortlessly borrow library books. Additionally, with Bluetooth® wireless technology, users can also enjoy Kobo Audiobooks, further enriching the reading experience.
“We are pleased to be the first global ebook platform to offer affordable colour eReaders, bringing both your books and our bookstore to life with a beautiful spectrum of gentle hues. It’s everything you love about print, with all the benefits of ereading. For Kobo, colour is a way of deepening and enriching the reading experience, while keeping the daylight readability and battery longevity that E Ink screens deliver so well.”
Michael Tamblyn, CEO, Rakuten Kobo
Beyond the technological advancements, these new eReaders advance Kobo’s commitment to sustainability, featuring repairable components, and the use of recycled and ocean-bound plastics. The devices and their SleepCovers, available in a variety of colors, are crafted from fully recycled materials.
Price and Availability
Kobo also introduces the Kobo Clara BW, an enhanced version of its classic black-and-white eReader, featuring the latest E Ink Carta 1300 screen and increased storage.
The Kobo Libra Colour is priced at SGD 329.90, Kobo Clara Colour at SGD 229.90, and Kobo Clara BW at SGD 199.90. The Kobo Stylus 2 is available for SGD 99.90. Pre-orders start on 11 April, with availability in Singapore stores and online from 30 April 2024.
Share your thoughts