Kobo has released a new software update for their full line of ereaders both old and new.
The new firmware version is 4.30.18838. It seems to be mostly a stability and bug fixes update, or maybe they just didn’t feel like being very specific in the release notes.
The biggest change with the update is the addition of audiobook support for the 10.3-inch Kobo Elipsa that was released in June, so three of Kobo’s current devices support audiobooks now, including the new Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Sage.
The release notes also mention that the “My Wishlist” has been moved to the More menu.
The way Kobo updates work is you can wait for the new firmware to automatically download and install at some point while syncing, but updates are generally rolled out in phases so it can sometimes take several weeks to get an update.
If you want the update now you can find the download link for each specific model on the Kobo Firmware Downloads page.
Release notes for the Kobo Elipsa:
Introducing support for Kobo Audiobooks*
- Listen to Kobo Audiobooks* on Kobo Elipsa with your Bluetooth® headphones, car stereo, or speaker.
- Browse, search and purchase audiobooks directly from Discover > Audiobooks* or visit kobo.com.
- You can now filter by Audiobooks or eBooks in the My Books menu.
- My Wishlist is now moved to the More menu.
- To learn more about available subscriptions for Kobo Audiobooks* where you live, visit kobo.com.
- * Available in select countries only
via: MobileRead
Nikotttin says
There’s no side loading of audiobooks allowed right?
Nathan says
Right, at least not until someone comes up with a workaround.
Ivan says
Just yesterday got my Elipsa, I was not able to wait anymore for your Sage review 🙂
I was standing in the shop, even last minute was debating Elipsa or Sage (while already having Aura One and Libra H2O). Obviously it is not preferred option of listening audiobooks but when travelling, I prefer to keep my phone battery for communication than audiobooks… At the end of the day I’ve decided that “size matters”. So your news about Audiobooks support was really on time for me 🙂 Besides Aura One just slightly smaller than Sage.
Few notes on Elipsa if someone is interested (of course it is first day impressions):
1. In general I do not care about note taking. PDFs was the primary reason, PDF reading experience is definitely improved. (Libra H2O and Aura One regularly crashing on some even simple PDF documents)
2. I HATE THAT ELIPSA’S COVER, it turned fine device into brick. I’d prefer having just a screen cover like iPad’s.
3. Power button is really painful to operate.
4. It has installed THREE updates during past 18 hours and haven’t reached the one in subject :-/ Thanks to your news Nathan, I have installed manually this update, Audiobooks immediately started to get downloaded, so I’m officially happy with this device with no compromise.
5. No yellowish “goodnight” light I find a non-issue, with other two Kobos it was rather indifferent to it, the slide was always somewhere on a cooler side so… just IMHO… of course for someone it could be a critical point.
6. Of course ideally would be if Kobo released Elipsa sized Libra 2 in my particular case.
Mike says
My Elipsa arrived today and I have some very early thoughts.
I don’t mind the cover so far, it is a bit bulky and I wish it was an optional purchase so that people could choose an alternative or to go without the case entirely.
The build quality feels a lot better than previous Kobos – no obvious panel gaps, irregular lighting or strange creaks.
Finally – a Kobo that recognises my 5GHz wifi!