Kobo Aura One and New eReaders Set to Launch Mid-August
Just over a month ago, it was already leaked that Kobo intends to launch two new eBook readers into the market. The two models appeared at the US telecommunications authority FCC as part of their documentation. One is to feature a 7.8-inch display while the other will be a 6-inch device. The name Kobo Aura One was visible in the FCC documents and on screenshots.
Although the official unveiling could already be roughly narrowed down to “between August and October” based on the usual product cycles, the exact timing of the new eReaders’ release was unclear.
Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn changed that with the following message posted on Twitter:
Great news for booklovers coming soon from @kobo. Keep your eyes wide open mid-August! #OpenUpKobo pic.twitter.com/UeKXU5bNmD
— Michael Tamblyn (@mtamblyn) July 27, 2016
In German: Great news for booklovers coming soon from Kobo. Keep your eyes wide open mid-August!
A teaser photo is also attached to the tweet, showing the back of one of the two models. Whether it’s the larger 7.8-inch model or the eReader of the standard 6-inch size is unclear. However, the picture reveals a significant design change compared to previous models.
Possibly Rugged Outdoor Models
The rubberized area catches the eye, as does the light blue power button. Combined with the gravel background, the photo gives the impression that the Kobo Aura One is an especially robust device. Waterproofing and dust protection are already known from the Aura H2O, and possibly a shatterproof display could also be a new feature.
The E Ink Carta technology is now also available as a flexible Mobius screen, meaning that the traditional glass substrate is replaced with a plastic one, which is shatterproof and lighter, though presumably a bit more expensive.
This would also fit with the smaller battery mentioned in the FCC documents, listed at 1,200 mAh, which also suggests a deliberately lightweight build.
It will also be interesting to see why the power button has moved to the back. This change has already been a source of criticism with Amazon’s Kindle Voyage and slightly limits case usage. It is noticeable that the back of the device tapers off with rounded edges.
Is the Aura H2O Surprise Hit Repeatable?
It will be particularly exciting to see whether Kobo can replicate the success of the Aura H2O. This eReader, on the market since 2014, has surprised not only me but also many other digital readers with its very even lighting and especially with its outstanding contrast values.
These aspects are also crucial for the device’s success and popularity—the waterproof feature is merely a bonus that completes the overall great impression.
Thus, one can hope that Kobo has taken this into account in the development of the two new models, ranking any bonuses behind the display quality. In about two weeks, we should be able to answer this question.
