Last week Kobo released a new software update for their line of Kobo ebook readers, version 4.23.15505, that changed the layout of the homescreen and library view (yet again).
Apparently they received a boatload of complaints about the new scrollbar in the library view, so Kobo has released another update this week, version 4.23.15548, to help make navigating the library a bit easier.
The scrollbar still exists in the new update, but now they added arrow buttons to the scrollbar so you can easily navigate one page at a time.
You can also swipe vertically or horizontally to advance pages forward and back without using the scrollbar. But the old page number dial appears to be gone for good.
A number of people voiced their displeasure with the scrollbar in the comments with the last release so the change clearly didn’t go over well with everyone but at least Kobo is listening.
The funny thing about this new update is it usually takes a few weeks for my Kobo Clara HD to get new software updates, but this one had already downloaded and installed overnight without me doing anything—Kobo is serious about getting this update out fast.
If you want the new update with the added arrow buttons, you probably just have to turn your Kobo on and sync if the update hasn’t already installed. You can also download the update from the Kobo Firmware Downloads page.
via: MobileRead
Thank you for adding arrow buttons to the scrollbar. It works much better now. Can actually get from one page to the next without problems.
Ya i noticed that they are really pushing updates. usually all my devices do not update at the same like this.
Though they may have been displeased with the scrollbar they could only express their displeasure with it. Sticking with a reader rather than a tablet, I am hooked on correct English, especially in articles written, reviewed and published . “A number of people voiced their displease with the scrollbar “?
That’s just something that’s bound to happen when you are your own editor. Often it’s smaller words like of and or that get me. It’s hard for the eye to catch everything when you know how it’s supposed to read in your head.
Sorry off topic but extremely important and maybe your site can write a blog about this ? At Kobo.com/indie, Kobo says they support independent bookstores but I can’t find a single bookstore, from their list, that actually has an affiliate relationship with them. I was able to choose my bookstore from the Kobo list and when I’m logged in, the Kobo page even says “Welcome Midcoast … customers!” If I hadn’t discovered that my bookstore gets nothing from My Kobo purchases, I would still be buying everything on Kobo so Kobo is likely taking business away from the very bookstores they imply they are helping.. Customer service gave me the run around and at one point said even they couldn’t discuss the details of this! Can you get to the bottom of this?
They partnered with some indie bookstores to sell Kobo ereaders a long time ago, but that has all fizzled out by now.
Unfortunately with this update the top buttons (back arrow, text, settings and activity buttons(?)) don’t work. very unhappy as I really need to enlarge the text on some books. Any way to fix this?