Kobo launches app for Microsoft notebooks, tablets and desktops

Kobo just announced the launch of their app designed specifically for Microsoft notebooks, tablets and desktops running the new Windows platform including devices by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and the Microsoft Surface.

The Kobo for Windows app enables Readers to access all the features they love on their Kobo device right on their Windows notebook, tablet or desktop.

“We are excited to give our Readers access to their Kobo eBooks on the Microsoft Windows ecosystem. Just like Kobo, Microsoft understands the importance of providing users with greater mobility and new ways to enjoy their favourite content. The Kobo for Windows app is designed to make Kobo content come alive on Windows devices,” said Sameer Hasan, Director of Reading and Mobile Platforms, Kobo.

Sony to move its Reader eBook service to Kobo

Continuing it's bid to divest itself of underperforming product lines (see post below), Sony is tossing it's Reader book store and has decided to ally itself with Kobo for content in on its eBook readers and Xperia tablets. Below what Sony announced earlier.

"Sony Electronics, together with Kobo, a global leader in eReading, today announced that Kobo will provide Sony's Readeran and Sony's Xperia tablet and smartphone users in the United States and Canada with Kobo's world-class catalogue of more than 4 million eBooks, magazines and newspapers, graphic novels, and kids content."

Sony's Reader Store customers and their current eBook libraries will transfer to the Kobo ecosystem starting in late March. Reader Store customers will be able to take advantage of Kobo's new dedicated Kids Store and magazine experience, and have full access to purchase the most popular bestsellers

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Kobo unveils four new eReading devices

Kobo Arc 10HD

Kobo Inc. has just put out four new eReaders to suit any need—the 6-inch Aura E Ink reader, the 7-inch Arc 7 and Arc 7HD, and the 10-inch Arc 10HD. The Aura features an edge-to-edge display, responsive touchscreen, and most even front-light on the market allowing you to read any time of the day. The Google-certified, Android Jelly Bean-powered Kobo Arc 7 and Arc 7HD are truly multimedia tablets/readers that even features the Reading Life platform for easy discovery and sharing of content with your loved ones. Now if you need something bigger, the Arc 10HD also runs on the Android Jelly Bean platform and has Reading Life feature as well. It also features a stunning high-definition screen to make reading and web surfing even more enjoyable.

Other new announcements from the Toronto-based company include a new Reading Mode feature that gets rid of notifications, extends battery life, and optimizes lighting settings; a partnership with Pocket lets you send articles and pages to be read on these E-Ink devices; and the availability of new content courtesy of top magazine publishers such as Condé Nast, Hearst Corporation, American Media, Mansueto, Bauer Publishing Group, Mondadori, Rogers Publishing Limited, and Reader’s Digest.

VIZ Media manga makes its way to Kobo

Fans of Japanese manga (graphic novels) like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach are in for a treat. VIZ Media is bringing those and its massive digital manga library to Kobo, which can be accessed on Kobo’s eBookstore and be read on Kobo eReaders or on the free Kobo app on iOS, BB10, and Android devices.

Over 500 volumes of 60 different series have been made available at the launch. This is on top of the full digital manga catalog that has reached over 1,500 volumes and 130 series. New series and volumes of popular VIZ Media manga will be added regularly on Tuesdays, including Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump Advanced, Shojo Beat, and Viz Signature. You can access the full library here.