When it comes to dedicated reading devices, new models often get released in the fall before the busy holiday shopping season. Could Kobo be preparing to announce a new Kobo ereader soon?
Kobo often releases new models at the same time that Amazon releases new Kindles. I think it’s part of their strategy to get obligatory mentions whenever new Kindle articles and reviews come out.
Back in 2021, the Kobo Sage and Kobo Libra 2 were released a week before the Kindle Paperwhite 5, and then last year they released the Kobo Clara 2E 3 weeks before the new Kindle for 2022 came out.
That’s not always the case, but there’s a similar pattern going back even farther. However, the odds of Amazon releasing any new Kindles this year is looking pretty low with the Scribe and entry-level model still both under a year old, and they usually stick with Paperwhite models for longer than 2 years.
Kobo already released one new device this year, the Kobo Elipsa 2E. It’s pretty much exactly the same as the 1st gen model, except they added a warm frontlight, so it’s more like an update than a new model.
I think Kobo should release a new entry-level ereader considering the current the model, the Kobo Nia, is essentially equivalent to models they were selling 7 years ago.
I think it’s also possible that Kobo could release new versions of the Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Sage that are made from recycled plastic. That seems to be their new thing with the “2E” version of the Elipsa and Clara.
Kobo tends to release new models a bit more frequently than Amazon so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them replace the Sage and Libra 2 after two years. The first gen Libra was replaced after two years, but the Sage replaced the Forma after three years so it could go either way.
There’s an outside chance that Kobo could release an ereader with a color E Ink screen. I think it would be a smart move. The latest Kaleido 3 color screens actually look pretty good. It’s still a really niche market, though, so it might not make financial sense.
What do you think? What kind of new model would you like to see Kobo release?
A new version of kobo mini would be nice
The Mini is the one Kobo I still wish I had.
I loved my Kobo Mini.
I’d bet there’s a massive market for such a small reader – bigger isn’t always better.
I vote for updated Kobo Mini also! I wish they would listen to us. The Clara is a nice size, but the Mini was so much more pocketable.
I’m a Kindle guy because it’s what I started with and its universe is huge. I’m a Kobo guy because they have buttons and I like the number 2 that tries harder. If I knew how to read all my Kindle freebies in a Kobo I’d likely get a Sage and call it a day. I do love the huge screen on my Scribe but I think I could be happy with the 8″ Sage screen with the bonus of buttons. If they come up with a model that automatically reads Kindle books and has buttons I’m their first sale.
There will never be a Kobo model that automatically reads Kindle books. It is, however, pretty easy to read Kindle books on a Kobo. Many people do that regularly.
I’m about ready to give up on ever seeing a Kobo Mini 2.0. I just had the battery replaced in my old one, so maybe they’ll come out with a new one before this battery dies. The demand is out there; unfortunately, nobody is listening.
I expect/hope for a large format comfort light or color at 300 dpi unit. Color might actually make sense if Amazon remains conservative and risk averse. There would be almost no direct competition(except for Boox) and provide Kobo a lot of needed exposure.
I’m not interested in anything over 8” or under 7”. I’m also not interested in color. I’m pretty satisfied with my Sage and Libra 2, but I wouldn’t mind new iterations of those, perhaps with fewer bugs and in the case of the Libra, a newer processor. But I won’t be particularly distressed if something else gets released instead; my wallet will be happy.
I would certainly be very interested in an updated version of the Kobo Mini, 5″ screen carta or better, frontlight with adjustable warmth, decent storage space (32Gb or more), etc.
Kobo gets some whisper sync type thing so I can send books I own to sync between MacBook (for research books) and Kobo device and I’d switch in a heartbeat.
I would love a new Sage with a better battery
Funny, nobody ever says they want a new model that’s made out of recycled plastic, but Kobo seems to think that’s a big deal lately.
I’d buy a color Forma/Sage tomorrow if they’d make one.
I’m just waiting out for a new mini as well. It’s the only reason I’ve stayed with Kobo – all the rest of my family have Kindles. The Mini – no longer supported by Kobo – was the only unique aspect Kobo offered – and it was a good one. Some of us still want a simple reader that slips easily into a jacket pocket.
I would just like one that works properly and does not keep having issues
Never since the aura hd have they managed this
I have an old aura in my office that works great and a Libra 2 that is less than 2 yrs old with constant issues. Took it to dubai for its first holiday and the screen kept flickering and changing dozens of pages due to buttons not working well. Also the heat seemed to make it go mental. Had to reset it 3 times Also noticed in sun very poor screen glare. So all in all it’s utter crap. Shame as I wanted screen turn buttons but this is cheaply made and feels it
Oh the heat in DUBAI “seemed to make it go mental”, huh?
DUBAI.
You know consumer electronics have a maximum operating temperature, right? Often in the 40’s, amazingly. WEIRD RIGHT.
I would love an ereader with an 8 inch screen and no bump out for buttons,, like an 8 inch Clara. I want the streamlined shape of my old Aura One and never listen to audiobooks on it (I always use my phone)..
If I could choose what new kobo i would like out in 2024 it would be a color aura