TechCrunch reports that Kobo is introducing a new model touchscreen e-reader priced at $129, dropping the price of its earlier model to $99. This new model has the same ultra-sharp Pearl e-ink display as the current generation of Kindle, a better processor, a touch-sensitive screen (with gestures such as swiping and zooming), and a built-in dictionary. The touchscreen is neither capacitive nor resistive, but uses zForce infrared, so it shouldn’t suffer from the hazy look common to prior touchscreen readers.
This looks like it could be a very useful alternative to the Kobo or Kindle for people who don’t need store compatibility or all the bells and whistles, and the $99 price point of the old Kobo Wireless could make it a good impulse buy. I’m pretty happy with my old Kobo so far. Of course, Kobo is still at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the Kindle or Nook given the trouble its chain retail store partner Borders is having.
Kobo has store compatibility–kobobooks.com. Kobo users in the US have always had that choice, even when Borders was a player.
And don’t under estimate’s Kobo’s successes outside the US where it continues to focus efforts. They are calling this the “first” international e-reader: “The Kobo eReader Touch Edition will be available in multiple languages: English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, and readers will be able to enjoy a localized user experience, local content, recommendations, and a local store”.
The software, as shown off nicely in a cnet video, even in version 1.0 seems pretty slick.
And the “Reading Life” component emphasizes the “always connected” features including shared bookmarks across devices, posting books to Facebook and using Twitter to share highlights.
Even as the world moves to colour, there will be a strong market for Pearl e-ink that is simple to use and always connected. Kobo again proves it intends to be a long-term player.
It’s also the only player which is exclusively focussed on ebooks, ereading and ereaders — it doesn’t sell diapers, it doesn’t have bricks and mortar stores. And it continues to build out a very impressive dealer network including Staples and Wal-mart.