Kobo has released a new software update and it’s a bit of a mystery. The release notes list some changes, but at the top it says updating the software isn’t required to get the changes, so apparently the update doesn’t really do anything. So then what is the purpose of the update?
The new software version is 4.46.23836. So far it’s only available for the Kobo Libra Colour, the Kobo Clara Colour and Clara BW. Their older models seldom get updates anymore, as their software development has slowed to a crawl in recent years, but they still update them when something needs fixed.
You can sync your Kobo to trigger the option to download this new update, and thankfully updates are optional with Kobos, unlike Kindles, so you don’t have to install it if you don’t want to (why bother if it doesn’t really do anything?).
You can also update your Kobo ereader manually. Just download the update for your specific model from Kobo’s Firmware Updates page and sideload it via USB (the directions are on that page, and they actually updated the links for a change).
Here are the release notes for the 4.46.23836 update:
These recent enhancements are now available even without updating your eReader to this new version:
Store
- Buying books directly on your eReader is now easier: we’ve resolved payment verification issues that were impacting this experience for some customers.
The StoryGraph
- StoryGraph lets you track your reading habits, share ratings and reviews, plan future reading, and participate in reading challenges
- Connect your Kobo account to sync your reading activity directly to StoryGraph
- Visit kobo.com/storygraph to learn more and get started
My guess would be that they’re preparing the devices before they can upgrade them to firmware 5.x.
I’ve read that some newly bought Kobo units come with firmware version 5.x.