Kobo’s entry-level ebook reader, the Kobo Touch 2.0, has been out of stock for at least the past two months now (probably longer) from Kobo’s website.
It’s no longer available from Chapters.Indigo either, one of Kobo’s retailers in Canada. In fact the page for the Kobo Touch 2.0 has been removed entirely and just directs to an error page now.
At this point all signs are pointing to Kobo’s low-end ereader being discontinued.
The Kobo Touch 2.0 was first introduced in 2015 shortly after the Kobo Glo HD, which was discontinued last fall.
They share the same dimensions and design so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kobo move on from the Touch 2.0 as well.
The interesting thing about this is it leaves Kobo without a non-frontlit, low-cost ebook reader.
There’s already evidence that suggests Kobo has plans to release a 2nd generation Kobo Aura H2O later this year. Could they be releasing a new entry-level model as well?
Given the fact that the Kobo Aura 2 sells for $119, it would make sense for them to release an ebook reader under $100, or at least drop the price of the Aura to $99. Either way Kobo is likely to release at least one new model this year so at least that should keep things interesting.